Chrome updates most extensions automatically, but you can check for updates manually or turn automatic updates off
Chrome checks for extension updates roughly every few hours when your browser is running. Most extensions update silently in the background without interrupting your work. You do not have to do anything — the update happens, and the new version is ready the next time you restart Chrome or reload a tab that uses that extension.
If you want to update extensions right now instead of waiting, or if you suspect an extension is not updating properly, you can force an update through the Extensions page. You can also see which extensions have pending updates, turn off automatic updates for specific extensions, or remove extensions that are no longer maintained.
Key Takeaways
- Chrome automatically updates extensions in the background every few hours, so most users never need to manually update.
- To check for updates when ready, open the Extensions page, turn on Developer mode, and click "Update" — this takes seconds.
- You can turn off automatic updates for individual extensions if you want to control when they change, though this is rarely necessary.
- Extensions that stop receiving updates from their developer will eventually stop working or be removed from Chrome.
How to manually update a single extension right now
Open a new tab and type chrome://extensions into the address bar, then press Enter. This opens the Extensions page, where you see a list of every extension you have installed.
In the top-right corner of the Extensions page, toggle the switch labeled Developer mode to turn it on. A new button labeled Update appears in the top-left corner of the page.
Click the Update button. Chrome checks for new versions of all your extensions right now. If updates are available, they read and install when ready. You will see a brief notification for each extension that updates. If an extension is already up to date, nothing happens — Chrome just confirms the version you have is current.
You do not have to leave Developer mode on. Toggle it back off when you are done, and the Update button disappears.
How to see which extensions have pending updates
Go to chrome://extensions and turn on Developer mode in the top-right corner. Scroll through your list of extensions and look for a yellow or red warning banner under any extension name. This banner tells you an update is waiting to be installed.
The banner usually says something like "This extension is not up to date" or shows a version number mismatch. Click the Update button at the top of the page to install all pending updates at once, or wait for Chrome to install them automatically within a few hours.
If you see a red banner that says the extension is no longer available in the Chrome Web Store, that extension will stop working soon. The developer has removed it or stopped maintaining it. You should uninstall it and find a replacement if you still need that functionality.
How to turn off automatic updates for a specific extension
Automatic updates are on by default for all extensions, and Chrome handles them without asking you. If you want to control when a particular extension updates — for example, because a recent update changed how it works in a way you do not like — you can disable automatic updates for just that extension.
Go to chrome://extensions and find the extension you want to manage. Click the three-dot menu icon next to the extension name. A dropdown menu appears with several options. Look for an option that says Allow this extension to read and change all your site data or similar permission controls — but more importantly, look for a toggle or checkbox labeled Allow this extension to run in incognito or similar. Some extensions show an Update toggle or Auto-update toggle in this menu.
If your version of Chrome shows an auto-update toggle, click it to turn off automatic updates for that extension. The extension will no longer update on its own. You will need to manually update it using the Update button on the Extensions page whenever you want a new version.
Keep in mind that turning off automatic updates means you might miss important security fixes. Only disable automatic updates for extensions you have a specific reason to control.
What happens when an extension does not update
If an extension stops receiving updates from its developer, Chrome will eventually disable it or remove it entirely. Extensions that are no longer maintained can become incompatible with new versions of Chrome, or they may have security problems that are never fixed.
When Chrome disables an extension, you will see a notification in the Extensions page saying the extension is no longer available. The extension icon disappears from your toolbar, and it stops running on web pages. You can still see it in your Extensions list, but you cannot turn it back on.
If you rely on an extension that has stopped updating, search the Chrome Web Store for a replacement that does the same thing. Many extensions have alternatives maintained by active developers.
How to uninstall an extension you no longer need
Go to chrome://extensions and find the extension you want to remove. Click the Remove button (usually shown as a trash icon) next to the extension name. A confirmation dialog appears asking if you want to remove it.
Click Remove again to confirm. The extension is uninstalled when ready. Its icon disappears from your toolbar, and it stops running on all web pages. Your browsing data is not affected — removing an extension does not delete your history, passwords, or saved information.
If you change your mind later, you can reinstall the extension from the Chrome Web Store. Your settings for that extension will not be saved, so you may need to reconfigure it.
Troubleshooting extensions that will not update
If you click the Update button and an extension still shows as out of date after several minutes, try restarting Chrome completely. Close all Chrome windows, wait a few seconds, and open Chrome again. This often completes a stalled update.
If the extension still will not update, check whether it is still available in the Chrome Web Store. Go to chrome.google.com/webstore, search for the extension by name, and see if the developer is still maintaining it. If the extension page says it has been removed or is no longer available, the developer has stopped supporting it and you should uninstall it.
For extensions that are still in the Web Store but will not update, try uninstalling and reinstalling the extension. Go to chrome://extensions, click Remove, then go to the Chrome Web Store and install it fresh. This usually resolves update problems caused by corrupted installation files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to restart Chrome for an extension update to take effect?
Not always. Most extension updates take effect when ready or the next time you reload a tab that uses that extension. Some extensions require a full Chrome restart to complete the update. If an extension is behaving strangely after an update, close all Chrome windows and reopen the browser.
Can I see what changed in an extension update?
Go to the Chrome Web Store, find the extension, and scroll down to the "Version history" section. This shows recent updates and what the developer changed in each one. Not all developers write detailed change notes, so you may only see a version number.
What if an extension update breaks something I rely on?
If you turned off automatic updates for that extension, you can keep using the old version. If automatic updates are on, you can uninstall the extension and look for an alternative. Some developers maintain older versions of their extensions, though this is uncommon — contact the developer through the Chrome Web Store to ask if a previous version is available.
Will updating an extension delete my settings or data?
No. Extension updates preserve your settings, saved data, and any information the extension stores. Updating is safe and will not erase anything. Only uninstalling an extension removes its stored data.
How often does Chrome check for extension updates?
Chrome checks for updates roughly every few hours while your browser is running. The exact timing varies, but you can force an when ready check by clicking the Update button on the Extensions page in Developer mode.