How to Completely Disable Google Chrome Updates

PDF download Download Article
Easy ways to turn off Chrome auto-updates on PC, Mac, & Mobile
PDF download Download Article

This wikiHow teaches you how to prevent Google Chrome from updating automatically on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android platforms. There are several ways to prevent Google Chrome from updating. However, these methods may not work in every situation. Keep in mind that failing to update Google Chrome puts you and any other items on your network at risk for infections or cyber-attacks.

Turning Off Chrome Updates: Fast Facts

  • On Windows or Mac, disable Google Chrome updates by deleting or renaming the Update folder for Google.
  • On Windows, you can also disable Chrome updates using MSConfig or the Registry Editor. On Mac, change the update interval to "0" in the Terminal.
  • On mobile, disable automatic updates in the Google Play Store or App Store.
Method 1
Method 1 of 8:

Disable Update Services (Windows)

PDF download Download Article
  1. You'll need to restart your computer at the end of this method, so make sure that you save any work before proceeding.
  2. 2
    Open MSConfig. You can use MSConfig to modify your Windows configuration and disable automatic updates. Use the following steps to open MSConfig:
    • Press Win + R to open Run."
    • Type msconfig into Run and press Enter .
    Advertisement
  3. This is at the top of the System Configuration window.
  4. It's in the bottom-left corner of the window. Doing so will both cut down on the number of services listed here and prevent you from accidentally disabling an important Windows service.
  5. These are both by the "Google Inc" manufacturer and should be next to each other.
    • You can sort by manufacturer by clicking the Manufacturer tab near the top of the window.
  6. Click the checked box to the left of each "Google Update Service" box to do so.
  7. It's at the bottom of the window. Doing so will disable both Google Update services and prompt you to restart your computer.
  8. Doing so will cause your computer to save your changes and restart, after which point Google Chrome should no longer automatically update.
  9. Google Chrome will attempt to update automatically. If Google Chrome is unable to update, an error message will appear. If it says it is up to date, try one of the other methods listed here.
    10. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 8:

Rename the Update Folder (Windows)

PDF download Download Article
  1. It's the icon that resembles a folder. By default, it can be found in the taskbar in the lower-left corner.
  2. 2
    Ensure you have hidden files and folders showing. Depending on what type of installation you have, you may need to have hidden files and folders showing to find the Google Chrome update folder. Use the following steps to show hidden files and folders:
    • Click the icon with three dots ( ⋯ ) at the top of File Explorer.
    • Click Options .
    • Click the View tab.
    • Ensure "Show hidden files, folders, and drives" is selected.
    • Click Apply .
  3. 3
    Open your local C drive. To do so, click This PC in the menu bar to the left, then click the drive just below it. It is usually "OS C:" or "Local Drive" or something similar.
  4. 4
    Navigate to the Google Chrome update folder. The Google Chrome update folder will be located in one of two places depending on whether you installed Google Chrome as an administrator or as a local user. Locate the Google Chrome update folder at one of the following locations:
    • As an administrator: Open Program Files (x86) > Google
    • As a local user: Open Users > User > [your username] > AppData > Local > Google .
  5. 5
    Rename the "Update" folder. You should find the "Update" folder at one of the locations above. RIght-click the Update folder and click Rename . Enter a new name for the folder and press Enter .
    • If you receive an alert that says the folder is being used by another program, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and click "Task Manager". Click any program with the name "Google" in it and click End Task in the lower-right corner. Then, try to change the folder name again.
  6. Google Chrome will attempt to automatically update. If Google Chrome is unable to update, an error message will appear. If it says it is up to date, try one of the other methods listed here.
    7. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 8:

Edit the Registry (Windows)

PDF download Download Article
  1. You can use the Registry Editor to make changes to your Windows configuration and disable Google Chrome updates. Warning: Editing files in the Registry Editor can cause permanent damage to your operating system or computer programs. Proceed with caution. To open the Registry Editor:
    • Press Win + R to open run.
    • Type regedit into Run and press Enter .
    • Click Yes when prompted to allow Registry Editor to make changes to your system.
  2. 2
    Navigate to the "Policies" folder. Use the following steps to do so:
    • Open the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE folder.
    • Open the Software folder.
    • Open the Policies folder.
  3. 3
    Create a new "Google" folder. Make sure it goes within the "Policies" folder. Use the following steps to do so:
    • Right-click a blank space within the Policies folder.
    • Click New .
    • Click Key .
    • Name the new folder "Google."
  4. 4
    Open the Google folder. Double-click the Google folder in the menu to the side to open it.
  5. 5
    Create a new "Update" folder. Make sure you put the new update folder within the Google folder. Use the following steps to do so:
    • Right-click a blank space within the Google folder.
    • Click New .
    • Click Key .
    • Name the new folder "Update."
  6. Click on the "Update" folder in the sidebar on the right to select it.
  7. 7
    Create a new "Updatedefault" value. Use the following steps to do so:
    • Right-click a blank space in the "Update" folder.
    • Click New .
    • Click DWORD (32-bit) value .
    • Name the new value "Updatedefault."
  8. This opens the "Edit" window.
  9. This sets the value data to "0", which tells Google not to update.
  10. Google Chrome will attempt to automatically update. If Google Chrome is unable to update, an error message will appear. If it says it is up to date, try one of the other methods listed here.
    • If this doesn't work try adding an additional DWORD file in the Google Update folder in the Registry editor named "DWORD: AutoUpdateCheckPeriodMinutes" with a value data of "0", as well as a DWORD named "DWORD: DisableAutoUpdateChecksCheckboxValue" with a value data of "1". [1]
    11. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 8:

Rename the Update Folder (Mac)

