How to Uninstall Google Chrome
With over a decade of a legacy behind it, Chrome has an impressive history as one of the most significant Web browsers around, with a hefty market share even as of last year's demographics. However, it's not a perfect browser. Users who would instead avail themselves of Firefox, Edge, or another option shouldn't feel any need for carrying around unused software in their hard drives. Like any old baggage, ditching Chrome installations can lighten a load on a PC – and its startup times.
Windows users can uninstall their Chrome browsers from a general 'installed programs' list or through the Start menu's shortcut. While the former requires more menu navigation, it's more efficient for users who have many programs or have trouble finding their Chrome shortcuts. To use the shortcut-based uninstall method, click the Start menu button and scroll through program icons on the right side. Right-click the Chrome shortcut once you find it and choose Uninstall. Otherwise, search for 'Add or remove programs' in the taskbar, click the result. Scroll to Chrome (or enter its name in the 'Search this list' field, left-click it, and, again, pick Uninstall.
On the other hand, macOS users will need to drag their Chrome icons to the trash can icon. They can do so by clicking the 'Applications' section and finding Chrome or use Finder's search field manually by typing the browser's name. Then, click and hold on the icon, drag it to the trash bin and release.
Because of Apple's consistency in UI design between products, iPad owners and iPhone owners can uninstall their Chrome browsers in the same way. Perform a so-called long press, or press-and-hold with your fingertip, on Chrome's icon. The pop-up menu that follows provides a delete option for the browser (and a 'cancel' if you change your mind).
Lastly, Android users enjoy a unique problem that's specific to their operating system and this browser. Since Google is responsible for both the Chrome browser and the Android OS, removing this browser from Android devices often impossible – just like Windows will not allow removing Internet Explorer. However, Android phone owners have a workaround: they can disable the browser without uninstalling it completely. Open the Settings menu by swiping the screen top-to-bottom and tapping the gear icon at the top-right corner. Choose Apps & Settings and scroll down until you see Chrome. Tap it and choose the Disable option. Note that unlike an uninstall that requires re-downloading and installing again, the program-disabling feature is fully-reversible from the same toggle.
By default, Linux users enjoy the most unintuitive interface for software removal routines. However, they can delete Chrome by inputting the following command into their terminals:
sudo apt-get purge google-chrome-stable
Users who keep a browser that isn't getting used makes as little sense as readers that cart around a box of never-read books. No matter how highly Chrome's adherents praise it, getting rid of the browser makes sense for many users on their PCs, laptops, or even phones.