Where to find the update check in Chrome

Chrome checks for updates automatically in the background, but you can force a check right now by opening the menu and looking at the top of the list. On Windows and Linux, click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. On Mac, click the three horizontal lines in the top right corner. The first item in that menu will either say "Update Google Chrome" with a colored dot next to it, or it will say "About Google Chrome" with no dot.

If you see "Update Google Chrome", that means a new version is waiting. Click it, and Chrome will read and install the update. You'll see a restart button appear — click that, and Chrome will close and reopen with the new version installed. If you see "About Google Chrome" with no colored dot, you're already on the latest version.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Chrome menu (three dots on Windows and Linux, three lines on Mac) and look at the top item to see if an update is available.
  • A colored dot next to "Update Google Chrome" means a new version is ready to install; no dot means you're current.
  • Chrome installs updates automatically in the background, so you may not need to do anything — but checking the menu lets you install when ready if you prefer.
  • After you click "Update Google Chrome", you must restart the browser for the new version to take effect.
  • You can check your current version number by clicking "About Google Chrome" even when no update is waiting.

What happens when you click "About Google Chrome"

Clicking "About Google Chrome" opens a new tab that shows your current version number at the top. The version looks like four numbers separated by periods — for example, 131.0.6778.204. This page automatically checks for updates in the background while it's open, so if an update is available, you'll see the "Update Google Chrome" button appear on this page.

The version number itself tells you how far behind you are. The first number is the major version (Chrome releases a new major version every four weeks), and the other three numbers track smaller updates within that version. You don't need to understand what each number means — Chrome handles the details. What matters is that if the version number on your screen is different from the version number on a friend's screen, one of you has an update waiting.

Why Chrome updates automatically and what that means for you

Chrome is designed to update itself without asking permission. When you close and reopen the browser, it checks for updates. If one is available and you haven't restarted Chrome in a while, you'll see a colored dot on the menu icon the next time you open it. This automatic approach means you don't have to remember to check — the updates just happen.

The downside is that you can't delay an update indefinitely. If you ignore the "Update Google Chrome" prompt for several days, Chrome will eventually force a restart and install the update anyway. If you need to finish something before restarting, click "Update" and then restart at a time that works for you, rather than waiting for Chrome to force it.

How to see what changed in your new version

After you restart Chrome following an update, a new tab sometimes opens automatically showing what's new in that version. If it doesn't, you can see the release notes by going to the menu, clicking "About Google Chrome", and scrolling down on that page. The release notes list new features, security fixes, and bug fixes included in your version.

You don't need to read these notes to use Chrome — the browser works the same way whether you know about the changes or not. But if something looks different after an update, the release notes can explain what changed and why.

Checking updates on different devices

The process is slightly different depending on what device you're using. On a phone or tablet running Android, open the Chrome app, tap the three dots in the bottom right corner, and look for "Settings". Tap "About Chrome" and the app will check for updates automatically. On an iPhone or iPad, Chrome updates through the App Store app, not through Chrome itself — open the App Store, tap your profile icon in the top right, and look for Chrome in the list of apps with available updates.

Chromebooks (laptops running Chrome OS, not Windows or Mac) handle updates differently still. They check for updates automatically and install them in the background without you opening a menu. You'll see a notification when a restart is needed, usually with a countdown timer. The process is the same idea — Chrome keeps itself current — but you interact with it less.

What to do if the update button doesn't appear

If you've checked the menu several times and never see "Update Google Chrome", it means you're on the latest version and Chrome has checked recently. This is the normal state. You don't need to do anything. Chrome will check again automatically the next time you restart the browser or leave it open for a while.

If you want to force a check right now, open the menu, click "About Google Chrome", and wait a few seconds. The page will check for updates in the background. If one is available, the "Update Google Chrome" button will appear. If nothing appears after waiting 10 seconds, you're current.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to restart Chrome when ready after an update?

No. You can click "Update Google Chrome" and then wait to restart whenever you're ready. Chrome will show a restart button in the menu until you click it. However, if you don't restart for several days, Chrome may force a restart on its own.

Will updating Chrome delete my passwords or bookmarks?

No. Updates only change the browser software itself. Your passwords, bookmarks, history, and all your saved information stay exactly where they are. They're stored separately from the browser code.

Can I turn off automatic updates in Chrome?

Not completely. Chrome is designed to update automatically for security reasons, and there's no setting to disable this. You can delay a restart for a few days, but you can't prevent updates indefinitely.

What if Chrome crashes during an update?

Chrome is designed to handle interruptions during updates. If your computer loses power or the update is interrupted, Chrome will resume the update the next time you open it. You shouldn't lose any data.

How often does Chrome release new versions?

Chrome releases a new major version roughly every four weeks. Between major versions, smaller security and bug fixes are released more frequently. You may see updates available multiple times per month.