To download Google Chrome on Windows 11, open Microsoft Edge, go to google.com/chrome, and select Download Chrome. Open the downloaded ChromeSetup.exe file, select Yes when Windows asks for permission, and Chrome installs and opens by itself in about a minute. It’s free, and you only need Edge once to get it.
Applies to: Windows 11 Home and Pro, versions 23H2 to 25H2. Windows 11 in S mode can’t install Chrome until you switch out of S mode. Last reviewed October 8, 2026.
Step 1: Download Chrome
- Open Microsoft Edge from the taskbar or Start menu.
- Type google.com/chrome in the address bar and press Enter. Make sure the address is Google’s own site; ignore ads for “Chrome download” sites.
- Select Download Chrome.
- Edge may show a message suggesting you keep using Edge. Select Download or close the message to continue.
Step 2: Install it
- Select Open file under ChromeSetup.exe in Edge’s downloads list, or open it from your Downloads folder.
- Select Yes in the User Account Control box.
- Wait while the installer downloads and installs Chrome. Chrome opens when it’s done.
Step 3: Set it up
- Sign in with your Google account to bring over bookmarks, passwords and extensions from another computer.
- Make it your default browser: Chrome offers this on first launch. Or go to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Google Chrome > Set default. See how to set Chrome as the default browser in Windows 11.
- Pin it to the taskbar: right-click the Chrome icon on the taskbar and select Pin to taskbar. See how to pin Chrome to the taskbar.
- Import from Edge: in Chrome, open the menu > Bookmarks and lists > Import bookmarks and settings, and choose Microsoft Edge.
Other ways to install Chrome
Command line (winget)
Right-click Start, select Terminal, and run:
winget install Google.ChromeThis downloads and installs the latest version from Google without opening a browser.
Offline installer
For a PC without a reliable internet connection, Google offers a full standalone installer. On Google’s Chrome download page, look for the option to download Chrome for another platform or the alternate (offline) installer, then copy the file to the PC with a USB drive.
Requirements and versions
- Windows 11 on Intel or AMD: the standard download installs the 64-bit version automatically.
- Windows 11 on Arm (Snapdragon laptops such as Surface Copilot+ PCs): Google’s site detects this and installs the native Arm version, which runs faster and uses less battery than the emulated one. If you installed Chrome before the Arm version was available, reinstall it from google.com/chrome.
- Several people on one PC: each Windows account can sign in to its own Chrome profile. Use the profile icon at the top right to add or switch profiles.
- Work PCs: IT departments can deploy Chrome with Google’s enterprise MSI installer. If installs are blocked, ask IT.
Chrome or Edge?
Both are built on the same Chromium engine, so most websites and extensions work the same in either. Chrome is the better pick if you use Google services and want your bookmarks and passwords on an Android phone. Edge is already installed, ties into your Microsoft account, and can’t be fully removed from Windows 11, so it’s fine to keep both.
Troubleshooting
“For security and performance, this mode of Windows only runs verified apps”
Your PC is in S mode. Go to Settings > System > Activation, find Switch out of S mode, and follow the link to the Microsoft Store. Switching is free but one-way.
The installer fails or shows an error
Restart the PC and try again. Make sure you have at least 1 GB of free space and a working internet connection. If antivirus software blocks it, download the installer only from google.com and allow it.
Chrome won’t open after installing
Restart the PC. If it still won’t open, uninstall it from Settings > Apps > Installed apps and install it again.
Links still open in Edge
Set Chrome as the default for each link type in Default apps. See how to change the default browser in Windows 11.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chrome free on Windows 11?
Yes. Only download it from google.com/chrome. Sites that charge for Chrome or bundle it with other software are scams.
Does Chrome update itself?
Yes, in the background. To check, open the menu > Help > About Google Chrome.
Can I use Chrome and Edge side by side?
Yes. Both can be installed. Clear Chrome’s data when you need to with how to clear cookies in Chrome on Windows 11.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.