How To Update Chrome on Ubuntu 20.04 from a .deb File

In this article, we will guide you through the process of updating Google Chrome on Ubuntu 20.04 when installed through a .deb file. This article aims to provide a detailed guide for users of all experience levels, so whether you’re a seasoned Ubuntu user or a newcomer, you’ll find this guide helpful.

Updating Chrome through the Software Updater

The simplest way to update Google Chrome on Ubuntu is by using the built-in Software Updater. This tool automatically checks for updates for all installed software, including Google Chrome, and allows you to install them with a few clicks.

1. Open the Software Updater. It will automatically check for updates.
2. If an update for Google Chrome is available, select it and follow the prompts to install.

Updating Chrome through the Terminal

For those who prefer using the Terminal, you can also update Google Chrome through a series of commands. Here’s how:

1. Open the Terminal. You can do this by searching for ‘Terminal’ in the application menu or by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.
2. Run the following command to update the package lists for upgrades for packages that need upgrading, as well as new packages that have just come to the repositories:

   sudo apt-get update

   The sudo command allows you to run programs with the security privileges of the superuser. The apt-get update command fetches the package lists from the repositories and “updates” them to get information on the newest versions of packages and their dependencies.
3. Next, run the following command to install the available Google Chrome update:

   sudo apt-get --only-upgrade install google-chrome-stable

   The --only-upgrade option will upgrade only that package and not any others. The install command is used to install the package, and google-chrome-stable is the name of the package you want to install.

After the update has been installed, you should close and reopen Chrome for the changes to take effect.

Troubleshooting Chrome Update Issues

Sometimes, Chrome may keep warning you to update even after you’ve updated it. This issue can usually be resolved by checking the /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list file.

1. Open the file with the following command:

   sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list

   The nano command opens the Nano text editor, which is a simple, user-friendly text editor in the Linux terminal.
2. If the last line is commented out (i.e., it begins with a ‘#’), uncomment it by removing the ‘#’ symbol. It should look like this:

   deb [arch=amd64] http://dl.google.com/linux/chrome/deb/ stable main

   This line tells your system where to find the Google Chrome package.
3. Save the file and exit Nano.
4. Run the sudo apt update command again to update the package lists.
5. Finally, run the sudo apt-get --only-upgrade install google-chrome-stable command again to upgrade Google Chrome.

Manually Updating Chrome from a .deb File

If you installed Chrome using the .deb file, you can also manually update it by following these steps:

1. Download the latest .deb file from the official Google Chrome website.
2. In your download directory, locate the google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb file (the name may vary depending on the version).
3. Open the Terminal and navigate to the directory where the .deb file is located using the cd command.
4. Run the following command to install the updated version:

   sudo dpkg -i google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb

   The dpkg -i command is used to install or upgrade a package. The -i option tells dpkg to install the package.

Remember to always keep your browser and system up to date to ensure security and access to the latest features. Google Sync can be used to sync your bookmarks and extensions across devices, but it is not recommended to rely on it for saving passwords. Instead, consider using a separate password manager for storing sensitive credentials.