Google Chrome
Free- Category
- Browsers
- Version
- 156.0.8078.48
- Manifest checked
- 2026-10-23
- Size
- ~163 MB
- Licence terms
- Free for personal and business use
- Supported OS
- Windows 11 · 10
- Install method
- Automatic install supported
- Developer
- Downloads via this site
This links to Google’s own download source. AfterFormat neither stores nor modifies installer files.
What it is
Google’s web browser, and the most used desktop browser worldwide. Its Chromium engine also powers Edge, Whale and Opera. Bookmarks, passwords and other information saved to your Google Account can return after a reformat. Check which items are saved before erasing the PC.
When to pick this
When you want your existing extensions and passwords back as they were. On a low-spec PC Edge is lighter; if you use Naver services heavily, Whale may suit you better.
Details
Account sync
Only information saved to your Google Account can return. Before formatting, check which data is saved and resolve sync errors; confirm important bookmarks and passwords on another device. Downloaded files and extension data stored only on this PC need a separate backup.
Extensions
The Chrome Web Store covers ad blocking, translation and password management. Edge and Whale can install most of the same extensions.
Memory use
Each tab runs as its own process, so many open tabs use a lot of memory. On 8GB of RAM or less, turn on the memory saver.
After a reformat
Signing in to a Google account brings most of it back
Only information saved to your Google Account can return. Before formatting, check which data is saved and resolve sync errors; confirm important bookmarks and passwords on another device. Downloaded files and extension data stored only on this PC need a separate backup.
What does not come back
You sign in to each website again (cookies are gone). Extensions themselves return, but the settings inside them vary by extension — custom rules in an ad-blocker list, for instance, may need re-entering.
Default browser
Windows sets Edge as the default. Click "Set as default" when Chrome prompts on first launch, or change it under Settings → Apps → Default apps.
Distribution
- winget ID
- Google.Chrome
- Redistribution policy
- Official source link only
- Manifest checked
- 2026-10-23
- Official site
- https://www.google.com/chrome/
The date the version and installer URL were checked in winget. This is separate from a usage-terms review or an installation test.
Original winget manifest