the Chromium logo

The Chromium Projects

Chrome Release Channels

Chrome supports a number of different release channels. We use these channels to slowly roll out updates to users, starting with our close to daily Canary channel builds, all the way up to our Stable channel releases that happen every 6 weeks roughly.

Channels

Windows 64-bit

All channels may be run in parallel -- they install into distinct directories and use dedicated User Data directories.

Windows 32-bit

All channels may be run in parallel -- they install into distinct directories and use dedicated User Data directories.

Mac

All channels may be run in parallel -- they install into distinct directories and use dedicated User Data directories.

Android

iOS

Linux

How do I choose which channel to use?

The release channels for chrome range from the most stable and tested (Stable channel) to completely untested and likely least stable (Canary channel). You can run all channels alongside all others, as they do not share profiles with one another. This allows you to play with our latest code, while still keeping a tested version of Chrome around.

Note: Early access releases (Canary builds and Dev and Beta channels) will be only partly translated into languages other than English. Text related to new features may not get translated into all languages until the feature is released in the Stable channel.

What should I do before I change my channel?

Back up your data!

Before you switch, you should make a backup of your profile (bookmarks, most visited pages, history, cookies, etc). If you ever want to switch back to a more stable channel, your updated profile data might not be compatible with the older version. Make a copy of the User Data\Default directory (for example, copy it to 'Default Backup' in the same location). The location depends on your operating system:

Windows XP:

  • Stable, beta, and dev channels: \Documents and Settings\%USERNAME%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default
  • Canary builds: \Documents and Settings\%USERNAME%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome SxS\User Data\Default

Windows Vista, 7, 8 or 10:

  • Stable channel: \Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default
  • Beta channel: \Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome Beta\User Data\Default
  • Dev channel: \Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome Dev\User Data\Default
  • Canary builds: \Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome SxS\User Data\Default

Mac OS X:

  • Stable channels, as well as older beta and dev channels: ~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/Default
  • Beta channel: ~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome Beta/Default
  • Dev channel: ~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome Dev/Default
  • Canary builds: ~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome Canary/Default

Linux:

  • ~/.config/google-chrome/Default

Note:If you're using Explorer to find the folder, you might need to set Show hidden files and folders in Tools > Folder Options... > View.

Reporting Dev channel and Canary build problems

Remember, Dev channel browsers and Canary builds may still crash frequently. Before reporting bugs, consult the following pages:

https://crbug.com/new If after reading the above, you think you have a real bug, file it -

Going back to a more stable channel