Chrome Won’t Install on Windows? Try These Fixes

Common causes

• Not enough free space on the system disk
• Antivirus software, a firewall or a proxy blocking the install
• A version of Windows that Chrome doesn’t support
• Chrome already installed, or a newer version already present
• Windows running in S mode
• No administrator rights on the PC

Step-by-Step Solutions

Start with the quick checks at the top and work down; if Windows shows an error code or message, you can jump to the step that matches it.

1. 1

   Step 1: Check your connection and Chrome’s requirements

   Google’s first fixes for most installation errors are a working internet connection and a PC that meets Chrome’s system requirements.

   Make sure your internet connection works normally before you try again.

   On a PC with an Intel processor, Chrome needs Windows 10 and up and an Intel Pentium 4 processor or up that’s SSE3 capable. On a PC with an ARM processor, Chrome needs Windows 11 and up.

   If the installer shows the “OS not supported” error, it may be because the installer doesn’t support your operating system. Check whether your version of Windows is currently supported.

2. 2

   Step 2: Download the installation file again

   A fresh copy of the installer is Google’s next step for most installation errors.

   Download the Chrome installation file again, then use the new file to install Chrome.

   While it installs, follow the on-screen instructions. If Windows asks “Do you want to run this file?,” select Run. If it asks “Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?,” select Yes.

   Good to know

   On Windows 10 and up, a Chrome window opens when the installation is complete.

3. 3

   Step 3: Free up space on your system disk

   Error 0x80070070 means your system disk is full, and a lack of space can cause other install errors too.

   Free up space on your system disk, usually disk C. Delete files you don’t need, such as:

   • Temporary files
   • Browser cache files

   Good to know

   After you free up space, download Chrome again and reinstall it.

4. 4

   Step 4: Turn off antivirus software while you install

   Some antivirus software can prevent Chrome from installing on your computer.

   Turn off your antivirus software, download Chrome again and reinstall it. Then turn your antivirus software back on.

   If Chrome still won’t install with your antivirus software turned off, Google says you need to upgrade your antivirus software.

5. 5

   Step 5: Allow the installer through your firewall or proxy

   A firewall, antivirus software or proxy can stop the installer from connecting to the internet.

   If you use Windows Firewall, select the Start menu and open the Windows Settings app. In the “Find a setting” search box, enter Firewall.

   Select Allow an app through Windows Firewall, then Change Settings, then Allow another app, then Browse. At the top of the Browse window, enter %ProgramFiles(x86)%\Google\GoogleUpdater. Find and select the folder with the highest number, select updater.exe, then select Add.

   If you use other firewall software, go to that software company’s website to learn how to add it to your exceptions list.

   Good to know

   If you connect through a proxy, Google lists the Negotiate authentication scheme, which includes Kerberos and NTLM, and proxies with “integrated authentication” as supported.

6. 6

   Step 6: Switch out of S mode

   To install apps that aren’t available in the Microsoft Store, such as Chrome, you need to switch out of S mode.

   Open the Microsoft Store and search for Switch out of S mode. On the “Switch out of S mode” page, select Get, then follow the on-screen instructions to confirm.

   There’s no charge to switch out of S mode. Once it’s confirmed, you can install apps from outside the Microsoft Store, including Chrome.

   Good to know

   Google notes that once you switch out of S mode, you can’t go back.

7. 7

   Step 7: Check whether Chrome is already installed

   Chrome already being on your PC, or a newer version being present, can get in the way of a new install.

   If your Windows computer already has Google Chrome for all users, the version of Chrome you already have will launch.

   Error 4 means a newer version of Chrome is already present on the computer.

   To use a different version, uninstall the current Chrome app, then download and install the new version.

8. 8

   Step 8: Get help if you’re not an administrator

   Google lists not being an administrator on Windows as a reason Chrome can’t install.

   If you’re not an administrator on the PC, follow the usual steps to download and install Chrome. If you have questions or the install still fails, contact your system administrator.

9. 9

   Step 9: Use the offline installer

   If the installation still isn’t working, Google suggests an offline installer downloaded on a different computer.

   On a computer where downloads work, open the alternate Chrome download link. At the bottom of the page, under “Chrome Family,” select Other Platforms, then select the operating system of the PC you want to install Chrome on.

   Download the file, move it to the PC where you want Chrome, then follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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