How to Update Chrome​ on Windows 11 using Winget Command Line

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In the fast-paced world of web browsing, keeping your browser updated is essential—not just for experiencing the latest features but also for security and performance. If you’re running Windows 11 and you’re a fan of using the command line, updating Google Chrome via the Winget package manager is both efficient and satisfying. Let’s explore how you can do that seamlessly.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

Updating Google Chrome on Windows 11 can be quick and painless using the Winget command-line tool. Just open Command Prompt as an administrator and run winget upgrade Google.Chrome. This method ensures you get the latest version installed without diving into menus. It’s ideal for users who prefer automation and scriptable workflows.

What Is Winget?

Winget, short for Windows Package Manager, is a powerful command-line tool developed by Microsoft for installing, upgrading, and managing applications. Think of it like Linux’s apt or macOS’s Homebrew. With Winget, you can streamline software management, making it an especially useful tool for IT professionals, power users, and developers.

Winget comes pre-installed with Windows 11, so you don’t need to download anything extra. It taps into the Microsoft community repository, where verified packages—including Google Chrome—are maintained and kept up to date.

Why Update Chrome via Winget?

Sure, Chrome usually updates automatically, but manual updates via Winget offer multiple advantages:

  • Speed and Simplicity: A single command can handle the update.
  • Scriptability: Ideal for automation and batch processing.
  • Transparency: See exactly when and how Chrome is being updated.
  • Reliability: Bypass potential UI bugs or update failures in the browser interface.

Step-by-Step: How to Use Winget to Update Google Chrome

Let’s break down the process into clear steps.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

You’ll need administrator privileges to upgrade applications. Here’s how to open Command Prompt:

  1. Click the Start button or press the Windows key.
  2. Type cmd.
  3. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

Step 2: Check Existing Chrome Installation

You can check which version of Google Chrome you currently have installed by typing:

winget list Google.Chrome

This will return details about your current Chrome installation, including the version and publisher.

Step 3: Run the Upgrade Command

To actually update Chrome, simply use:

winget upgrade Google.Chrome

If a new version is available, Winget will download and install it. If Chrome is already up to date, you’ll see a message stating that no upgrade is found.

Need to upgrade all installed applications, not just Chrome? Use:

winget upgrade --all

This can be especially useful during system maintenance or when setting up a fresh installation.

Troubleshooting Tips

Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are a few common issues and solutions:

  • Winget Command Not Found: Make sure your system is up to date with the latest version of Windows 11. Winget ships with modern builds, but older builds might lack it.
  • Insufficient Permissions: Always run Command Prompt as administrator when performing upgrades.
  • Package Not Found: Ensure you’re using the correct package ID. For Chrome, it should be Google.Chrome.

Bonus: Automating Chrome Updates

If you manage multiple PCs or prefer not to run the command manually each time, you can automate Chrome updates using Task Scheduler and a simple script.

Step 1: Save the Command to a Script

Create a text file and rename it to chrome_update.bat. Paste the following line into it:

winget upgrade Google.Chrome

Step 2: Create a Scheduled Task

  1. Press Windows key + S and search for Task Scheduler.
  2. Click Create Basic Task.
  3. Set a name like “Chrome Auto-Update”
  4. Choose a schedule (e.g., weekly or daily).
  5. In the “Action” step, choose Start a program and point to your .bat file.
  6. Finish and save the task.

That’s it! Chrome will now update automatically at the interval you’ve set.

Benefits of Using Winget for Updates

The Winget CLI approach has some compelling advantages:

  • Minimal UI interaction: Great for remote systems or headless environments.
  • Faster than traditional methods: No need to wait for Chrome to check or prompt for updates.
  • Ideal for IT Admins: Roll out updates across several machines with a single script.

Common Questions

Can I install Chrome using Winget if I don’t have it?

Absolutely. Use winget install Google.Chrome to install it fresh on any Windows 11 system.

Is Winget safe?

Yes. Since Winget packages are hosted and vetted by Microsoft’s community repository, they are checked for integrity and security.

Can I use PowerShell instead of Command Prompt?

Yes, Winget works perfectly in PowerShell as well. The commands remain the same.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a developer, sysadmin, or just someone who loves the elegance of the command line, using Winget to update Google Chrome on Windows 11 offers a fast and reliable solution. Not only does it save you time, but it also puts you in control of the update process—a welcome feature for anyone who values efficiency and transparency.

Mastering tools like Winget opens the door to a more streamlined and automated computing experience. Once you realize how easy it is to manage software this way, you might never go back to hunting for update buttons the old-fashioned way.

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