Have you ever updated Google Chrome only to find that your favorite features or extensions aren’t working the way they used to? Maybe the new version is just not your cup of tea. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Today, we’ll walk through how to downgrade Google Chrome to an older version.
Before we dive in, a quick heads-up: Downgrading your browser can leave you vulnerable to security risks since newer updates often include important security patches. So, proceed with caution and make sure this is something you really want to do.
First things first, you’ll need to uninstall your current version of Chrome. This is easier than it sounds. On Windows, head to your Control Panel, then find “Programs” and select “Uninstall a program.” Scroll down until you see Google Chrome, click on it, and choose “Uninstall.” Follow the prompts to remove it from your computer. If you’re on a Mac, open Finder, go to the “Applications” folder, find Google Chrome, and drag it to the Trash. Don’t forget to empty your Trash afterward.
Now that Chrome is uninstalled, you need to download the version you want. Unfortunately, Google doesn’t make this easy since they want you to use the latest version. But no worries, there are websites like Slimjet that archive older versions of Chrome. Just be sure to download from a reputable site to avoid malware.
Once you’ve found the version you want, download the installer file to your computer. After the download is complete, open the installer and follow the instructions to install the older version of Chrome. It’s pretty straightforward, just like installing any other software.
Here’s a pro tip: Before you open the newly installed older version, turn off automatic updates. If you don’t, Chrome will update itself to the latest version again. To do this, you’ll need to make a small tweak to your system settings. On Windows, press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type msconfig, and hit Enter. Go to the “Services” tab, find “Google Update Service (gupdate)” and “Google Update Service (gupdatem)”, and uncheck both. Click “Apply” and “OK,” then restart your computer.
On a Mac, open Terminal (you can find it in Applications > Utilities), and enter the following command: defaults write com.google.Keystone.Agent checkInterval 0. This will stop automatic updates for Chrome.
Now, you can open your newly installed older version of Chrome and enjoy the features you missed! Remember to keep an eye out for any important updates or patches that might come up, as staying secure online is super important.
There you have it! Downgrading Google Chrome isn’t too tricky, even for a novice computer user. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be back to the version you love in no time. If you have any questions or run into any issues, feel free to drop a comment below.