How to Fix Chrome Update Failed Error

How to Fix Chrome Update Failed Error

A “Chrome update failed” error usually means files are missing, your security software is blocking Google’s update servers, or your computer no longer meets Chrome’s system requirements. The fixes below follow Google’s fix Chrome update problems & failed updates help page, for Windows, macOS and Linux.

Quick Fixes to Try First

• Restart Chrome: Close all Chrome windows and reopen the browser.
• Check Internet Connection: Ensure your device is connected to the internet.
• Reboot Your Device: Google says the update might not have completed, so reboot and try updating again.
• Check System Requirements: Older versions of Windows and macOS no longer get Chrome updates. Check the minimum on our Chrome system requirements page.

How to Fix Chrome Update Failed on Windows

Follow these steps to resolve the Chrome update error on Windows:

1. Check Administrator Rights:
   • If your computer does not let you finish the update or reinstall, Google says to ask the person who has administrator rights on the computer to complete it.
2. Check Your Firewall and Antivirus Settings:
   • Do not turn your protection off. Instead, check the settings of your antivirus, firewall or parental control software and make sure software updates are not blocked from going online, and that tools.google.com and dl.google.com are not blocked.
3. Manual Update Process:
   • In Chrome, select More (⋮) > Help > About Google Chrome, or open chrome://settings/help.
   • Chrome checks for updates on this page. Select Relaunch to apply an update.
4. Download Chrome Again:
   • Uninstall Chrome, then download it again and reinstall. If you keep seeing an error, Google suggests the standalone (offline) installer.
5. Turn Off Compatibility Mode:
   • Google says Chrome does not support Windows Compatibility Mode. Right-click the Chrome icon, click Properties > Compatibility, and uncheck “Run this program in compatibility mode for”.

How to Fix Chrome Update Error on macOS

Mac users may encounter update issues for various reasons. Follow these steps:

1. Verify Administrative Access:
   • Choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Users & Groups.
   • Ensure you have administrative privileges.
2. Check Network Settings:
   • Choose Apple menu > System Settings, click Network, and make sure you are connected.
3. Turn On Updates for All Users:
   • Make sure Google Chrome is in your Applications folder, then go to About Google Chrome and click Automatically update Chrome for all users.
4. Reinstall Chrome:
   • If you keep seeing an error, Google says to download Google Software Update again and try reinstalling. Get the Mac installer from our Chrome for Mac page.
5. Remove Unwanted Software:
   • Google says unwanted software might stop Chrome from updating. In Finder, click Applications, look for programs you don’t recognize, and uninstall them or drag them to the Trash.

Resolving Chrome Update Issues on Linux

On Linux, Google says to update Chrome with your package manager:

1. Update via Terminal:
   • Open Terminal and type sudo apt-get update followed by sudo apt-get --only-upgrade install google-chrome-stable.
2. Check Permissions:
   • Ensure you have root access to update packages. Use sudo for administrative actions.
3. Check the Signing Key:
   • If apt reports NO_PUBKEY, install Google’s signing key as shown on Google’s Linux repositories page.

Manual Update Process for Chrome on All Platforms

If automatic updates fail, try the manual update process:

1. Open About Google Chrome:
   • Select More (⋮) > Help > About Google Chrome.
2. Check for Updates:
   • Chrome will automatically check for updates and install them if available.
3. Verify Update:
   • Select Relaunch. If there is no Relaunch option, you are on the latest version.

For phones and tablets, see how to update Chrome on every device.

Firewall and Antivirus Conflicts

Firewalls and antivirus software can sometimes block Chrome updates. Keep them turned on and check their settings instead:

1. Allow Updates Through:
   • Make sure your security software does not block software updates from going online.
2. Check Google’s Update Servers:
   • Make sure tools.google.com and dl.google.com are not blocked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t my Chrome update?

Google lists missing files, blocked update servers, an unfinished update that needs a reboot, unwanted software, and an operating system Chrome no longer supports.

How do I manually update Chrome?

Select More (⋮) > Help > About Google Chrome. Chrome will check for updates, and you select Relaunch to install them.

What should I do if my antivirus blocks Chrome updates?

Check its settings so that software updates and tools.google.com and dl.google.com are not blocked. Do not turn your antivirus off.

Can I update Chrome without administrative access?

If your computer doesn’t let you complete the update, Google says to contact the person who has administrator rights on the computer.

How do I check my current Chrome version?

Select More (⋮) > Help > About Google Chrome. The version number is shown under the “Google Chrome” heading.