How to Uninstall and Reinstall Google Chrome – Honestly, Google Chrome used to be my favorite browser, but then, everything changed. Suddenly, it kept crashing, which made browsing super frustrating. Eventually, I had no choice but to uninstall and reinstall Google Chrome. If you’re struggling with similar issues, then follow this guide carefully, because every step matters!
Why Uninstall Google Chrome?
Before doing anything drastic, you should know why removing Chrome might be necessary. Surprisingly, several reasons could force you to take this step, so let’s check them out:
- Crashes and freezes frequently – If Chrome constantly stops working, then a fresh install might fix it.
- Performance issues keep getting worse – Over time, browsers slow down, which makes reinstalling a good option.
- Corrupted files may be causing trouble – Sometimes, an update breaks Chrome, and reinstalling helps.
- Too many unnecessary extensions exist – A fresh reinstall removes all junk and restores speed.
- Annoying malware infections appear – Some weird extensions or redirects could hijack your browser.
If you relate to any of these, then it’s time to uninstall Google Chrome properly!
How to Back Up Chrome Data Before Uninstalling
Before doing anything else, you should secure your important data. Otherwise, everything might disappear forever! So, let’s save the essentials first:
- Sync everything to your Google Account – Go to Settings > Sync and Google services and enable full synchronization.
- Export all bookmarks manually – Click the three dots > Bookmarks > Bookmark Manager > Export bookmarks.
- Save all stored passwords properly – Use Google Password Manager or an external password manager.
- List useful extensions carefully – Take notes, because reinstalling them later could be tedious.
Now that everything is safe, let’s uninstall Google Chrome completely!
Also Read: Transfer Files from Android to PC Using USB Cable Fast!
Uninstall Chrome on Windows
- Open Control Panel immediately – Press
Win + R, typeappwiz.cpl, and press enter. - Find Google Chrome in the list – Scroll down or use the search bar.
- Click Uninstall without hesitation – Select Chrome, then hit Uninstall.
- Choose to delete browsing data – Tick the box to remove everything if you want a complete reset.
- Confirm and wait patiently – The process takes a few moments, so don’t close anything.
Remove Chrome on Mac
- Quit Chrome completely – If it won’t close, then force quit it.
- Go to Finder instantly – Open
Applications. - Drag Chrome straight to Trash – Just grab it and drop it there.
- Empty Trash afterward – Otherwise, Chrome still occupies space.
Uninstall Chrome on Android
- Open Settings and find Apps.
- Locate Chrome inside the app list.
- Tap Uninstall immediately – If removal isn’t possible, then disable it instead.
Uninstall Chrome on iPhone/iPad
- Long-press the Chrome app on the home screen.
- Tap Remove App, then choose Delete App.
Now that Chrome is gone, let’s make sure no traces remain!
How to Remove Leftover Chrome Data (Advanced Users)
If a complete wipe is needed, then extra steps are required. These folders should be deleted manually:
- Windows:
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome - Mac:
~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome
Deleting these ensures that Chrome is removed completely!
How to Reinstall Google Chrome
Download the Latest Version
- Visit chrome.google.com right away.
- Click Download Chrome without delay – Pick the correct version for Windows, Mac, or Linux.
- Wait for the download to finish – The file is usually small, so it won’t take long.
Set up Chrome on Windows
- Open the
.exefile as soon as possible. - Follow the on-screen setup wizard.
- Launch Chrome after installation completes.
Install Chrome on Mac
- Open the
.dmgfile immediately. - Drag Chrome directly into Applications.
Install Chrome on Android/iPhone
- Open Play Store or App Store.
- Search for “Google Chrome”.
- Tap Install instantly.
Once Chrome is installed, restoring your data should be the next step!
How to Restore Your Chrome Data
- Sign in to your Google Account again – This brings back bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history.
- Adjust settings for a better experience – Change privacy options, search engine preferences, and themes.
- Reinstall necessary extensions manually – Visit Chrome Web Store to find and install everything again.
Troubleshooting Installation Issues
If Chrome refuses to install or work properly, then these fixes should help:
- Restart your device and try again – Many issues get resolved this way.
- Ensure your internet connection is stable – A slow connection might cause installation errors.
- Run the installer as Administrator (Windows users only) – Right-click the
.exefile and select Run as administrator. - Remove old Chrome files manually – Deleting leftover data sometimes fixes installation problems.
If Chrome won’t open even after reinstalling, then these solutions might work:
- Reset Chrome settings immediately – Go to Settings > Reset settings and choose Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Scan for malware immediately – Use Malwarebytes or a similar security tool.
- Reinstall Chrome once again – Sometimes, another installation attempt solves everything.
FAQs: How to Uninstall and Reinstall Google Chrome
1. Will bookmarks and passwords disappear after uninstalling Chrome?
No, unless sync is disabled. If everything is backed up, then your data remains safe.
2. How can Chrome be completely removed?
After uninstalling, leftover Chrome files should be deleted manually.
3. Why can’t Chrome be uninstalled on Android?
If Chrome was pre-installed, then full removal isn’t possible, but disabling it works.
4. How long does reinstalling Chrome take?
Usually, the entire process finishes within 5-10 minutes, depending on your internet speed.
5. What if Chrome still refuses to work after reinstalling?
Try resetting Chrome settings, running a malware scan, or installing it again.
