Automatic updates are beneficial because you don’t have to worry about updating on your own; however, there are times when the update happens when you don’t want it to. If you want more control on when and how to install these updates, there are a few things you can do.
Prevent Chrome Updates from System Configuration
Disabling Chrome updates through the System Configuration isn’t as hard as it may sound. Open the “Run” command by pressing the Win + R key. Type msconfig to open the System Configuration window. Click on the “Services” tab. At the bottom uncheck the box that says “Hide all Microsoft services.” Under the Services tab, you’ll see a series of options.
Carefully look for the options that say “Google Update (gupdate)” and “Google Update (gupdatem).” Uncheck both and click the Apply button. Don’t forget to click OK to save the settings. The next set of options will be in regards to whether or not to restart your computer. It’s up to you what you feel is necessary.
Disable Updates Directly from Registry Editor
You’ll also need the Run box for this method. This time type regedit, and when the registry editor opens, double click on the “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE” folder. When the folder opens, you’ll see what’s installed on your computer. Look for and right-click on the Policies folder and select “new -> key.” Make sure to name the newly created key “Google.”
Right-click on the Google folder and select “new -> key.” Name the new key “update.” Right-click below the default option and select “new -> DWORD” and name it “updatedefault.” Click on the newly created option, and a new window should appear. The value data box needs to be at 0; if it’s not, change it. Click OK to save your changes. Since Chrome won’t update automatically, don’t forget to check for updates whenever you’re ready for them.
Click on the three vertical dots -> Help -> About Chrome. If there are any updates waiting, Chrome will start updating itself immediately. Make sure you’re not doing anything significant when you decide to update Chrome since you’ll need to relaunch the browser.
Disable Chrome Updates Through Local Group Policy Editor
Before trying this method, keep in mind that the Local Group Policy Editor is not available in every Windows version. If you’re sure your computer has this feature, then go ahead and download the Google Update (auto-update) template. Press the Win + R keys to open the Run command and type gpedit.msc. Right-click “Administrative Templates” under Computer Configuration. Choose Add/Remove Templates and click the Add button on the bottom-left.
Click on the Add button to the left, and a new window should appear.
Choose the “GoogleUpdate.adm” template you downloaded before, and click on the close button. This should take you to the main window of the Group Policy Editor.
Conclusion
To have the best possible experience is to have Chrome update whenever an update is available. If for some reason that is not possible, now you know how you can prevent Chrome from updating itself. Why do you think it’s a good idea not to have Chrome update automatically? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.
