Buzz
If you're encountering issues with Google Chrome, reinstalling the program is likely the easiest way to resolve them. To reinstall Chrome, you must first uninstall the existing version and download the latest installer from the Chrome website. Note that you cannot reinstall Chrome on Android if it comes pre-installed on your device.
Steps
Windows
Open the Control Panel. Before reinstalling Chrome, you need to remove the original version. You can do this through the Control Panel:
- Windows 10 and 8.1 - Right-click the Windows icon and select "Control Panel."
- Windows 8 - Press the ⊞ Win+X keys and choose "Control Panel."
- Windows 7 and Vista - Open the Start menu and select "Control Panel."
Select "Uninstall a program" or "Programs and Features." The title of this option may vary depending on the current display mode. This action opens the list of programs installed on your computer.
Locate "Google Chrome" in the list of installed programs. By default, the list is sorted alphabetically.
Select "Google Chrome" and click on "Uninstall." The Uninstall button can typically be found at the top of the list after selecting a program.
Check the box for "Also delete your browsing data." This ensures that all previous data is removed for a completely fresh installation of Chrome.
Enable hidden files in Windows Explorer. To fully delete Chrome's data, you need to activate the display of hidden files:
- Open Control Panel and select Folder Options.
- Click on the View tab and choose "Show hidden files, folders, and drives."
- Uncheck "Hide protected operating system files."
Delete all Chrome files. Now that hidden files are visible, locate and delete the following folders:
- C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome
- C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome
- On Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome
Visit the Chrome website using another browser. Open Internet Explorer or another browser and go to google.com/chrome.
Highlight "Download" at the top of the page and select "For personal computer." This will take you to Chrome's download page.
Click "Download Chrome" to get the Chrome installer. Ensure you download the correct version for Windows.
- By default, Chrome downloads the 32-bit version. If you want the 64-bit version for a 64-bit operating system, select "Download Chrome for another platform" and choose "Windows 10/8.1/8/7 64-bit."
Review the terms and run the installer. Chrome will display its terms of service. It will also set itself as the default browser after installation, which you can change by unchecking the provided box.
Click "Accept and Install" to begin downloading the necessary files. You may notice small windows opening and closing during the installation process.
Click "Run" if prompted by Windows. This action allows your computer to download files from Google.
Wait for Chrome to install. Essential files are downloaded, and the Google Chrome installer will launch. This installer will download additional files and begin installing Chrome once the download is complete.
- If you encounter issues running the online installer, download and run the alternate installer from Google.
Launch Chrome. When starting Chrome after installation, you may be prompted to set it as your default browser. Choose Chrome or any other browser from the list to set it as your computer's default.
Sign in to Chrome with your Google account (optional). After opening Chrome, you'll be directed to a login page. Sign in with your Google account to sync bookmarks, extensions, themes, saved passwords, and other data. Signing in is not required to use Chrome.
Mac
Open the Applications folder. Before uninstalling Chrome, you need to remove the old version. You can find it in the Applications folder.
Locate the Google Chrome application. The app may be in the Applications folder or moved to another directory.
Drag Google Chrome to the Trash. Move the application to the Trash to delete it from your system.
Delete your profile data. If you want to completely remove Chrome data before reinstalling, locate and delete the profile. This will erase all settings, bookmarks, and browsing history.
- Click the Go menu and select "Go to Folder."
- Type ~/Library/Google and click "Go."
- Drag the GoogleSoftwareUpdate folder to the Trash.
Visit the Google Chrome website using Safari. Open Safari or any other browser and go to google.com/chrome.
Select "Download" and click on "For personal computer." This will take you to Chrome's download page.
Click "Download Chrome" to get the installer for Mac. You need to accept the terms before proceeding with the download.
Open the "googlechrome.dmg" file after downloading. The download process may take a few minutes.
Drag the "Google Chrome.app" icon into the Applications folder. Your system will proceed to install Google Chrome in the Applications folder.
Launch Google Chrome from the Applications folder. Click on "Open" to confirm you want to start Chrome if prompted.
Sign in to Chrome with your Google account (optional). When starting Chrome for the first time, you’ll be prompted to log in with your Google account. The browser will sync your bookmarks, settings, themes, and Chrome extensions. You don’t need to sign in to use Chrome.
iOS
Press and hold the Chrome icon on the Home screen. After a moment, the icon will start to shake.
Tap the "X" mark on the corner of the Chrome icon. You’ll be asked to confirm if you want to completely delete Chrome and its data.
Press the Home button to exit the uninstall mode. The app icon will stop shaking, allowing you to open other applications.
Open the App Store. After deleting Chrome, you can reinstall it from the App Store.
Search for "Google Chrome." The app is usually the first result in the search list.
Tap on "Get" > "Install." This action initiates the download of the Chrome app to your iOS device. You’ll be prompted to enter your Apple ID password before the download begins.
Launch the Chrome app. Once the installation is complete, you can start the app by tapping the Chrome icon on the Home screen. This action opens the Chrome browser.
Android
Open the Settings app. You can remove Chrome from your device’s Settings app. However, Chrome cannot be uninstalled if it is pre-installed on Android.
Select "Apps" or "Applications." This action opens the list of installed apps on your Android device.
Tap on "Chrome" in the app list. This opens the app info screen for Chrome.
Tap "Uninstall" or "Uninstall Updates." If you see the "Uninstall" button, you can completely remove Chrome from your device. If you see "Uninstall Updates," Chrome is pre-installed, and you can only remove subsequent updates.
Open the Google Play Store after uninstalling Chrome. Once Chrome is uninstalled, you can reinstall it from the Play Store.
Search for "Chrome." Google Chrome is typically the first result in the search list.
Tap the "Install" or "Update" button. If Chrome can be completely removed, press the Install button to download the latest version to your device. If only updates can be removed, tap the "Update" button to download and install the newest version.
Launch Chrome. You can find Chrome in your device’s app drawer. Depending on your settings, you may also see a shortcut on the Home screen.
Tips
- If you’ve reinstalled Chrome but the previous issue persists, your device might be infected with malware. Refer to articles on removing malicious software for further details.
