Check your Chrome version in three clicks
Chrome updates itself automatically in the background, but you can see exactly what version you have right now and force an update if one is waiting. Open Chrome, click the three vertical dots in the top right corner, then click About Google Chrome. The browser will show your current version number and check for updates at the same time.
If an update is available, Chrome will download it and show you a button labeled Relaunch or Update. Click that button to install the update immediately. If you see "Google Chrome is up to date" with a checkmark, you are already running the latest version.
The About page stays open while Chrome works, so you can leave it there and come back to it. Some updates install without restarting the browser, but most require you to relaunch Chrome to finish the process. You will lose any open tabs if you do not save them first.
Key Takeaways
- Chrome updates automatically, but you can check the status by going to the three-dot menu and selecting About Google Chrome.
- The About page shows your current version number and automatically checks for updates when you open it.
- If an update is waiting, click the Relaunch button to install it, which will close and restart your browser.
- You do not need to do anything to keep Chrome current — the browser handles updates on its own schedule.
Why Chrome updates matter
Chrome updates fix security problems, add new features, and improve how the browser runs. Google releases updates frequently — sometimes multiple times per month — because websites and threats change constantly. Running an outdated version leaves you exposed to problems that newer versions have already patched.
Most updates happen silently in the background without interrupting your work. Chrome downloads the update while you browse, then installs it the next time you restart the browser. You might not notice it happened at all, which is the whole point.
What to do if Chrome won't update
If you see an error message instead of "up to date," the most common cause is that Chrome does not have permission to write to your computer's hard drive. Close Chrome completely — not just the window, but the entire application. On Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, find any process named "chrome.exe," right-click it, and select End Task. On Mac, press Command + Option + Esc, select Chrome, and click Force Quit.
Restart Chrome and go back to the About page. The update should download and install this time. If you still see an error, restart your entire computer and try again. A full restart clears temporary files that might be blocking the update.
If the problem continues, you can reinstall Chrome from scratch. Go to google.com/chrome, download the installer, and run it. This removes the old version and installs a fresh copy, which solves most update problems that survive a restart.
How to see your Chrome version without updating
If you want to know your version number without triggering an update check, you can find it in Chrome's settings instead. Click the three-dot menu, select Settings, then click About Chrome on the left side. This page shows the same version information as the menu shortcut, but some users find it easier to navigate.
The version number appears as four numbers separated by periods, like 120.0.6099.129. The first number is the major version, which changes roughly every four weeks. The other numbers track smaller updates and security patches. You do not need to understand what each number means — Chrome handles the details automatically.
Turning off automatic updates (not recommended)
Chrome's automatic update system can be disabled on Windows and Mac, but Google does not recommend it. If you turn off updates, you will have to remember to check for them manually, and you will miss security fixes that protect your passwords and personal information.
If you must disable updates, the process depends on your operating system. On Windows, you can stop the Google Update service through Services.msc, but this requires administrator access and affects all Google applications on your computer. On Mac, you can prevent updates by changing folder permissions, but this is complicated and breaks if you update Chrome manually later.
A better approach is to set Chrome to update on a schedule that works for you. Click the three-dot menu, go to Settings, then About Chrome, and look for update options. You can choose to update automatically, check for updates manually, or delay updates until a specific time of day.
What happens during a Chrome update
When Chrome updates, it downloads the new version in the background without slowing down your browsing. The download happens in pieces as you use the browser, so you might not notice it at all. Once the download finishes, Chrome waits for you to close and reopen the browser before installing the update.
This waiting period can last hours or days depending on how often you close Chrome. If you see a Relaunch button, it means the update is ready and waiting for you to restart. You can ignore it and keep working, but the update will not take effect until you do restart.
After you restart, Chrome installs the update and opens back to where you left off. Your tabs, bookmarks, and settings stay exactly the same. The update happens so quickly that you might not even see a loading screen.
Checking Chrome on different devices
The process is slightly different on phones and tablets. On Android, open the Google Play Store app, tap your profile icon in the top right, select Manage apps and device, find Chrome in the list, and tap Update if one is available. On iPhone and iPad, open the App Store, tap your profile icon, scroll to Chrome, and tap Update if you see the button.
Mobile Chrome updates the same way as desktop Chrome — automatically in the background. You can check the status anytime by opening the Play Store or App Store and looking for Chrome in your installed apps. If no update button appears, you are already running the latest version.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does Chrome update?
Chrome releases a new major version roughly every four weeks, with security patches and smaller updates happening more frequently. You do not need to track the schedule — Chrome handles updates automatically and shows you when one is ready to install.
Will updating Chrome delete my bookmarks or passwords?
No. Updates never touch your bookmarks, passwords, browsing history, or any other saved information. Everything stays exactly where it is. Your settings and extensions remain unchanged as well.
Can I use Chrome while an update is downloading?
Yes. Chrome downloads updates in the background without interrupting your work. You can browse normally while the update downloads. The installation only happens when you restart the browser.
What if I see a different version number each time I check?
This is normal. The last three numbers in the version (like 120.0.6099.129) change frequently as Chrome releases security patches. These small updates happen automatically and do not require you to do anything.
Does Chrome update on its own if I never close it?
Chrome downloads updates automatically, but it cannot install them until you close and reopen the browser. If you keep Chrome open for weeks without restarting, you will eventually see a Relaunch button. Restarting your computer will also trigger the installation if Chrome is still open.