Google Chrome An Error Occurred While Checking For Updates: 9 Ways to Fix It (Software Settings, Update + More)

Getting the error in Google Chrome An Error Occurred While Checking For Updates can be frustrating. This error prevents Chrome from updating itself automatically and means you need to manually update the browser. Troubleshooting tips like resetting Chrome settings or reinstalling the browser may help resolve the “Error Occurred While Checking For Updates” problem.

1. Confirm Your Operating System is Supported

Chrome no longer supports older operating systems like Windows XP, Vista, and early versions of macOS.

To keep getting updates, you’ll need:

• Windows 10 or newer
• macOS 10.14 Mojave or newer

If you have an older OS, you’ll need to upgrade to continue receiving Chrome updates.

2. Restart Your Computer

Sometimes the Chrome update gets interrupted before it finishes.

Try restarting your computer and checking for updates again. This gives the update another chance to complete.

3. Re-Download Chrome

Corrupted installation files may be preventing updates. Uninstalling and re-downloading Chrome can fix this.

Follow these steps:

• Uninstall Chrome completely from your computer.

• Visit google.com/chrome and re-download the latest Chrome version.

• Run the installer and try updating again.

On Macs, you may need to re-download Google Software Update if issues persist.

4. Review Security Software Settings

Security programs like antivirus, firewalls, and parental controls can sometimes block software updates.

Check that your security software:

• Allows Chrome to access the internet for updates
• Doesn’t block connections to tools.google.com and dl.google.com
• Has exceptions for Chrome’s updater processes

Adjust software settings if anything is being blocked.

5. Check for Malware

Malicious software is another potential cause of update failures.

Run a scan with your antivirus program and remove anything dangerous it finds. This eliminates malware that could be interfering with Chrome.

6. Fix Windows Compatibility Mode

On Windows, Chrome may get stuck in Compatibility Mode which stops updates.

To disable Compatibility Mode:

• Right-click the Chrome shortcut on your desktop.

• Select Properties > Compatibility.

• Uncheck “Run this program in compatibility mode”.

This allows Chrome to update normally again.

8. Manually Update in Chrome

You can manually trigger an update check in Chrome itself:

• Click the 3-dot menu in the top right.

• Go to Help > About Google Chrome.

• Chrome will check for and install any available updates.

9. Enable Chrome Updater Services

Chrome uses background services to check and download updates on Windows.

If these get disabled, it can prevent updates. To enable them again:

• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type services.msc and press Enter.
• Find the following services:
  • Google Update Service (gupdate)
  • Google Update Service (gupdatem)
• Double-click each one and ensure the Startup Type is Automatic.
• Click Start to manually launch the services.

Now Chrome can check for updates in the background again.

10. Reinstall Chrome as a Last Resort

If you still can’t get Chrome to update, completely uninstalling and reinstalling the browser may help.

This should be a last resort after trying other solutions. Here is how to reinstall Chrome:

• Press Windows + R and type appwiz.cpl to open Programs and Features.
• Select Google Chrome and click Uninstall.
• Follow the uninstall wizard prompts.
• Download the latest Chrome version.
• Run the installer to reinstall Chrome fresh.