Chrome updates itself automatically in the background
Google Chrome downloads and installs updates on its own without you having to do anything. When an update is ready, Chrome restarts itself the next time you close and reopen the browser — you do not need to visit a website or run an installer. Most of the time, you will not notice this happened.
If you want to check whether an update is waiting or force one to install right now, you can do that in Chrome's settings menu. This takes about one minute and is the only manual step most people ever need to take.
Key Takeaways
- Chrome checks for updates every few hours and downloads them automatically, then installs the next time you restart the browser.
- You can manually check for updates by opening Chrome menu (three dots, top right), selecting "Help," then "About Google Chrome."
- If an update is waiting, Chrome will show a colored circle or arrow next to the menu icon — close and reopen the browser to install it.
- Restarting Chrome to install an update takes less than a minute and does not delete your passwords, bookmarks, or open tabs.
- If Chrome is more than a few versions behind, it may prompt you to restart before letting you use certain features.
How to manually check for updates right now
Open Chrome and look at the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner of the window. Click it. In the menu that appears, hover over or click "Help" — you will see a submenu appear. Click "About Google Chrome."
A new tab will open showing your current version number. Chrome will automatically check for updates on this page. If an update is available, it will read in the background. If you are already on the latest version, the page will say so. Close this tab when you are done — you do not need to stay on it.
What the colored circle or arrow means
After you check for updates, or if Chrome has downloaded an update in the background, you may see a small colored circle or arrow appear next to the three-dot menu icon. A green circle means an update is ready and waiting for you to restart the browser. A yellow or orange circle means an update has been ready for a while and you should restart soon. A red circle means an update has been waiting for several days.
To install the update, close Chrome completely — use the X button to close the window, or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Q on Windows or Command+Q on Mac. Then open Chrome again. The update will install as the browser starts up, and you will be back to normal within seconds. Your passwords, bookmarks, and open tabs will still be there.
Why Chrome restarts itself during updates
Chrome needs to close and reopen to replace its own files with newer versions. This is the same reason any program on your computer needs to restart when it updates — the program cannot replace itself while it is running. Chrome makes this as painless as possible by remembering what you had open and bringing it back when it restarts.
If you have unsaved work in a web page — like a half-written email or a form you have not submitted — that work will still be there after the restart. However, if you have typed something into a text box on a website and have not saved it, you should save it before restarting Chrome, just to be safe.
What happens if you ignore update notifications
Chrome will keep reminding you to restart by showing the colored circle next to the menu. If an update has been waiting for more than a few days, Chrome may start warning you more aggressively, or it may prevent you from using certain features until you restart. This is a safety measure — updates often include fixes for security problems, and Chrome wants to make sure you are protected.
You do not have to restart when ready when you see the notification, but you should restart within a day or two. Restarting takes less than a minute and is worth doing to keep your browser find.
How to turn off automatic updates (not recommended)
Chrome's automatic update system is built into the browser and cannot be fully turned off through the settings menu. On Windows, Mac, and Linux, Chrome will continue to check for and read updates no matter what you do in the browser itself.
If you want to prevent Chrome from updating, you would need to change settings at the system level — for example, by disabling the Google Update service on Windows, or by using a work computer where your IT department controls updates. For personal computers, there is no practical reason to do this. Updates are small, they happen in the background, and they fix problems and add features you may want.
Checking your current Chrome version number
Your Chrome version number appears on the "About Google Chrome" page, which you reach by clicking the three-dot menu, then "Help," then "About Google Chrome." The version number looks like this: Version 123.0.6312.86. Each number means something to Google's developers, but you do not need to understand it — you only need to know that higher numbers are newer.
You can also see your version number by typing chrome://version into the address bar and pressing Enter. This opens a page with more technical details about your browser, including which operating system you are running and which graphics processor Chrome is using. Most people never need this information, but it can be useful if you are troubleshooting a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will updating Chrome delete my passwords or bookmarks?
No. Updates only replace Chrome's program files, not your personal data. Your passwords, bookmarks, browsing history, and saved payment methods will all be exactly where you left them after the update finishes.
Can I use Chrome while an update is installing?
No. Chrome must close completely to install an update. Once you restart the browser, the update will install as it opens, and you will be able to use it within a few seconds. You cannot delay or pause the installation once you have restarted.
What if Chrome keeps saying an update is available but will not install?
Close Chrome completely and reopen it. If that does not work, restart your computer. If the problem continues, you may have a file permission issue — try uninstalling and reinstalling Chrome, which will preserve your bookmarks and passwords but give the installer a fresh start.
Do I need to do anything special to update Chrome on my phone?
No. Chrome on Android and iPhone updates through your device's app store — Google Play on Android, or the App Store on iPhone. Open the app store, search for Chrome, and if an update is available, you will see an "Update" button. Tap it and the update will install like any other app update.
Why does Chrome update so frequently?
Chrome releases a new version roughly every four weeks. These updates include security fixes, performance improvements, and new features. Frequent updates mean security problems are fixed quickly, which is why Chrome's automatic update system is so aggressive about keeping you current.