Check 64 Bit Chrome: How to Get It

To check if your Chrome is 64-bit, open Chrome, click the three-dot menu → Help → About Chrome, and look for “64-bit” next to the version number. If you see “32-bit,” you can get the 64-bit version by downloading it directly from Google’s official Chrome download page for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, or Android).

Why 64-Bit Chrome Matters

Most modern computers run a 64-bit operating system (OS), which can handle more memory and perform certain tasks faster than a 32-bit OS. A 64-bit browser like Chrome can take advantage of that extra capacity, especially when you have many tabs open or use memory-heavy web apps like Google Docs, video editors, or large spreadsheets. In practice, 64-bit Chrome is more stable and less likely to crash when memory usage spikes, and it also benefits from stronger security features like Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) on Windows.

If you’re on a 32-bit OS, you cannot run 64-bit Chrome—the OS itself must be 64-bit. Most computers sold in the last decade are 64-bit, but some older or budget devices may still be 32-bit. Checking your OS architecture is a simple first step before downloading.

How to Check Your Current Chrome Version

Here’s how to see whether you already have 64-bit Chrome:

Open Chrome on your computer.
Click the three vertical dots (⋮) in the top-right corner.
Select Help → About Chrome.
Look at the version number. It will show something like “Version 126.0.6478.127 (Official Build) (64-bit)” if you’re on 64-bit.

If it says “32-bit” instead, you’re running the older version. On macOS, Chrome has been 64-bit only since version 39 (2014), so if you’ve updated recently, you’re almost certainly on 64-bit. On Linux, the package you installed determines the architecture—most modern distros default to 64-bit.

For Android, Chrome is always 64-bit on devices that support it; you can check by going to Settings → Apps → Chrome and looking at the “Built for” line, or by using a system info app.

How to Get 64-Bit Chrome (Step-by-Step)

If you discover you’re on 32-bit Chrome, here’s how to switch to 64-bit:

Back up your bookmarks and passwords (optional but safe). Chrome sync can handle this if you’re signed in, but a manual backup is always a good idea.
Uninstall the 32-bit version from your computer. On Windows, go to Settings → Apps → Apps & features, find Chrome, and uninstall. Make sure to check the box “Also delete your browsing data” if you don’t need it—but if you’re signed in, your data is in the cloud.
Download the 64-bit installer from Google’s official Chrome download page (google.com/chrome). The site automatically serves the correct 64-bit version for your OS. If you’re on Windows, you can also download the standalone 64-bit installer directly from Google’s “Chrome for Windows” page—look for the “64-bit” option.
Install the new version by running the downloaded file. Follow the on-screen prompts.
Verify by going to Help → About Chrome again—it should now show “64-bit.”

On macOS, you don’t need to uninstall first; just download the latest Chrome from Google and replace the old app in your Applications folder. On Linux, use your package manager (e.g., sudo apt install google-chrome-stable on Debian/Ubuntu) to get the 64-bit build.

Common Problems and Fixes

Sometimes the switch isn’t smooth. Here are typical issues and how to resolve them:

You see “32-bit” even after reinstalling. This usually means you downloaded the wrong installer. On Windows, Google’s main download page often serves the 64-bit version automatically, but if you’re using an older link or a third-party site, you might get the 32-bit one. Go directly to google.com/chrome and download again.
Chrome won’t install at all. Your OS might be 32-bit. Check by going to Settings → System → About (Windows) or About This Mac (macOS). If your OS is 32-bit, you cannot run 64-bit Chrome—you’d need to upgrade your OS or hardware.
You lose your bookmarks after uninstalling. If you weren’t signed in to Chrome, your local data is gone. To avoid this, sign in to Chrome before uninstalling, or export bookmarks to an HTML file via Bookmark Manager.
Chrome is slow after the switch. That’s unusual; 64-bit should be faster. Try clearing your cache or disabling extensions that might be incompatible.
You’re on a Chromebook. Chrome OS is already 64-bit on most models; you don’t need to do anything. Check your settings under “About Chrome OS” to see the platform version.

32-Bit vs. 64-Bit: What’s the Real Difference?

The main difference is memory addressing. A 32-bit program can use at most about 4 GB of RAM (and often less due to OS overhead), while a 64-bit program can use far more—practically unlimited for everyday use. When you have 20 tabs open, each with heavy JavaScript, a 64-bit browser can handle the load without crashing. Also, 64-bit Chrome uses more efficient instructions, which can speed up page rendering and JavaScript execution, though the difference is often modest in casual browsing.

Security is another factor. 64-bit builds on Windows have additional protections like Control Flow Guard (CFG) and better ASLR, making it harder for malware to exploit browser vulnerabilities. Google has been pushing 64-bit as the default for years; since Chrome version 37 (2014) on Windows, the 64-bit version has been stable and recommended.

One misconception is that 64-bit Chrome uses more RAM than 32-bit. It can, because it can address more memory, but that’s not inherently bad—it’s using available resources to keep things fast. If you’re on a machine with only 2 GB of RAM, 32-bit might feel snappier, but you’d also be more prone to crashes. For most users with 4 GB or more, 64-bit is the right choice.

How to Check Your OS Architecture

Before downloading, confirm your OS is 64-bit:

Windows 10/11: Settings → System → About → look under “Device specifications” for “System type: 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor.”
Windows 7/8: Right-click “Computer” → Properties → see “System type.”
macOS: Click the Apple logo → About This Mac → look for “Processor” or “Chip.” If it’s an Intel Core 2 Duo or later, it’s 64-bit. All Macs since 2006 are 64-bit capable.
Linux: Open a terminal and type uname -m. If it returns x86_64, you’re on 64-bit. If it returns i686 or i386, you’re on 32-bit.

If your OS is 32-bit, you cannot install 64-bit Chrome. You’d need to either upgrade your OS (if possible) or continue using the 32-bit version, which Google still supports for now, but it’s less secure and slower.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 64-bit Chrome always better than 32-bit?

For almost all users, yes. 64-bit Chrome is faster, more stable, and more secure. The only exception is on very low-memory devices (2 GB or less) where the larger memory footprint might cause slower performance. But even then, 32-bit Chrome is more likely to crash under memory pressure.

Will I lose my passwords and bookmarks when switching?

Not if you’re signed in to Chrome with a Google account. Your data is synced to the cloud. If you’re not signed in, you’ll lose local data when you uninstall. To be safe, sign in before switching or export bookmarks manually.

How do I download the 64-bit installer directly?

Go to google.com/chrome on your computer. The site automatically detects your OS and serves the correct installer. For Windows, you can also visit the “Chrome for Windows” page and choose the 64-bit standalone installer from the “Other platforms” link.

Can I have both 32-bit and 64-bit Chrome installed?

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. They use separate profile folders, so you’d have two sets of bookmarks and settings, and it can cause confusion. It’s best to uninstall the 32-bit version before installing 64-bit.

Does 64-bit Chrome work with all extensions?

Yes, extensions are mostly architecture-agnostic—they run in the browser’s JavaScript environment. However, some older extensions that use native code (rare) might not work. In practice, virtually all extensions on the Chrome Web Store work fine on 64-bit.

What if my Chrome still shows 32-bit after downloading from google.com/chrome?

That can happen if you’re on a 32-bit OS, or if your browser is being managed by an enterprise policy that forces 32-bit. Check your OS architecture first. If you’re on 64-bit Windows, try downloading the standalone 64-bit installer from Google’s “Chrome for Windows” page, or clear your browser cache and download again.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →