Web browsers are the primary target for hackers and malware on the internet. Because new security vulnerabilities are discovered almost daily, Google is constantly patching Chrome to block these threats. Fortunately, Google Chrome is designed to update itself automatically in the background while you work. You rarely have to download an installer file from a website. However, the update process is not truly complete until the browser completely shuts down and restarts. If you are the type of user who leaves Chrome open with fifty tabs for weeks at a time, the automatic updates are downloaded, but they are pending. You are running an outdated, potentially vulnerable version of the software. You must manually update Google Chrome to force the installation.
How to Tell If You Need an Update
Chrome uses a very simple, color-coded traffic light system to warn you that an update is pending and waiting for a restart.
- Look at the three vertical dots in the extreme top-right corner of the Chrome window.
- If the dots are standard gray, Chrome is up to date (or an update hasn’t been downloaded yet).
- If the dots are Green, an update has been pending for 2 days.
- If the dots are Orange, an update has been pending for 4 days.
- If the dots are Red, an update has been pending for at least a week, and your browser is missing critical security patches.
Step-by-Step: Forcing the Update
If you see a colored dot, or if you simply want to force Chrome to check Google’s servers for the absolute latest version, follow these steps.
- Click the three vertical dots (the More menu) in the top-right corner.
- Scroll down the menu and hover your mouse over Help.
- A secondary menu will slide out. Click on About Google Chrome.
This action opens a new Settings tab. The moment this page opens, Chrome will automatically ping Google’s servers and check your version.
- If you are fully updated, you will see a blue checkmark and the message: “Chrome is up to date.”
- If an update is available, Chrome will immediately begin downloading it. You will see a percentage progress counter.
The Critical Final Step: Relaunch
Once the download hits 100%, Chrome will install the patch, but it is not active yet. A button labeled Relaunch will appear next to the version number.
- Click the Relaunch button.
Chrome will completely close. Do not panic about losing your work; Chrome remembers exactly what you were doing. A few seconds later, the browser will reopen automatically, instantly restoring all your open tabs and windows, now running on the fully patched, secure version of the software.