If you're setting up a new Windows 11 laptop or desktop or switching browsers to Google Chrome right now, you may have run into this persistent blue pop-up error stating that Chrome isn't supported on your PC:
"This app can't run on your PC."
Don't panic, you're not the only one.
Laptop Mag has identified an issue with Chrome installation on Windows and corroborated the bug on multiple devices. As it turns out, other Windows users are aware of theissue and not happy about it either.
This is a developing situation, so Laptop Mag has reached out to Microsoft and Google about this bug and will update this story as we hear back.
In the meantime, here's what we know about the Google Chrome installer issue so far and a workaround if you need Chrome right now.
Affected systems
Laptop Mag's testing lab was able to confirm that the issue is specific to Windows devices. We replicated the error on four systems and then came across Reddit users with similar troubles.
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"Just re-installed Windows and I can't install Google Chrome," reads one Reddit post.
"It's not just you. Something is going on with the installer," comments another user faced with the same problem.
In our research, macOS systems were able to download and install Chrome the usual way.
Our lab also attempted to install Chrome on a Windows 10 machine, which brought up the same app incompatibility pop-up error as Windows 11.
If you already have Chrome installed, you won't have any issues with loss of service. This is specifically impacting new Chrome installations.
We do not currently know what's causing the installer error. Due to the timing, it doesn't appear related to the March 21 Google Chrome update, nor was there a Windows 11 or Windows 10 system update that could have caused compatibility issues.
How to get a working Chrome installer
Installing Google Chrome with the Offline Installer, on the Asus Vivobook 16 Flip, on a white desk against a blue background.
(Image credit: Future | Madeline Ricchiuto)
The compatibility error appears to be caused by the general Chrome installer, ChromeSetup.exe. This is the Installer file you find at the top of the Google Chrome download page.
If you need to install Chrome on a Windows 10 or Windows 11 device, you need to get a Windows 10/11 64-bit specific installation file. You need ChromeStandaloneSetup64.exe, otherwise known as the offline installer.
The bad news is that the offline installer is no longer available through the typical Google Chrome download page.
The good news is that the Windows 64-bit offline installer is available for download from Google, but you need a specific web address to access it. To get the offline Chrome installer:
Go to http://google.com/intl/en/chrome/?standalone=1
Click "Download Chrome"
Download and install the app
Closeup of the Google Chrome Offline Installer executable on the Asus Vivobook 16 Flip, on a white desk against a blue background.
Luckily, there are workarounds if you need Chrome right now.(Image credit: Future | Madeline Ricchiuto)
Other methods of downloading the Chrome Offline Installer are currently only downloading the General ChromeSetup.exe file, which will not work on Windows 10 or 11 machines.
We'll keep an eye on this issue and update this story if we find additional workarounds.
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