What Is the Google Chrome Browser?

Google Chrome is a free web browser developed by Google, used for accessing web pages on the internet. As of March 2022, it is the most popular web browser of choice worldwide, with more than 62% of the web browser market share.

Google Chrome is also a cross-platform browser, meaning some versions work on different computers, mobile devices, and operating systems. According to Statista, Google Chrome for Android is the most used version, holding more than 36% of the global web browser market share as of January 2022.

Using Google Chrome

Using Google Chrome is as easy as using the default web browser on your current computer (such as Firefox, Edge, or Safari). Whenever you want to visit a website, all you have to do is type the web address URL into the address bar at the top and press Enter/Go/Search.

Like other web browsers, Google Chrome includes basic browser features like a back button, forward button, refresh button, history, bookmarks, toolbar, and settings. Also like other browsers, Chrome includes an incognito mode, which allows you to browse privately without having your history, cookies, or site data tracked. It also include an expansive library of plugins and extensions.

Chrome's range of extra features, however, goes well beyond the basics.

A Few of Google Chrome's Standout Features

Here are some of Google Chrome's best features:

• It's fast, secure, and easy to use.

Perhaps the biggest draw to Google Chrome is its raw performance. Web pages can be opened and loaded extremely quickly—even when browsing through lots of pages with heavy graphics, ads, or video content. The interface is clean and simple to use, even for beginners, and updates are rolled out frequently and automatically to keep security in check.

• You can use the address bar to search Google.

Need to search for something? Simply open a new window or tab and start typing whatever you need to search for in the address bar. Then press Enter/Go/Search and you'll be shown the corresponding Google search results page.

• You can sync Chrome settings across devices.

When you use Chrome with your Google Account, you can sync all of your bookmarks, history, passwords, autofills and more. This means that your settings will remain consistent and updated whenever you use Chrome via your Google account on any other computer or device.

Using Google Chrome Extensions

Google Chrome extensions are available for many of your favorite web services, from Dropbox and Evernote to Pocket and Pinterest. They can be searched and downloaded from the Chrome Web Store.

When you find an extension you want to use, just select Add to Chrome and then Add extension.

A small popup box may appear in Chrome confirming the installation along with a short note about how to access it. A new tab may open with more in-depth instructions that show you how to use all the features of the extension.

How to Get Chrome

Google Chrome is completely free to download and use, but you'll need to use an existing web browser to download it. All you have to do is navigate to google.com/chrome and select Download Chrome.

Google will automatically detect the platform you're on so that it can provide the corresponding version of Chrome you need to download. If you're on a mobile device, a popup message will appear to direct you to either the iTunes App Store or the Google Play Store, where you can download the Chrome app for iOS or Android.

Google Chrome can be downloaded and used on the following platforms:

• macOS 10.10 or later
• Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 64-bit
• Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 32-bit
• Chrome OS
• Linux
• Android
• iOS