Using Chrome on Windows? There’s a good chance you’re still using the 32-bit version. You should upgrade to the 64-bit version. It’s more secure–not to mention faster and more stable.
The only reason not to upgrade is if you’re using a 32-bit version of Windows that can’t run 64-bit programs, but most computers built in the last eight years or so should be 64-bit compatible. Even if your computer is compatible, though, Chrome won’t update to 64-bit on its own–you have to download it yourself.
Why the 64-bit Version of Chrome Is Best
In addition, the 64-bit version of Chrome includes a 64-bit version of Adobe Flash. Google has worked with Adobe to improve Flash’s protections against various type of attack, and these exploit mitigations are more effective on 64-bit versions of Chrome.
There are other ways Chrome behaves more securely on 64-bit versions of Windows, too, but Google doesn’t have a slick page explaining all of them. For example, a comment in this bug report notes that the 64-bit version of Chrome provides additional protection from third-party software–like antivirus programs that shouldn’t be touching the browser–hooking into Chrome’s sandboxed processes. The 32-bit version of Chrome can’t use the same technique.
Still not convinced? 64-bit Chrome is also faster on various web benchmarks. And, according to Google, it’s twice as stable, with half as many crashes as the 32-bit version on normal web pages.
There’s No Real Downside to Upgrading
In 2014, Google noted that “the only significant known issue is the lack of 32-bit NPAPI plugin support.” This meant the Java plug-in and other browser plug-ins wouldn’t work on the 64-bit version of Chrome. However, Chrome no longer supports any type of NPAPI plug-ins as of Chrome 42, 32- or 64-bit.
(The 64-bit version of Chrome does include a 64-bit Flash plug-in, though, and it’ll work normally with websites that use Flash.)
If you’re using a 64-bit version of Windows, you should be using a 64-bit version of Chrome. We’re not sure why Google hasn’t automatically updated all 64-bit Windows users. It should.
How to Check Which Version of Chrome You’re Using
To check which version of Chrome you’re using, click the menu button at the top-right corner of the Chrome browser window, point to “Help,” and select “About Google Chrome.”
Look at the version number on the page that appears. If you see “(64-bit)” at the right side of the version number, you’re using a 64-bit version of Chrome.
If you don’t see anything to the right of the version number, like in the screenshot below, you’re using a 32-bit version of Chrome.
How to Switch to the 64-bit Version
Switching is easy. Visit the Chrome for Windows download page to get it. After clicking the download link, ensure the page says “64-bit” under “Download Chrome for Windows.” Whenever you download Chrome in the future, be sure it says 64-bit here.
If it doesn’t say 64-bit, you’re getting the 32-bit version. Click the “Download Chrome for Another Platform” link on the page and select the 64-bit version of Chrome.
If you see an error when you run this installer, you have a 32-bit version of Windows installed and can’t use the 64-bit version of Chrome. You may be able to switch to a 64-bit version of Windows, if your hardware supports it.
What About Mac and Linux?
Not using Windows? Don’t worry, You’re probably using a 64-bit version of Chrome anyway.
On Mac OS X, Chrome went 64-bit only with Chrome 39 in 2014. As long as you’re not using an ancient 32-bit Mac, you have a 64-bit version of Chrome installed.
On Linux, Chrome is going 64-bit only at the start of March, 2016. If you still have the 32-bit version installed, you can visit the Google Chrome download page and install the 64-bit version now. If you’re using a 32-bit version of your Linux distribution, you should probably upgrade to a 64-bit version.
Google will likely migrate 64-bit Windows users to 64-bit Chrome eventually, just as they did on the Mac. Until then, you should ensure you’re using the 64-bit Chrome on your Windows PCs.
