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How to Update Google Chrome for Secure Browsing

Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers available today. It offers fast performance, frequent updates, integration with Google services, and robust security features. However, to take full advantage of Chrome’s security, you need to keep the browser up-to-date with the latest version. Here is a guide on why and how to update Google Chrome for optimal security.

Why You Should Keep Chrome Updated

There are a few key reasons why you should aim to always have the latest version of Chrome installed:

  • Security patches – Google releases updates for Chrome every 4 weeks. These updates contain vital security patches that fix vulnerabilities and protect you against threats like malware, phishing attacks, and data breaches. If you use an outdated version of Chrome, you are more vulnerable to such attacks.
  • New security features – In addition to patches, Chrome updates often add new security capabilities. For example, recent updates have introduced enhanced phishing protections, isolated site security sandboxes, password leak alerts, and more. Staying updated gives you access to these features.
  • Performance improvements – Updates can also improve Chrome’s speed and resource efficiency. This leads to a smoother and more stable browsing experience.

How to Manually Update Google Chrome

Updating Chrome is simple and only takes a few seconds. Here are the steps:

On Windows/Mac:

  1. Open the Chrome browser
  2. Click on the 3 vertical dots in the top right corner
  3. Hover over Help
  4. Click on About Google Chrome
  5. Chrome will now automatically check for and install any pending updates
  6. Once done, click Relaunch to restart Chrome with the new version

On Android:

  1. Open the Play Store app
  2. Tap on the 3 horizontal line menu button in the top left corner
  3. Select My apps & games
  4. Under “Updates available”, find Chrome and tap Update

On iOS:

  1. Open the App Store app
  2. Tap on your profile icon in the top right corner
  3. Scroll down and select Check for Updates
  4. Find Chrome in the list of apps needing updates and tap Update next to it

How to Enable Automatic Background Updating

Instead of having to manually update Chrome, you can enable automatic background updating:

On Windows/Mac

  1. Click on the 3 vertical dot menu > Settings
  2. Click on About Chrome
  3. Toggle on the Automatically update Chrome for all users option

Now Chrome will automatically download and install updates whenever you close and reopen it.

On Android

  • Chrome automatically updates from the Play Store based on your auto-update settings. Make sure this is enabled.

On iOS

  • Chrome automatically updates from the App Store based on your auto-update settings. Make sure this is enabled.

Update Chrome Extensions Too

In addition to the browser itself, also periodically check for update to any Chrome extensions you have installed. Outdated extensions can also pose a security risk in some cases.

To manually update extensions:

  1. Click on the Puzzle icon next to the address bar
  2. Locate the extension and click the 3 vertical dots icon next to it
  3. Select Check for updates
  4. If an update is available, it will be downloaded and installed automatically

Alternatively, you can enable auto-updating for extensions:

  1. Click the 3 vertical dot menu > Settings
  2. Click Advanced
  3. Toggle on Update extensions automatically

Conclusion

Keeping Chrome updated with the latest security patches and features is vital for protecting your browsing activity, data, and computer from evolving online threats. Both the browser itself and any extensions should be updated. Doing this manually just takes a few seconds. For maximum convenience, you can enable auto-updates as well.

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