How to Install Google Chrome on Ubuntu: A Step-by-Step Guide

Installing Google Chrome on Ubuntu is a straightforward process that enables users to leverage one of the most popular web browsers available. With its speed, simplicity, and robust security features, Chrome has become a go-to choice for many. However, it’s important to note that while Chrome is based on the open-source Chromium project, it is not included in Ubuntu’s default repositories. This guide will walk you through the steps needed to install Google Chrome on Ubuntu 18.04, though the same instructions apply to Ubuntu 16.04 and other Debian-based distributions like Linux Mint and Elementary OS.

Requirements

Before you begin the installation, ensure that you have the following:

• A user account with Sudo privileges.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Step 1: Download Google Chrome

Start by opening your terminal. You can do this quickly by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or by clicking on the terminal icon in your applications menu.

Next, use the following command to download the latest version of the Google Chrome .deb package:

wget https://dl.google.com/linux/direct/google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb

Step 2: Install Google Chrome

Once the download is complete, you can install Google Chrome by entering the following command:

sudo apt install ./google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb

You will be prompted to enter your user password to proceed with the installation.

Step 3: Launch Google Chrome

After installation, you can launch Google Chrome in two ways:

• Type google-chrome in the terminal and hit Enter.
• Alternatively, find the Google Chrome icon in your applications menu and click to open it.

Upon your first launch, a dialog will appear asking if you want to set Google Chrome as your default browser. You’ll also have the option to send usage statistics and crash reports to Google. Adjust these settings to your preference and click OK to continue. You’ll then be greeted with the welcome page where you can sign in with your Google Account to sync bookmarks, passwords, history, and other settings across devices.

Step 4: Keeping Google Chrome Updated

During the installation process, the Google repository is automatically added to your system. This allows Chrome to receive updates seamlessly. To verify that the repository is in place, you can run:

cat /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list

The output should confirm that your installation is linked to the official Google repository, ensuring that you can easily update Chrome through the Software Update tool.

By following these steps, you will have Google Chrome installed and ready to use on your Ubuntu system. If you’re transitioning from another browser like Firefox or Opera, you can also import your bookmarks and settings into Chrome for a smoother experience.