Free web browser for Windows
Google Chrome is a free cross-platform web browser that launched for Microsoft Windows platforms in 2008, preceding later releases on Mac, Linux, and mobile devices. It has gained popularity worldwide, featuring tools such as file downloads, password settings, and bookmarks. You can load several web pages or use a search engine to find any topic on the internet.
The top benefits of Google Chrome
The first aspect you’ll notice when opening Google Chrome’s browser is the sleek and simple user interface. Known as the omnibar, it combines a search engine with the page address bar, giving you two functions simultaneously.
Another element that sets Chrome apart from competitors is the addition of Chrome Extensions. Third-party developers create more features for you to add to the browser, such as bookmark bars, translations, shortcut icons, and more. You can also access and install various constructors for improved functionality.
Chrome provides cross-connectivity between devices, whether you’re logging in via a computer or mobile app. You can also access other associated platforms on the browser through a built-in menu, such as Gmail and Youtube. Furthermore, logging in with your Google account will save your preferences for these applications.
Your browser history is recorded in the form of cookies, while there’s a cache for the images and vital information Chrome uses to make your searches super fast. You can even open web articles in offline mode if you’ve accessed them before or saved them to a local file on your PC.
Do I need both Chrome and Google?
To answer this query, you need to understand the difference between Google and Chrome.
The former is a search engine that analyzes your queries when you ask questions on the internet. It’s also the name of the parent company that provides other services you can connect to with your account. You can read related articles to your searches, view the latest news, and watch videos.
On the other hand, Chrome is a program that delivers a web browsing function. It’s the platform that the search engine runs on, without which you wouldn’t be able to find anything on the internet. With the omnibar function, Chrome has both a search and address bar.
Therefore, you don’t need both, even if they’re designed to work more effectively together. If you’re not fond of Chrome, you can access Google on other web browsers. For instance, you can search and read your emails using the Google engine on platforms like Opera, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. In the same breath, you can hunt for sites with Bing or Yahoo on Chrome. Another option is using a browser such as Avast Secure Browser.
How do I install Google Chrome on Windows?
Before installing the software, you’ll need to make sure you have enough memory and storage space. The program can become resource hungry. Then, you just download the installation client to your Windows computer and open the file. The wizard will ask you for permission to make changes, after which the Chrome installation window will appear.
It will ask you for your preferred language, with the default setting on English. After you accept the terms and save location, the program will start installing. You can set that it opens after completion and adds a shortcut to the desktop or taskbar.
How do I put Google Chrome on my desktop?
You might not have selected to create a desktop shortcut when you installed Chrome. It isn't necessary to do so, but it helps when you set the program as your default browser and often access it. It can save you time when you're in a rush or work on the internet all day.
To put Google Chrome on your Windows desktop, you first need to locate the folder where you saved it. You can also look for the application in the search bar on the bottom left side of your screen. Once you have the executable file, you can drag it to an open space on your desktop to create a shortcut.
How do I use Google Chrome?
Now that you have Chrome on your Windows PC and you’ve made the shortcut, you can open the web browser. The Google search engine will appear by default, but you can change it to a different one. If you’re satisfied, you can proceed to type in any text to look for articles or pages on the internet.
Of course, there are more advanced features you can use. You can create or login to a Google account for access to plenty of other tools. In this way, Chrome will store your passwords, recent search history, and bookmarks, all in one place.
You may also be interested in looking for some of the best extensions to enhance your browsing experience. One of the most useful tools is Google Translator for when you hit those sites in other languages. Another favored function is a virtual protected network or going incognito, letting you perform safe searches without the threat of hacks or malware.
Safe and fast browsing
Google Chrome is by far the most popular free web browser worldwide. It has received several updates over the last few years that have given it powerful abilities to increase the speed and safety of your searching habits. One of the most significant issues, though, is that it eats at your PC’s available memory or drains your laptop’s battery when several tabs are open.
Google has no intention to stop providing more updates for an improved user experience. Labeled Chrome 86, the recent release saw alerts for when sites try to trick you with fake, mirror sites. It also blocks you from downloading specific file formats that may contain viruses or malware.
We recommend you to read our article about Chrome VPN: Best VPNs Chrome
PROS
- Fast browsing speed
- Simple interface
- Incognito mode
- Central access to your accounts
CONS
- Unable to block all malware
