Google Chrome

Google Chrome is a Chromium-based web browser available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It emphasizes speed, security, and compatibility, with a large extension ecosystem and regular updates.

Install and update

Download: from the official site or your platform’s store.
Update:

 * Desktop: Menu → Help → About Google Chrome. Updates install automatically; relaunch to finish.
 * Android/iOS: update via the Play Store/App Store.

Version info: check the About page to verify the exact build and update channel (Stable/Beta/Dev).

Basic features

Tabs & windows: pin tabs, group tabs, send tabs to devices.
Bookmarks & sync: sign in to sync bookmarks, history, passwords, and settings.
Omnibox: search or navigate; supports shortcuts and calculator functions.
Profiles: separate work/personal extensions and settings.
Reading List: save pages to read later.
PDF viewer: built-in viewer with annotation and print options.

Privacy and security

Incognito mode: reduces local storage, but does not provide full anonymity.
Cookies & site data: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data.
Safety Check: Settings → Privacy and security → Safety Check to review passwords, updates, and harmful extensions.
HTTPS: padlock in the address bar shows certificate status; click to view details.
Permissions: control camera, microphone, notifications, clipboard, and background sync per-site.

Extensions

Install from the Chrome Web Store; review publisher reputation and permissions.
Manage: chrome://extensions — enable/disable, remove, allow in incognito.
Best practices:

 * Keep extensions minimal; each may affect performance and privacy.
 * Update regularly and audit permissions.
 * Avoid overlapping ad/content blockers that can conflict.

Performance and battery

Hardware acceleration: Settings → System → Use hardware acceleration when available.
Task Manager: Shift+Esc to inspect tab/process memory and CPU usage.
Tab throttling & sleeping: Chrome reduces background tab activity automatically.
Clear cache: Settings → Privacy and security → Clear browsing data (choose cached images/files).
Experimental flags: chrome://flags — use with caution; changes can affect stability.

Developer tools

Open DevTools: F12 or Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+I.
Panels:

 * Elements: inspect DOM/CSS; use device toolbar for responsive testing.
 * Console: log and run scripts.
 * Sources: set breakpoints, debug JavaScript.
 * Network: analyze requests, caching, throttling, HAR export.
 * Performance: record page load and interactions, flame charts.
 * Lighthouse: audit performance, accessibility, SEO, PWA.
 * Application: storage, service workers, manifest, IndexedDB.
 * Security: certificate and mixed content diagnostics.

Remote debugging: chrome://inspect for devices, Node targets.

Accessibility

Zoom: Ctrl/Cmd + +/−, reset with Ctrl/Cmd + 0.
Reader-like modes: use extensions or built-in “Simplified view” on Android.
High contrast & dark mode: system-wide or via extensions; ensure sufficient color contrast.
Live captions: Settings → Accessibility (on supported platforms).
Keyboard navigation: tab traversal; customize shortcuts in chrome://extensions/shortcuts.

Sync and accounts

Sign in to sync passwords, bookmarks, history; choose what to sync.
Password Manager: auto-fill, breach checks, export/import.
Multiple profiles: switch via avatar menu; use separate icons for clarity.

Site compatibility

Web standards: strong support for modern HTML/CSS/JS and WebAssembly.
WebGL/WebGPU: enable hardware acceleration for 3D content and online maps.
PWAs: install supported sites; manage in chrome://apps or OS app list.

Troubleshooting

Page won’t load or looks broken:

 * Update Chrome; disable conflicting extensions; test in Incognito.
 * Clear cache/cookies for the site; check content blockers.

High memory or CPU:

 * Use Task Manager to locate heavy tabs; close or reload.
 * Disable unused extensions; restart browser.

Crashes or instability:

 * Reset settings: chrome://settings/reset
 * Create a fresh profile; test without sync to isolate issues.

Certificate errors:

 * Verify date/time; check proxy/VPN; ensure enterprise filters aren’t intercepting TLS.

Downloads blocked:

 * Check Safe Browsing; confirm site reputation; allow specific downloads in settings.

Advanced tips

Custom search engines: Settings → Search engine → Manage search engines (add shortcuts like “w” for Wikipedia).
Site-specific shortcuts: right-click tab → Pin; use tab groups with colors for workflows.
DNS over HTTPS: Settings → Security → Use secure DNS.
Startup boost: continue where you left off or open a specific set of pages.
Policy/enterprise: chrome://policy shows applied management policies.

Keyboard shortcuts

New tab: Ctrl/Cmd + T
Close tab: Ctrl/Cmd + W
Reopen closed tab: Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + T
Find: Ctrl/Cmd + F
Switch tabs: Ctrl + Tab / Ctrl + Shift + Tab