Install 64 Bit Chrome? How to Check and Switch

Yes, you should install the 64-bit version of Google Chrome if your computer runs a 64-bit operating system, because it is faster, more stable, and more secure than the 32-bit build. This article explains how to check your current Chrome architecture, how to install the 64-bit version on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and what to do if you are still running the older 32-bit build.

Why 64-Bit Chrome Matters

Google Chrome has shipped a 64-bit version for Windows since 2014, and all versions for macOS and Linux are 64-bit only. The 64-bit build uses the full memory-addressing capability of modern processors, which means it can handle larger web pages, more tabs, and complex web applications without crashing. It also enables modern security features like stronger sandboxing and control-flow integrity, which are not fully available in the 32-bit version. For most users, switching from 32-bit to 64-bit Chrome results in noticeably smoother scrolling, faster page loads, and fewer “Aw, Snap!” crashes.

How to Check Your Current Chrome Version

Before you install anything, find out whether you already have the 64-bit version. The steps differ slightly by operating system:

Windows: Open Chrome, click the three-dot menu, go to Help > About Google Chrome. The version number is shown, and directly below it you will see either “64-bit” or “32-bit”.
macOS: All current Chrome builds are 64-bit, so the About page will always show “64-bit”.
Linux: The About page usually shows the architecture, or you can run google-chrome --version in a terminal. If it says x86_64 or amd64, it is 64-bit.

If you see “32-bit” on Windows, you are using the older build and should switch. If you are on a 32-bit operating system (rare on modern PCs), you cannot install 64-bit Chrome at all.

How to Install the 64-Bit Version on Windows

Installing 64-bit Chrome is straightforward, but you must download it from the official Google Chrome page. The standard installer automatically selects the correct architecture for your system, so most people already have 64-bit without doing anything special. However, if you previously downloaded a 32-bit installer (perhaps from an old link or a third-party site), you may have the 32-bit build even on a 64-bit system.

Close Chrome and any running Chrome processes (check the system tray for background icons).
Go to google.com/chrome and download the installer.
Run the installer. It will detect your OS architecture and install the matching version.
After installation, open Chrome and go to Help > About to confirm it says “64-bit”.

If you still see “32-bit” after this, you may have an old user profile or a leftover installation. In that case, uninstall Chrome completely (check “Also delete your browsing data” if you don’t need it), restart your PC, and then install fresh from the official site.

What About macOS and Linux?

macOS has been 64-bit only since Catalina (10.15), and Chrome for Mac has been 64-bit only for years. If you are on a modern Mac, you already have 64-bit Chrome. Linux distributions almost always ship 64-bit builds; if you downloaded from the official site, you likely have the correct version. For Linux, you can also install via your package manager (e.g., sudo apt install google-chrome-stable), which will pull the 64-bit package on x86_64 systems.

One edge case: if you are using an older 32-bit Linux system (like a Raspberry Pi with a 32-bit OS), you cannot run the official 64-bit Chrome. You would need to use the 32-bit build or a different browser.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

Many users worry that switching to 64-bit Chrome will break their extensions or bookmarks. It won’t—both versions use the same profile data, so all settings, passwords, and extensions carry over automatically. Another misconception is that 64-bit Chrome uses more RAM. It can use more memory if you open many tabs, but it also manages memory more efficiently, so the overall experience is usually better.

A common problem is that the About page shows “32-bit” even after a fresh install. This can happen if you downloaded the installer from a mirror site that served the 32-bit file, or if you are using an older offline installer. Always use the official Google page. Another issue is that some enterprise-managed PCs have a policy that forces the 32-bit version; if you are on a work computer, contact your IT admin.

If you are on a 32-bit operating system, you cannot install 64-bit Chrome. The 32-bit version is still supported, but Google has said it will eventually drop support for 32-bit Windows. For most people, the 64-bit version is the right choice.

Performance and Security Benefits

The 64-bit version of Chrome offers several concrete advantages over the 32-bit version:

Better performance: 64-bit code can process larger data types more efficiently, and Chrome uses this to speed up JavaScript and rendering.
More memory: A 32-bit process can only address about 4 GB of RAM, and Chrome often hits that limit with many tabs. 64-bit Chrome can use far more, reducing crashes on memory-heavy sites.
Enhanced security: 64-bit builds include stronger sandboxing and exploit mitigations that are not available in 32-bit builds.

In practice, users with 8 GB or more of RAM will notice the difference most when running many tabs or web apps like Google Docs, Figma, or video editors. On a machine with only 2 GB of RAM, the 32-bit version might feel lighter, but that is rare today.

How to Switch Without Losing Data

Switching from 32-bit to 64-bit Chrome does not require you to sign out, export bookmarks, or back up anything. The installer will use the same user data directory, so your profile remains intact. However, to be safe, you can sync your data to your Google account before switching. Here is a simple checklist:

Ensure you are signed into Chrome with your Google account.
Check that sync is enabled (Settings > You and Google > Sync and Google services).
Uninstall the 32-bit version (optional but recommended for a clean switch).
Install the 64-bit version from the official site.
Sign in again and verify your bookmarks and passwords are there.

If you don’t use sync, your local data will still be preserved because the installer does not delete the profile folder. But uninstalling with “delete browsing data” will erase everything, so only choose that if you truly want a fresh start.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have 64-bit Chrome?

Open Chrome, go to the three-dot menu, then Help > About Google Chrome. The version line will show either “64-bit” or “32-bit” directly under the version number. On macOS and modern Linux, it will always say 64-bit.

Is 64-bit Chrome faster than 32-bit?

Yes, generally. The 64-bit build can address more memory and uses optimized instructions, so it performs better on complex sites and with many open tabs. The difference is most noticeable on systems with 4 GB or more of RAM.

Can I install 64-bit Chrome on a 32-bit Windows?

No. The 64-bit version requires a 64-bit operating system. If your Windows is 32-bit, you must use the 32-bit Chrome build. You can check your OS type by going to Settings > System > About (Windows 10/11) and looking at “System type”.

Will I lose my bookmarks and passwords when switching?

No. The 64-bit installer uses the same user profile folder, so all your data stays intact. You do not need to back anything up, but syncing to your Google account is a good safety net.

Why does Chrome still say 32-bit after I downloaded from the official site?

This usually happens if you used an older offline installer or a cached download. Download the installer again from google.com/chrome, close all Chrome processes, and run it. If it still installs 32-bit, uninstall Chrome completely (without deleting your data) and reinstall.

Is 32-bit Chrome still safe to use?

It is still supported, but less secure than 64-bit. Google has announced that 32-bit support will eventually end, so if your hardware allows, you should switch to 64-bit. If you are stuck on a 32-bit OS, keep Chrome updated and consider using a lighter browser for better security.

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

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