Chrome Browser is an open-source browser developed by Google, The beta phase was launched on September 2, 2008, and the first stable version was released on December 11 of the same year. The company evolved the browser for various types of operating systems, both for PCs such as Windows, Mac, and Linux or Smartphone systems such as iOS, and Android. The browser combines a minimal design with sophisticated technology to make the Web faster, safer, and easier. And now with almost 70 percent market share, Google Chrome is by far the most popular browser all over the world.
Recently the company released Chrome version 131 which closes numerous security gaps. It also now allow Search with Google Lens, Create custom Chrome themes with AI based on your preferences, AI-powered suggestions for writing text in web fields and as always, a few security patches that will feed the entire Chromium family of browsers.
If you have Google Chrome browser installed on your device, it’s recommended to update the browser to the new version as soon as possible to protect it from attacks that exploit the recently patched security vulnerabilities.
Contents
Update to Chrome 131
If you have already installed Chrome on your system, updating it to the latest version is easy.
- Open Google Chrome on your computer
- Click on the vertical three dots at the top right of the window, This will open the Chrome menu,
- Under the menu, go to Help –> About Google Chrome. This will trigger Google Updates and will check for new updates automatically,
- Also, you can type chrome://settings/help on the address bar and press the enter key to update Chrome 131.
Google Chrome Android and iOS versions are updated through the official Google Play Store and App Store. The Android update for Chrome includes the same security fixes as the desktop version.
Download Chrome 131 offline installer
Note: The offline installer links do not include the automatic update feature.
Download Chrome web installer: 32-bit | 64-bit | Freeware.
Download: Google Chrome MSI Installers for Windows (automatic update)
Download: Google Chrome 131 Portable
Why Chrome is the best browser for Windows 11?
It’s a fast, simple, and the most secure web browser built for the modern web. If you would like a single experience across every Internet-connected device you own, Chrome is your best option.
We can say it’s the most secure browser Offering security against malicious software, and “phishing”, among others. The latest Chrome introduced real-time blacklisting of malicious sites via the Safe Browsing API. And the company regularly releases auto-updates to make sure you have all the latest security fixes and more.
The main goal of the browser is the speed of navigation, from its implementation to the loading of complex web applications this is the fastest browser available so far. It’s quick to start up from your desktop, loads web pages in a snap, and runs complex web applications lightning fast.
What’s more, you can access bookmarks, open tabs, and history from any device that is compatible with Chrome.
Signing in to Chrome brings your bookmarks, history, and other settings to any device that is compatible with Chrome. It also automatically signs you into all your favourite Google services as well.
We can say It is designed as simple as possible, allowing you to focus on what you need to do.
The browser has its own manager that tells you what resources are used and on what pages. You can access the Chrome task manager using the keyboard shortcut shift + Esc.
What’s New in Chrome 131
From generative themes to tab group suggestions, Chrome 131 got a ton of innovative features to make browsing even better.
Search with Google Lens
Google Lens in Chrome now allows you to search using images, making it easier to find items, identify objects, or translate text. For example, you can select an image of a shirt and find where to buy it or select an image of an animal to find out what it is.
- Right-click on an image and select Search with Google Lens.
- Highlight text or drag over any page content for contextual searches.
- In the side panel, refine your search or ask follow-up questions.
- This feature requires Google to be set as the default search engine, and you must agree to page data processing.
Press Esc to close the side panel or use the Close button.
Tab Organizer
Chrome helps multitaskers by automatically grouping similar tabs based on open projects, making navigation more efficient.
- Open Chrome and your tabs.
- Right-click on a tab or use the Tab Search icon to select Organize similar tabs.
- Customize the suggested group by renaming or removing tabs before finalizing.
- Your grouped tabs will appear at the top left of the browser for quick access.
Note: You can Edit or delete tab groups by right-clicking on the group name
Generative Themes
Now you can Create custom Chrome themes with AI based on your preferences, such as mood, subject, and style.
- Open a new tab, select Customize Chrome at the bottom right, and click Create with AI.
- Choose a subject, add optional details like style and mood, and pick a color.
- AI generates theme options for you to select and apply to your Chrome browser.
It may take up to 10 seconds for AI to generate themes
Gemini Integration
Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, supports complex tasks like trip planning, learning, or drafting professional content. Also You can now use Chrome’s site shortcut to get direct access to the Gemini web app.
- Enter
@gemini
in Chrome’s address bar, press Tab or Space, and type your prompt. - You’ll be redirected to gemini.google.com to view the response.
- Note: You can deactivate the Gemini shortcut in Chrome’s settings.
Note: Gemini: Available for users aged 13+ and requires a personal Google account.
Help Me Write
This feature enhances your writing by offering suggestions and refinements for text fields on websites. Whether you want to leave a review, craft a friendly RSVP, or make an inquiry about an apartment rental this feature is helpful for you.
- Right-click on an open text field or highlight text to rewrite.
- Select Help Me Write, then enter a prompt or edit highlighted text in the suggestion box.
- Adjust tone and length, or generate alternatives. Click Insert or Replace to apply the changes.
Latest Chrome update is both feature-rich and security-focused, primarily fixes security vulnerabilities. The company noted Google Chrome 131 patches 12 different security issues. However, it will not support systems running Windows 7, 8 and 8.1.
It is recommended to install the update ASAP to protect the browser and system from potential exploits.
Includes 12 security fixes
[373263969] High CVE-2024-11110: Inappropriate implementation in Blink. Reported by Vsevolod Kokorin (Slonser) of Solidlab on 2024-10-14
[360520331] Medium CVE-2024-11111: Inappropriate implementation in Autofill. Reported by Narendra Bhati, Suma Soft Pvt. Ltd – Pune (India) on 2024-08-18
[354824998] Medium CVE-2024-11112: Use after free in Media. Reported by Nan Wang(@eternalsakura13) and Zhenghang Xiao(@Kipreyyy) of 360 Vulnerability Research Institute on 2024-07-23
[360274917] Medium CVE-2024-11113: Use after free in Accessibility. Reported by Weipeng Jiang (@Krace) of VRI on 2024-08-16
[370856871] Medium CVE-2024-11114: Inappropriate implementation in Views. Reported by Micky on 2024-10-02
[371929521] Medium CVE-2024-11115: Insufficient policy enforcement in Navigation. Reported by mastersplinter on 2024-10-07
[40942531] Medium CVE-2024-11116: Inappropriate implementation in Paint. Reported by Thomas Orlita on 2023-11-14
[40062534] Low CVE-2024-11117: Inappropriate implementation in FileSystem. Reported by Ameen Basha M K on 2023-01-06
The next Chrome release, Chrome 132 Stable, is scheduled for January 08, 2024.
How to install Chrome on Windows 11/10
Installing Google Chrome 131 is as simple as downloading it. Just run the installer downloaded from the above-mentioned download links. Chrome starts differently depending upon the version of Windows you’re using. Let’s see we install Chrome using a web installer.
First, visit the Chrome official site and click the Download Chrome button
- The next screen brings up the terms and service screen,
- Read the terms and license agreement, then click the accept and install button to download the web setup file of Chrome.
- Now open the download location, right-click on chromeSetup.exe and select run as administrator,
- This will take less than a minute (depending on your internet speed) to complete the download and installation process.
Once done
Windows 10 or 11: A Chrome window opens after everything is done. You can make Chrome your default browser.
And you have successfully installed Google Chrome on Windows 10.
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