Can’t uninstall Google Chrome? Here’s how to fix that

Madalina Dinita
by Madalina Dinita
Former Managing Editor
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  • Google Chrome is currently the most used web browser in the world.
  • Many users reported various errors and some reported that they can’t uninstall Google Chrome.
  • Having more problems with Chrome? Head over to our Chrome hub, for more in-depth solutions.
  • If you want to know more about browsers in general, go ahead and visit our Browsers section.
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Many Windows 10 users complained they can’t uninstall Google Chrome from their PCs. Usually, this issue comes together with an error message but that is not always the case.

We know that many of you encountered this problem quite a few times. We are trying to come to your aid with this guide.

Hopefully, after you have followed the steps listed below, you will be able to safely remove Google Chrome from your Windows computer.

The following steps are equally efficient if you are experiencing the following:

  • Can’t uninstall Chrome
  • Can’t uninstall Chrome Windows 10
  • Chrome won’t uninstall Windows 10
  • Google Chrome won’t uninstall Windows 10
  • Cannot uninstall Google Chrome

Quick Tip:

Before you go through the trouble of trying to reinstall and fix Google Chrome, we would like to suggest an entirely new browser instead. It is called Opera, and it features everything that Chrome has, and a little bit more.

Built from the same Chromium engine, Opera runs extremely fast and well, but you don’t have to fear that it will hog up all of your RAM, even with a multitude of tabs opened at the same time.

More so, it is a much more secure alternative to Chrome, as it also comes with a tracker blocker, an ad-blocker, and even a VPN.

Opera

Opera

If your main browser gives you trouble, your best bet is to go with Opera. Who knows, maybe Opera might end up being your new default browser.
Free Visit Website

What do I do if Chrome won’t uninstall?

Solutions to remove Chrome for good:

  1. Close all Chrome processes
  2. Use an uninstaller
  3. Close all related background processes
  4. Disable any third-party extensions

1. Close all Chrome processes

  1. Press ctrl + shift + esc in order to access Task Manager.
  2. Afterwards, Under the Processes tab, find Google Chrome
  3. Select it, and press End Task. google chrome end task

After you are sure that all the processes and sub-processes are closed, you can continue with uninstalling the program.

2. Use an uninstaller

If uninstalling Chrome the old-fashion way doesn’t work, then using a dedicated uninstaller will surely do the job for you. Since you are most likely looking to get the job done well, we recommend you try the best uninstaller available: Revo Uninstaller.

Not only will this tool remove software, but it can also remove programs that you couldn’t normally uninstall by hand, such as bloatware, extensions, or Store apps.

More so, once the program is uninstalled Revo will scan your system for any residual data and delete that as well. This ensures that nothing is left behind and that your PC is prepared for a clean reinstall.

Revo Uninstaller

Revo Uninstaller

Uninstall Chrome from your PC without leaving a single trace, all thanks to the best uninstaller in the world!
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3. Close all related background processes

  1. In order for you to do so, you will first need to open the Google Chrome Tools (the three dots in the top-right corner of the screen).
  2. Afterward, you need to click on Settings, then scroll all the way down.chrome settings
  3. At the bottom of the Settings window you will find the Advanced tab.cannot uninstall google chrome
  4. Under Advanced,  under the System section, you will be able to see Continue running background apps when Google Chrome is closed
  5. After you toggle-off that button, you can safely close your browser and reattempt to uninstall it.

4. Disable any third-party extensions

  1. Open the Google Chrome Tools menu from the top-right corner
  2. Click More tools and then Extensionsdisable chrome extensions
  3. Disable or remove all the extensions then turn off your browser.

FAQ: Learn more about Google Chrome

  • Why can I not uninstall Google Chrome?

If you can’t uninstall Chrome, it means that you still have Chrome processes running in the background. Close them with Task Manager and try again.

  • Can’t uninstall Google Chrome says Close all windows?

Sometimes Close all windows message will prevent you from uninstalling Chrome. This means that Chrome is still running, so be sure to close it completely.

  • How do I uninstall and reinstall Chrome?

To uninstall Chrome, go to Settings app > Apps, select Chrome and choose Uninstall. To reinstall Chrome, check our in-depth Chrome installation guide.

  • How do you reset Google Chrome?

To reset Google Chrome, open Chrome settings > Advanced and choose the Reset option. Follow instructions on the screen to complete the reset process.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in April 2019 and has been since revamped and updated in April 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published in April 2019 and was revamped and updated in August 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.