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Open Finder. It has a blue and white icon that resembles a smiley face. It's in the dock at the bottom of the screen.
  2. It's a menu item at the top of your Mac's screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
  3. You should see it near the bottom of the Go drop-down menu. The Library folder will open.
  4. Scroll down until you find the folder labeled "Google", then double-click it.
  5. 5
    Rename the "GoogleSoftwareUpdate" folder. You may first have to click the lock-shaped icon in the bottom-left corner of the window and enter your user password. Use the following steps to rename the GoogleSoftwareUpdate folder:
    • Click the GoogleSoftwareUpdate folder.
    • Click File in the menu bar at the top.
    • Click Get Info .
    • Select the folder's name at the top of the window.
    • Give it a new name (i.e., "NoUpdate").
    • Press Return .
  6. Click the Apple menu , click Restart... , and click Restart Now when prompted. Once your Mac finishes restarting, Chrome should no longer update automatically.
  7. Google Chrome will attempt to automatically update. If Google Chrome is unable to update, an error message will appear. If it says it is up to date, try one of the other methods listed here.
    8. Advertisement
Method 5
Method 5 of 8:

Change the Auto Update URL (Mac)

PDF download Download Article
  1. It's the icon that resembles a blue and white smiley face. It's in the Dock at the bottom of the screen.
  2. It's in the sidebar to the right. This displays all applications installed on your Mac.
  3. This displays a pop-out menu to the right.
    • If you are using a Magic Mouse or a trackpad, you can double-click with two fingers or press Control while clicking "Google Chrome.app".
  4. This displays all the contents of the Google Chrome app.
  5. You can either double-click the file to open it in your default code editor, or right-click the file and select "Open With" and then select an app to open the file with.
  6. 6
    Double-click the URL next to the "KSUpdateURL" key. The key names are listed in alphabetical order on the left. The URL is listed on the right below "Value".
  7. 7
    Change the URL. To disable the URL, change the URL to anything you want.
  8. 8
    Save the file. To do so, click File in the menu bar at the top and then click Save .
  9. 9
    Type chrome://settings/help in your Google Chrome address bar. Google Chrome will attempt to automatically update. If Google Chrome is unable to update, an error message will appear. If it says it is up to date, try one of the other methods listed here.
    10. Advertisement
Method 6
Method 6 of 8:

Modify Update Interval (Mac)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Click the Mac Spotlighticon in the menu bar, type Terminal , and double-click Terminal to open it.
  2. This sets the Update interval to "0" so that Google Chrome stops checking for updates. The command is as follows:
    • defaults write com.google.Keystone.Agent checkInterval 0 .
  3. Google Chrome will attempt to automatically update. If Google Chrome is unable to update, an error message will appear. If it says it is up to date, try one of the other methods listed here.
    4. Advertisement
Method 7
Method 7 of 8:

Disable App Updates (iPhone)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Tap the Settings app icon, which resembles a grey box with gears on it.
  2. 2
    Scroll down and tap App Store . This option is near the middle of the Settings page. Tapping it opens the App Store settings page.
  3. 3
    Tap the green "Updates" switch. Doing so will cause it to turn grey. This disables automatic app updates, meaning that none of your apps—Google Chrome included—will automatically update from now on. [2]
    4. Advertisement
Method 8
Method 8 of 8:

Disable App Updates (Android)

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Open your Android'sGoogle Play Store. Tap the Google Play Store app icon, which resembles a multicolored triangle on a white background.
  2. 2
    Tap your profile icon. It's in the upper-right corner. This displays the menu.
  3. 3
    Tap Settings . It's near the bottom of the menu.
  4. 4
    Tap Network Preferences . It's the second option in the Settings menu.
  5. 5
    Tap Auto-update apps . This menu allows you to manage auto-updates of apps.
  6. 6
    Tap Don't auto-update apps . This will prevent all your apps from updating automatically. You will need to update your apps manually in the Google Play Store. [3]
    7. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    I followed the process to disable. Worked great! The next time I restarted, it updated to new Chrome again. My settings all saved. How do I get this to stick?
    Community Answer
    Try renaming the update folder.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 1
  • Question
    Will the Chrome platform change automatically even after disabling the Chrome updates?
    bertis alas
    Community Answer
    Yes. It also depends on the changes you are doing to the program/app. When you tell chrome to stop a process or eliminate a process, the system will automatically adjust to the settings established.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Disabling the Chrome Update is useful when trying to use Chrome on an outdated or nearly unsupported operating system.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Turn Any Website Into an App Shortcut With Chrome
      How to
      Install Google Chrome Using Terminal on Linux
      3 Simple Ways to Save a Web Page as a PDF in Google Chrome
      3 Easy Ways to Install the Google Chrome Web Browser
      Turn Off and Disable Private Browsing on Any Web Browser
      Automatically Reload a Page in Chrome: Easy Extension & Script
      Why Your Pinned Tabs Disappear & How to Fix It
      How to
      Remove Suggestions on Google Chrome: 2 Easy Ways
      Easy Ways to View & Manage Bookmarks in Google Chrome
      How to
      Add Google Drive to File Explorer in Windows
      How to
      Transfer Bookmarks from One Computer to Another
      2 Fast Ways to Remove Bing from Chrome: PC, Mac, & Mobile
      Uninstalling Chrome Extensions Installed by Your Administrator
      How to
      Override the Ctrl+Shift+QQ Shortcut in Google Chrome
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.webnots.com/7-ways-to-disable-automatic-chrome-update-in-windows-and-mac/
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102629
      3. ↑ https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/113412

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Press Windows key + R .
      2. Type "msconfig" and click OK .
      3. Click Services .
      4. Uncheck "Google update service (gupdate)."
      5. Uncheck "Google update service (gupdatem)."
      6. Click OK .
      7. Restart the PC.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 713,929 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement