The Google Chrome Uninstall Is Missing

By Amanda Holden

Google Chrome is one of many Internet browsers.
i Patrik Stollarz/Getty Images News/Getty Images

The Google Chrome browser provides users with lightweight operation and a simplified interface. For various reasons this may not appeal to users and a need to uninstall the application may arise. Sometimes, the "Uninstall" feature does not make itself readily apparent and you must undertake a manual approach.

Chrome Uninstaller Application

When Google Chrome installs, it comes prepackaged with an uninstaller application that should remain, even if a shortcut or link to it has disappeared. Navigate to your OS's folder for Google Chrome, either in the Start Menu or system menu, and find the link entitled "Uninstall Google Chrome." If you can't find this link, you can navigate to the installation directory for Google Chrome and attempt to locate it there.

Windows Control Panel

Before following through on a manual uninstallation, check in the Windows Control Panel under "Add or Remove Programs." A list of installed programs will appear. If you find Chrome listed here, you can simply double-click it to uninstall. Otherwise, you will have to follow through with the manual uninstallation.

Manual Uninstall on Windows

This method involves editing the Windows registry, which comes with risks and can potentially compromise the operability of your computer. Do not proceed unless you are well-versed in registry editing. You will first need to set Windows to display file extensions for all your files. You can do this through the Control Panel underneath "Folder Options." Click "View" and uncheck the box beside "Hide extensions for known file types." Next you will need to navigate to Google Chrome's support website to download a file, which you will rename remove.reg. Close all instances of Chrome running and double click the remove.reg file. Select "Yes" in the confirmation window, then click "OK." Open Windows Explorer and type one of the following two addresses exactly into your address bar:

Windows XP: %USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google

Windows Vista/ Windows 7/ Windows 8: %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google

A Chrome folder will appear in the directory that opens up. Delete it to complete the manual uninstallation.

Linux Operating Systems

Manually uninstalling programs on the Linux operating system presents fewer challenges than Windows. You will have access to a menu option named Synaptic Package Manager. If the GUI, or graphic user interface, version of this application runs, then simply navigate to Google Chrome and click "Mark for Complete Removal" on its popup menu. If the GUI version doesn't run and you prefer to uninstall via the command line, type in this command exactly, without quotes:

"$ sudo apt-get remove google-chrome".

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