Installing Google Chrome on Ubuntu systems is a simple process that gives users access to one of the fastest and most widely used web browsers available today. Chrome offers excellent performance, built-in security features, and seamless syncing across devices, making it a preferred browser for both casual users and developers.
Ubuntu 24.04 does not include Chrome in its default repositories because the browser is proprietary software. However, Google provides an official package that can be installed safely in just a few steps.
Why Use Google Chrome on Ubuntu Systems?
Many Linux users choose Chrome because of its speed, extension ecosystem, and compatibility with modern websites. It also integrates well with Google services such as Gmail, Drive, and YouTube.
Another major advantage is automatic updates. Once installed, Chrome adds Google’s repository to your Ubuntu system so future browser updates arrive through the standard package manager.
Download Google Chrome on Ubuntu
The first step is downloading the official Debian package directly from Google’s servers.
Open a terminal and run:
wget https://dl.google.com/linux/direct/google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb
This command downloads the latest stable release for 64-bit Ubuntu systems.
Install Google Chrome Package
After downloading the package, install it using APT:
sudo apt install ./google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb
Ubuntu may ask for your password before completing the installation.
If dependency errors appear, repair them with:
sudo apt --fix-broken install
Then rerun the installation command.
Start Google Chrome on Ubuntu
Once installation finishes, you can launch Chrome from the applications menu or directly from the terminal.
Run:
google-chrome
The first launch usually asks whether Chrome should become the default browser. You can also sign in with your Google account to sync bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history.
Set Google Chrome as Default Browser
To make Chrome the default browser from the terminal, use:
xdg-settings set default-web-browser google-chrome.desktop
Verify the setting with:
xdg-settings get default-web-browser
This ensures links automatically open in Chrome across your Ubuntu desktop environment.
Keep Google Chrome Updated
One useful feature of the official package is automatic repository integration. Chrome updates are delivered through Ubuntu’s regular update process.
Update your system with:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
This keeps your browser secure and updated with the latest performance improvements.
Conclusion
Installing Google Chrome on Ubuntu 24.04 systems takes only a few minutes using the official Debian package. Once installed, users benefit from automatic updates, strong security features, and excellent compatibility with modern web applications.
For users who prefer fully open-source alternatives, Chromium remains another solid option on Ubuntu Linux.
