Chrome checks for updates automatically, but you can force a check right now
Google Chrome looks for new versions in the background every time you use it, and installs them automatically when you close and reopen the browser. You do not have to do anything. But if you want to see whether an update is waiting or force one to install immediately, you can check the version number and trigger an update in about 30 seconds.
The steps are the same whether you are on Windows, Mac, or Linux. Chrome stores your passwords, bookmarks, and settings in your Google account, so the update process does not touch any of that — it only replaces the browser software itself.
Key Takeaways
- Open Chrome's menu (three vertical dots in the top right), then select "About Google Chrome" to see your current version and check for updates immediately.
- Chrome automatically downloads and installs updates in the background, but you must close and reopen the browser for the update to take effect.
- If an update is waiting, you will see a colored dot next to the menu button — green means a recent update, orange or red means restart to finish installing.
- You cannot turn off automatic updates in Chrome, but you can delay them by keeping the browser closed for a few hours.
Finding the About Chrome page where updates live
Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner of your Chrome window. This opens a dropdown menu with options like "New tab", "Settings", and "History". Near the bottom of that menu, you will see "About Google Chrome" — click it.
A new tab will open showing your Chrome version number and a message about whether your browser is up to date. If an update is available, Chrome will start downloading it immediately. You do not need to do anything else — just wait a few seconds to a few minutes depending on your internet speed.
What the status messages mean
The About Chrome page shows one of three messages. "Google Chrome is up to date" means you are running the latest version and no update is waiting. This is the message most people see most of the time.
"Updating Google Chrome" or a progress bar means an update is downloading right now. Leave this tab open and let it finish — it usually takes less than a minute on a normal internet connection. When it finishes, you will see a button that says "Relaunch" in blue. Click it to close Chrome and reopen it with the new version installed.
If you see a colored dot next to the three-dot menu button instead of text on the About Chrome page, that is Chrome's way of telling you an update is waiting. A green dot means the update finished downloading and is ready to install. An orange or red dot means the update is still downloading or waiting for you to restart. Close Chrome completely and open it again to finish the installation.
Why Chrome updates are important
Chrome updates include security fixes that patch holes hackers could use to steal your passwords or infect your computer. Google releases updates frequently — sometimes multiple times per week — because new security problems are discovered constantly. Running an old version of Chrome leaves you exposed to attacks that newer versions have already fixed.
Updates also add new features and fix bugs that make the browser crash or run slowly. You will not notice most updates, but they happen in the background to keep your browsing safe and smooth.
What happens if you ignore the update prompt
If you see the "Relaunch" button and do not click it, Chrome will keep asking you to restart every time you open the browser. The update is already downloaded and taking up space on your computer — it just is not active yet. Clicking "Relaunch" closes all your open tabs and windows, so if you have unsaved work, save it first.
Chrome will eventually force the restart if you ignore the prompt for too long, usually after a few days. You cannot prevent this — Chrome does not have a setting to turn off automatic updates or to delay them indefinitely. The closest you can get is closing the browser for a few hours to postpone the restart.
Checking Chrome updates on different devices
On a Mac, the steps are identical — click the three dots, select "About Google Chrome", and wait for the update to download. The menu button is in the same place in the top right corner.
On a Chromebook (a laptop that runs Google's Chrome operating system instead of Windows or Mac), updates happen even more automatically. You do not need to check for them at all — the system updates itself when you restart. If you want to see the version number, open Settings, click "About Chrome OS" on the left, and it will show your current version.
On a phone or tablet running Android or iOS, Chrome updates through your device's app store — Google Play on Android or the App Store on iPhone. You do not check for Chrome updates separately; instead, you check for app updates in the same place you would update any other app.
Troubleshooting when Chrome will not update
If you have been on the About Chrome page for several minutes and it still says "Updating" with no progress, your internet connection might be too slow or unstable. Try closing the tab and opening it again, or restart your router by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in.
If the page says "Update failed", close Chrome completely and open it again. This usually fixes the problem. If it happens repeatedly, you may not have enough free space on your hard drive for the update to download. Check how much space you have left — Chrome updates typically need at least 100 megabytes free.
If you see an error message that mentions a specific code, write down the code and search for it on Google along with the word "Chrome". The Chrome Help Center has pages for most error codes that explain what went wrong and how to fix it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn off automatic updates in Chrome?
No. Chrome does not have a setting to disable automatic updates. Google requires all copies of Chrome to stay current for security reasons. You can delay an update by closing the browser and not opening it for a few hours, but you cannot turn them off permanently.
Will updating Chrome delete my passwords and bookmarks?
No. Your passwords, bookmarks, history, and all other settings are stored in your Google account, not in the Chrome software itself. Updating Chrome only replaces the browser program — it does not touch any of your data. Everything will be exactly where you left it after the update finishes.
How often does Chrome update?
Chrome releases a new version roughly every four weeks, though security updates can come out more frequently when serious problems are discovered. You will not see all of these updates — many install silently in the background. You only notice them when you see the "Relaunch" button or the colored dot next to the menu.
What if I do not click Relaunch and just close Chrome normally?
The update will install the next time you open Chrome. You do not have to click the "Relaunch" button specifically — closing Chrome any way (by clicking the X, using Alt+F4, or shutting down your computer) and then opening it again will complete the installation.
Does updating Chrome slow down my computer?
No. The update itself takes a minute or two to download and install, but once it is done, Chrome runs the same speed as before. Updates sometimes actually improve performance by fixing bugs that made the browser slow or crash.