Table of Contents
Today, In this article we will explain how to Stop Automatic Google Chrome Updates. Every few weeks, Google Chrome automatically updates itself to make the browser safer and more stable. But sometimes these new versions aren’t very stable or don’t work well with other programs. To avoid these kinds of problems, it’s best to turn off the automatic update process.
One good thing about Chrome is that it gets updates often to keep users safe online. Even though these updates are helpful, some people may want to turn them off. Google Chrome is probably the best and most popular desktop web browser right now, and it has more features and controls than any other web browser. Chrome lets you turn off most of its features and options, but you can’t stop it from updating itself automatically.
Every time you connect your PC to the internet, Google Chrome will update itself. It’s a great feature because it saves you from having to update Chrome files by hand, but not everyone should use it. Some users have limited internet bandwidth or use metered connections, so they don’t want Chrome to automatically download updates every time they connect to the internet. We mentioned below are the steps how to Stop Automatic Google Chrome Updates.
Why You Might Want to Stop Automatic Chrome Updates
- Stability: Bugs or other problems can be introduced by automatic updates, which can affect how you browse. You can keep a stable version of Chrome that works well for your needs by turning off updates.
- Control: If you turn off automatic updates, you can decide when and how Chrome updates. This can be important if you have specific needs or dependencies that only work with a certain browser version.
- Bandwidth: If you have a limited data plan, automatic updates can use up your internet bandwidth without your permission. You can save bandwidth by turning off updates.
- Compatibility: Some web apps or extensions might not work with Chrome’s newest version. By taking control of updates, you can make sure they work with the tools you use often.
- Privacy: Updates can sometimes make changes to privacy settings or add new ways to collect data. When you stop updates, you have more control over your online privacy.
How to Stop Automatic Google Chrome Updates
Via the Windows Services Manager
- Open the Run program in Windows by pressing Win + R or asking Cortana to find Run.
- Type services.msc and press Enter.
- Scroll down to locate Google Update Service (update). Double-click each item, then on the General tab, select Disabled from the Startup Type drop-down menu and click OK.
- Repeat this step for Google Update Service (gupdatem).
Via the Registry Editor
- Go to the search box in the Start menu, type “run,” and choose the best result.
- Type “regedit” into the Run box and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- Copy and paste the following address into the address bar of the Registry Editor and press Enter:
- Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Plans
- You might not find a folder for Google most of the time. So, right-click on Policies and choose New > Key to make one. Also, give the new folder a name like “Google.”
- Right-click on the newly made Google folder, click on New > Key, and rename the new folder to Update.
Via the System Configuration Utility
- Open the Run prompt to open MSConfig. (Press Win + R on your keyboard.)
- When it opens, type msconfig and press the Enter key.
- Open the tab for Services.
- Check for the following two things: Google Update (gupdate) and Google Update (gupdatem). (You might find it easier to find them if you check “Hide all Microsoft services” or click on the Service column header to sort the list by name.)
- Uncheck both items that say Google and click OK.
- For these changes to take place, you will be asked to restart your computer.
How to Rename the Update Folder in Google Chrome
- Go to This PC > Local Disk (C:) > Program Files on your computer.
- Click on Google > Chrome from there.
- Now, right-click on Update and change its name to 123update or update#124.
- If you get an error like the one shown in the image below, try changing the name of the update installer inside the Update folder.
- Again, right-click on the Update installer and change it to something like 123Update or Update$1234.
The Pros and Cons of Stopping Automatic Chrome Updates
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Security: | 1. Disruption: |
| – Updates keep the browser secure. | – Updates can interrupt browsing. |
| – Vulnerabilities are patched fast. | – Incompatibility with some sites. |
| – Protection against malware. | |
| 2. Improved Performance: | 2. Data Usage: |
| – Bug fixes can enhance speed. | – Updates consume data bandwidth. |
| -Better stability. | – Significant data usage for large updates. |
| 3. Convenience: | 3. Limited Control: |
| – Updates are automatic and hassle-free. | – Limited control over updates timing. |
| – Users don’t need to initiate updates. | – Updates may break extensions/apps. |
Manual Update vs. Automatic Update
| Aspect | Manual Update | Automatic Update |
|---|---|---|
| User Control | Requires user intervention and action. | Occurs without user intervention or action. |
| Timing | Updates are initiated by the user when convenient. | Updates are typically scheduled by the system. |
| Internet Connection | May require an internet connection to download. | Requires an internet connection for downloads. |
| Customization | Users can choose when and which updates to install. | Typically installs all available updates. |
| Delayed Updates | Users may delay or ignore updates if desired. | Generally installs updates promptly as scheduled. |
| Risk of Errors | Users can make errors during manual updates. | Less likely to introduce user errors. |
| Compatibility Checks | Users may need to check for compatibility manually. | System may perform compatibility checks. |
Questions and Answers
When you restart Chrome, your update will be put in automatically. Don’t forget that your update won’t work until you launch again. Nothing will change if you leave Chrome open without relaunching it.
Most of the time, it’s better to keep auto-updates on so that you can get a security fix quickly if a flaw is found in an app you’re using. However, whether you should keep auto-updates on or turn them off is up to you.
Google has changed how often it sends out security updates and patches for the Chromium open source code that runs the Chrome web browser. This is done to reduce the amount of time that threat actors have to take advantage of “zero-day” vulnerabilities and better protect end users.
If phone users don’t get the latest software update right away, their personal information is more likely to be stolen. Experts in cybersecurity say that a new OS software update should never be installed on a device more than a few days to a week after it comes out.