Google Chrome is Google’s web browser. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iPhone and iPad, and it is free. If you sign in with a Google Account, Chrome can sync bookmarks, passwords and history between your devices. Google’s page presents sign-in as a way to get the same browser everywhere; browsing itself does not require it.
Who it suits
Chrome suits people who already use Google services and want the same browser on every device. If you want built-in ad blocking or fewer ties to a Google Account, compare it with other Chromium-based browsers such as Brave or Vivaldi before you choose.
Get the official version
- Windows, Mac and Linux: go to google.com/chrome. The page detects your system and offers the matching installer. On Linux it offers .deb and .rpm packages.
- Android: install or update Chrome from Google Play.
- iPhone and iPad: only through the App Store.
- Businesses: Google publishes managed installers on the Chrome Enterprise download page.
Price and account
Chrome costs nothing and has no subscription. A Google Account is only needed for sync. On Android, Google Play shows a “Contains ads” label on the Chrome listing.
System requirements
| Platform | Requirement (Google’s support page) |
|---|---|
| Windows (Intel/AMD) | Windows 10 or later, or Windows Server 2016 or later; SSE3-capable processor |
| Windows (ARM) | Windows 11 and up |
| Mac | macOS 13 Ventura and up |
| Linux | 64-bit Ubuntu 18.04+, Debian 10+, openSUSE 15.5+ or Fedora Linux 39+ |
| Android | Android 10 or later |
The App Store listing requires iOS 18.0 or later.
Safety notes
Chrome updates itself, so you rarely need to download it again. Pop-ups or third-party sites claiming your “Chrome needs an update” and offering a file are a common trick; close them and let the browser’s built-in updater do the work. On Android and iPhone, install only from the official store.
Questions
Does Chrome still run on Windows 7 or 8.1?
No current version does. Google’s support page says Chrome 109, released January 10, 2023, was the last version for Windows 7, 8 and 8.1.
Is there an offline or MSI installer?
Yes, for organisations. The Chrome Enterprise download page offers installers designed for managed deployment. Home users can use the normal download from google.com.
Can I install Chrome with winget?
Yes: winget install Google.Chrome. The manifest points to Google’s own download server.
Do I need a Google Account?
No. You can browse without signing in. An account adds sync across devices.
