How to Use the Chrome Cleanup Tool (2024)

Internet, Networking, & Security > Browsers

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Search Chrome's settings for 'Clean up computer' if you have v110 or older. Modern versions use Safe Browsing to protect you from phishing and malware

Scott Orgera

Writer

Scott Orgera is a former Lifewire writer covering tech since 2007. He has 25+ years' experience as a programmer and QA leader, and holds several Microsoft certifications including MCSE, MCP+I, and MOUS. He is also A+ certified.

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Updated on February 12, 2024

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Step-by-Step Directions
Does It Work on Mac?
How to Reset Chrome

What to Know

The Chrome Cleanup Tool was removed in 2023 with Chrome 111.
If you still have Chrome 110 or older, go to Settings > Advanced > Clean up computer > Find.
Modern versions of Chrome use Safe Browsing's Enhanced protection mode to warn about risky sites and downloads.

This article explains how to use the Cleanup Tool in Google Chrome. Instructions apply to Chrome 110 and older on Windows.

How to Use the Chrome Cleanup Tool on Windows

The Chrome Cleanup tool periodically checks for suspicious programs and gives you the option to remove them. You can also manually check for these problem apps by following the steps below. Do this if you're seeing odd pop-ups or your browser feels slow.

These directions only work if you're running Chrome 110 or older. If you keep Chrome updated (which we recommend), Safe Browsing is the next best feature.

Open the menu at the top of Chrome and select Settings.
Scroll to the bottom of the page, then select Advanced.

See Also
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Scroll down to the Reset and clean up section, then select Clean up computer.
Select Find.
You should see a message that reads, "Checking for harmful software." This process can take several minutes to complete. If any suspicious programs are found, you have the option to remove those programs. Chrome also disables any harmful extensions.

How to Use the Chrome Cleanup Tool on Mac

Chrome for macOS doesn't offer the Cleanup tool feature. However, you can remove unwanted programs from your Mac manually by navigating to the Applications folder in Finder and moving programs to the trash.

Use caution and don't remove applications that you may need. Also consider disabling extensions, either one at a time or all at once. Third-party add-ons are often the cause of problems with a browser.

Home Office Central

How to Reset Your Chrome Browser Settings

If removing unwanted programs didn't solve the problem, reset the browser settings. Doing this will disable extensions, delete cookies, delete temporary site data, and reset some settings and shortcuts.

Select the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner, then select Settings.
Select Reset settings from the menu on the left.
Choose Restore settings to their original defaults.
Select Reset settings to confirm.

Your bookmarks, search history, and saved passwords won't be deleted.

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