BrowserDetails

Install updates

How do I update my browser?

Modern browsers generally install updates fully automatically in the background, as long as the feature has not been disabled. Sometimes, however, a new version is only ready after a restart, or the automatic update has been interrupted. Here you will find the right way to manually upgrade your browser.

Update your existing browser first

Having an old version does not necessarily mean you need to switch to another browser (provider). In most cases, it is enough to update the old program and then restart it.

Chrome, Firefox and Edge have an information or checking page in the browser menu for this purpose. Opening it immediately starts an automatic search for updates and installs them. Safari, on the other hand, is updated together with macOS, iOS or iPadOS.

When no update is offered

On older operating systems, a current browser version may no longer be supported. For example, Firefox may refuse to update on Windows 7. The first step should then be to check whether a system update is still available for the device. PCs and laptops running Windows 10 or older should urgently be upgraded for security reasons alone, as these systems no longer receive updates.

If the operating system can no longer be updated either (Windows 11 in particular has demanding hardware requirements), the only long-term option is to buy a new device. Or, where available, use another browser that still accepts or maintains the older system. Continuing to work indefinitely with an outdated version is not a good solution.

More help

Related browser topics

What browser am I using?Find out which browser provider and browser version you are currently using. BrowserDetails.org also shows your operating system, JavaScript status and other useful technical details. Is my browser up to date?Check whether your browser is still up to date. BrowserDetails.org precisely compares Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Safari with published vendor data. Is JavaScript enabled in my browser?Check here, directly in your browser, whether JavaScript is enabled. Plus help and tips for when it is not active and websites are not working properly.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The main points, summarised briefly.

Will I lose my bookmarks when updating?

No! A normal browser update preserves bookmarks, passwords and settings. Backing up important data is nevertheless sensible. Switching browsers (to a new provider) is a different matter. In that case, you first need to export bookmarks from the old browser and import them into the new one.

Why do I need to restart the browser?

Parts of the program that are already open may still be using the old version. Only a restart ensures the update is fully completed.

Should I install a different browser?

Not solely because an update is pending. Nevertheless, a switch can make sense if your operating system is no longer supported or you prefer different privacy and usability approaches. Fun fact: practically all browsers except Safari and Firfox are now based on Google's Chromium, so they technically share the same foundation. Even Opera, Brave and Microsoft's Edge! So if you really want a genuine alternative, unfortunately there is not quiiite as much choice today as you might think.