7 Best Ways to Fix Google Chrome Not Updating on Windows and Mac

7 Best Ways to Fix Google Chrome Not Updating on Windows and Mac

The team behind Google Chrome regularly releases updates with new features and bug fixes. Most of the time the browser is updating in the background and you won’t even notice the whole process. If you are having trouble updating Google Chrome on Windows and Mac, follow the steps below to resolve the issue.


Fix for chrome not updating

The Chromium version (on which Google Chrome is based) receives regular updates every two weeks. Not updating Chrome may leave you with an outdated browser and may develop an incompatibility with Chromium extensions and apps.

1. Check the internet connection

The first thing you can check on your Windows and Mac is the working internet connection.

In Windows, open the Settings app and navigate to the Network & Internet menu. Make sure the Wi-Fi connection shows the connection status. While you’re at it, try connecting to a 5 GHz network frequency and ditch the slow 2.4 GHz frequency.

Wifi connected


Wifi connected

Mac users can click Control Center on the menu bar and check the Wi-Fi connection. You can also visit Fast.com and check the current internet speed.

Connect Wifi on Mac


Connect Wifi on Mac

2. Run the Internet troubleshooter (Windows)

Are you having problems with your Internet connection in Windows? Microsoft offers a built-in Internet troubleshooter to troubleshoot network connectivity issues in Windows. Here is how you can use it.

Step 1: Open the Settings app in Windows.

2nd step: Go to the System menu.

Step 3: Select Troubleshoot.

Troubleshooting menu


Troubleshooting menu

Step 4: Open other troubleshooting utilities.

Step 5: Run an Internet connection troubleshooter on Windows and let Microsoft fix it for you.

Run the Internet Connection Troubleshooter


Run the Internet Connection Troubleshooter

Once you have reestablished your internet connection, you can open Google Chrome and go to settings. Select the About menu and manually update Google Chrome to the latest version.

3. Examine anti-virus applications

If you are using third-party antivirus or parental control software on Chrome, you might need to review it for a smooth Chrome update process.

You need to make sure that software updates are not stuck online. From the antivirus software, make sure tools.google.com and dl.google.come are not blocked.

If these sites are blocked, Chrome will not connect to the Web Update Tool.

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4. Remove antivirus applications

You don’t need a third-party antivirus application on Windows. The default Microsoft Defender app is more than capable of removing malicious files from your computer.

These antivirus apps come with strict security protocols in the name of privacy and may interfere with the Chrome update process. You must uninstall these applications from your computer. Here’s how.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on Windows (use Windows + I keys).

2nd step: Go to the Applications menu.

Step 3: Select Apps & Features.

Open apps and features


Open apps and features

Step 4: Find antivirus apps in the list and click on the three-dot menu next to it.

Step 5: Select Uninstall and follow the onscreen instructions to remove the software from your computer.

Uninstall the antivirus


Uninstall the antivirus

5. Check for malware

This is another suggestion from the Google Chrome forum to resolve the issue. Unwanted software or malicious files can prevent Chrome from updating properly. You need to scan your PC and delete the fragmentary files.

Press the Windows key and open Windows security software. Open the Virus and Threat Protection menu and run the scan on your computer.

Run a quick scan


Run a quick scan

On Mac, you need to open the Finder menu. Go to Applications and find unrecognized software in the list. Right click on it and move it to the trash.

6. Delete Chrome cache

Google Chrome cache overload can mess up the browser update process. Corrupted cache can be the main factor behind several Chrome issues like login error, black screen, blank pages, etc. Let’s clear the Chrome cache and try the update process again.

Step 1: Open Google Chrome on Windows or Mac.

2nd step: Click on the three-dot menu at the top and navigate to the More Tools menu.

Step 3: Select Clear browsing data.

Clear browsing data


Clear browsing data

Step 4: From the Advanced menu, select Clear Data.

Empty the chrome cache


Empty the chrome cache

In Chrome’s Settings menu, go to About and start the update process again.

7. Reinstall Google Chrome

New versions of Chrome are readily available on the official website. If you have trouble installing it on your PC or Mac, you can uninstall Chrome and download the latest version from the official source.

If you are working on an Apple M-series MacBook, make sure you download the M1 compatible Chrome version and not the Intel one.

Take advantage of new Chrome features

To access new Chrome features such as Tab Groups, you need the latest version of Chrome installed on your PC or Mac. The above steps should help you fix Chrome not updating issue in no time.

Last updated on November 26, 2021

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