How to Update Your Browser [All Web Browsers]

Get your devices on the same (web) page

Browser updates introduce new features and enhance general performance and stability. Better yet, they improve compatibility, fix security loopholes, and resolve numerous bugs and other issues. But although web browsers are capable of keeping themselves up to date, you always have the option of manually checking for and installing the latest updates.

In this guide, you’ll figure out what you must do to update popular browsers such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Apple Safari on the PC and Mac.

Tip: If you want to update your browser on an Android or iOS device, simply search for the browser in the Play Store or the App Store. If there’s a pending update, tapUpdate.

How to Update Google Chrome

Google releases major Chrome version updates every four to six weeks, with point updates in between to tackle security vulnerabilities. They automatically install it in the background as you use Chrome, but sometimes, it’s speedier just to force the browser to check for updates.

  1. Open Chrome’sMoremenu (select the three dots icon at the top right of the screen).

  2. Point toHelpand selectAbout Google Chrome.

  3. Wait for the Chrome browser to check for available updates. If it detects any, it will begin downloading the update. You must then selectRelaunchto finalize and install the update over the current version. Make sure to save your work before you do that.

Note: If Chrome’sMoreicon appears green, orange, or red, that indicates an unfinalized auto-update. In that case, open theMoremenu and selectHelp>About Google Chrome>Update Google Chrome>Relaunchto update to the latest version of Chrome.

How to Update Microsoft Edge

On the PC, Microsoft Edge (the successor to Internet Explorer) used to receive updates via Windows Update before its Chromium makeover. However, it now gets updates directly. This also holds for the macOS/OS X version of Microsoft Edge.

  1. Select theSettingsand Moremenu button (three dots on the top right of the window).

  2. Point toHelp & Feedbackand selectAbout Microsoft Edge.

  3. Wait for Edge to check for a newer browser version. If it detects any, it will begin downloading the update. You must then restart the browser to update to the latest version of Edge.

Note: If Edge has downloaded an update automatically, but you haven’t restarted the browser yet, you will see a tiny green or orange arrow on theSettings and Moreicon. In that case, just close and reopen the browser to finalize the update.

How to Update Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla uses a fast four-week cycle to push out major versions updates to Firefox, and releases minor security updates and bug fixes in between. By default, Firefox updates itself automatically, but you can force it to check for updates whenever you want.

  1. Open Firefox’sOptionsmenu (select three stacked lines on the top right of the window).

  2. SelectSettings.

  3. Scroll down theGeneraltab to theFirefox Updatessection.

  4. SelectCheck for updates.

  5. Wait for Firefox to look for a new version of the browser. If it detects any, it will begin downloading the update. You must then selectRestart to Update Firefoxto finalize the update.

Note: If you only prefer manual Firefox updates, select the radio button next toCheck for updates but let you choose to install them.

How to Update Apple Safari

The Mac’s native Safari browser is fully integrated with macOS and receives updates from regular system software updates. So, to update Safari, you must update your Mac’s operating system.

  1. Open theApple menuand selectAbout This Mac.

  2. SelectSoftware Update.

  3. SelectUpdate Now.

Note: Rarely, you may have the option of installing Safari updates without updating the operating system. Try selecting theMore Infooption in Software Update. If you see an update for Safari, select it and use theInstall Nowoption to install it.

How to Update Tor Browser

Updating to the latest version of Tor Browser reduces the chances of compromising your privacy and anonymity while navigating websites. However, despite supporting automatic updates, you can speed things up by forcing it to check for updates. Tor runs on the Firefox codebase, so the process is identical.

  1. Open theOptionsmenu in Tor.

  2. SelectSettings.

  3. Scroll down theGeneraltab to theTor Browser Updatessection.

  4. SelectCheck for updates.

  5. Wait for Tor to check and apply any pending updates. Then, selectRestart to Update Tor Browserto finalize the update.

Note: If Tor has already downloaded an update in the background, you will see aRestart to update Tor Browseron theOptionsmenu. Restart the browser to finalize the update.

How to Update Opera Browser

Opera is another popular Chromium browser that receives constant updates. To confirm you aren’t running an older version of the browser, make sure to check for updates. The steps below also apply toOpera GX.

  1. Select theOperalogoon the top-left corner of the window. In the macOS version of Opera, selectOperaon the menu bar.

  2. SelectUpdate & Recovery.

  3. SelectCheck for update. If Opera detects a new update, wait until it finishes downloading. Then, restart the browser.

How to Update Brave Browser

If you useBrave Browser, you can initiate a check for updates similar to other Chromium-based web browsers.

  1. Open Brave’sCustomizemenu (select three stacked lines on the top-right corner of the browser window).

  2. SelectAbout Brave.

  3. Wait for Brave to check for and install newer updates. Then, selectRestartto apply them.

Stay Up-to-Date

Keeping your internet browser up-to-date is crucial to having the best possible experience whileminimizing potential privacy and security threats. You can choose to let it update automatically, but periodically checking for newer updates yourself ensures that you don’t leave anything to chance.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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