How to Make Google Chrome Stop Updates Completely Google Chrome is designed to update automatically to ensure users have the latest security patches and features. However, there are scenarios—such as web development, software testing, or enterprise environment management—where you might need to keep a specific version of Chrome and prevent it from updating.
While Google does not provide a simple “Turn off updates” button in the settings, you can achieve this by disabling the services that check for updates. ⚠️ Important Security Warning
Disabling updates leaves your browser vulnerable to security threats. Only use these methods if absolutely necessary and ensure you have other security measures in place. Method 1: Disable Google Update Services (Windows)
This is the most effective method for Windows users to prevent Chrome from automatically updating in the background. Close Chrome: Ensure Google Chrome is completely closed.
Open Services: Press Windows Key + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
Locate Services: Scroll down to find Google Update (gupdate) and Google Update (gupdatem). Disable Services: Right-click Google Update (gupdate) and select Properties. Set the Startup type to Disabled. Click Apply and OK. Repeat this process for Google Update (gupdatem).
Restart: Restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect. Method 2: Rename the Update Folder (Windows)
A more aggressive approach is to rename the folder responsible for updates, making it impossible for Chrome to find the update executable. Navigate to Folder: Go to C:\Program Files (x86)\Google</code>.
Rename Update: Rename the folder named Update to something else, such as Update.old.
Restart: Restart Chrome. It will now be unable to check for updates. Method 3: Use Group Policy (Windows Pro/Enterprise)
If you are using Windows Pro or Enterprise, you can use the Group Policy Editor to manage update policies.
Download Templates: Download the Google Chrome ADMX templates.
Open Group Policy: Press Windows Key + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
Navigate to Policy: Go to Computer Configuration > Google > Google Update > Applications > Google Chrome.
Disable Updates: Double-click on Update policy override and set it to Disabled. Method 4: Modify the Info.plist (macOS)
For macOS users, you can prevent updates by editing the application’s configuration file. Find Application: Open Finder and go to Applications.
Show Contents: Right-click Google Chrome.app and select Show Package Contents.
Edit plist: Open the Contents folder, then open Info.plist in a text editor.
Change URL: Locate the KSUpdateURL key and change the URL value to something invalid. Save & Restart: Save the file and restart Chrome. Summary Checklist Effectiveness Disable Services Rename Update Folder Group Policy Windows Pro High (Best for IT) Modify Info.plist Medium/High If you’d like, I can: Show you how to re-enable updates later.
Explain how to check your current version to confirm updates are stopped.
Provide steps to install a specific older version of Chrome. How to disable Google Chrome auto update? - Stack Overflow
To disable Google Chrome’s automatic updates, you can try these steps: 1. Go toC:\Program Files (x86)\Google** 2. Rename the ** Stack Overflow How to Disable Chrome Auto Update (Advanced)