If you don’t want the Google Chrome browser to auto-update itself in the background, you can turn it off. Follow these steps to disable Chrome auto-update in Windows.
For many Windows users, the popular choice of browser is Google Chrome. One of the main reasons being its ease of use, features, and extensive support for a wide range of extensions. By default, Google Chrome auto updates itself in the background. That is one of the reasons why you never see the “upgrade” prompt and suddenly have access to new features and functionality. Generally, automatic updates are good. They make sure that your software is up to date and feature-proof.
Though the Chrome auto-update is useful in principle, there might be times when you don’t want Chrome to automatically update itself. For example, maybe Google is removing or adding a certain feature that you like or don’t like. In those cases, you can simply disable Chrome auto update to make sure no changes are made without your authorization. The problem is, for whatever reason, Google makes it really hard to turn off Chrome automatic updates. However, being a Windows user, there is always a way to get things done.
In this quick and simple guide, let me show some simple ways to quickly disable Chrome auto update in Windows 10.
Disable Chrome Auto Update
There are multiple ways to turn off the Google Chrome auto-update feature. I will show two of the most successful methods. Follow any one of them and the task will be done in no time.
1. Disable the ‘Google Update’ service
To auto update the Chrome browser, Google uses a special Windows service component called “Google Update” service. If you stop or disable this service, Chrome can no longer update itself. Here’s how to disable the Google Update service to stop Chrome auto update.
- Press “Start + R” shortcut to open Run.
- Type “services.msc” in the blank field.
- Click the “Ok” button.
- Double-click on the “Google Update Service (gupdate)” service.
- Set the Startup type to “Disabled.”
- Click “Ok.”
- Double-click on the “Google Update Service (gupdatem)” service.
- Set the Startup type to “Disabled.”
- Click “Ok.”
- Close the Services window.
- Restart Windows.
One thing to keep in mind is that if you reinstall or update Chrome manually, it might automatically enabled the Google Update service. In that case, disable it again by following the same steps.
2. Change ‘Updatedefault’ in Registry
By changing the “Updatedefault” registry value, you can stop Chrome browser auto update. It is pretty easy to do. Follow the steps below.
- Open the Start menu.
- Search for “Registry Editor.”
- Click on the top result to open the registry editor.
- Copy the below path.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies - Paste it in the address bar and press Enter.
- Right-click on the “Policies” folder.
- Select “New -> Key.”
- Name the folder as “Google.”
- Right-click on the “Google” folder.
- Select “New -> Key.”
- Name the folder “Update.”
- Right-click on the “Update” folder.
- Select “New -> DWORD Value.”
- Name the value as “Updatedefault.”
- Double-click on the “Updatedefault” value.
- Set the Value Data to “0.”
- Click “Ok.”
- Close the registry editor.
- Restart Windows 10.
That is all. It is that simple to disable Chrome auto update in Windows 10.
If you are stuck or need some help, comment below and I will try to help as much as possible. If you like this article, check out how to delete Chrome autocomplete URL in address bar.
