Introduction
Chrome updates itself regularly, and updates often add features. The most reliable places to see what changed are Google’s own: the What’s new in Chrome page for everyday features, the Chrome Releases blog for each update, and the Chrome release notes for developers. This page explains where the main recent features live in Chrome’s settings: AI features, performance, privacy and security, the New Tab page and DevTools. To get new features, update Chrome.
AI-Powered Features
Chrome’s AI features have their own section in settings, and some depend on your country, language and account.
Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Select More (three dots) > Settings.
- On the left, select AI innovations.
- Turn individual features on or off. For example, Gemini in Chrome has its own page there with preferences and permissions (Google’s Use Gemini in Chrome help).
Where available, the address bar also has AI Mode for asking detailed questions. To hide it, right-click the address bar and unselect Always show AI Mode.
Performance Improvements
Chrome’s performance settings can free up memory and save battery (Google’s Personalize Chrome performance help).
Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Select More > Settings.
- On the left, select Performance.
- Turn Memory Saver on to have Chrome deactivate tabs you aren’t using. They reload when you go back to them.
- For graphics problems, the hardware acceleration switch is in Settings > System > Use graphics acceleration when available.
Google notes these performance settings are not available on Android, iPhone or iPad.
Privacy and Security Updates
Safe Browsing’s Enhanced protection is Chrome’s strongest protection against dangerous sites, downloads and extensions (Google’s Safe Browsing help).
Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Select More > Settings.
- Select Privacy and security > Security.
- Select “Enhanced protection“. Google notes this sends more data to Google Safe Browsing, such as the addresses of sites you visit.
To open the Delete browsing data options, use the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + Delete (Mac).
UI and Design Changes
All Platforms
- The new tab page can be customized. On a computer, select Customize Chrome at the bottom right of a New Tab page to change shortcuts and themes.
- The address bar (Omnibox) can now search your tabs, bookmarks and history with @tabs, @bookmarks and @history, and offers AI Mode where available.
Developer Tool Updates
Chrome DevTools changes with almost every release. Each version’s changes are listed in the DevTools “What’s new” posts on developer.chrome.com.
Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Open Developer Tools by pressing F12 or Ctrl + Shift + J (Windows/Linux), or Cmd + Option + I (Mac).
- To track memory use, open the Memory panel in DevTools.
Refer to the official Chrome Developer Tools documentation for more detailed guidance.