Do you ever just -
Today, Google Chrome dominates the browser market. Even after combining the number of its competitors, they cannot match up to Chrome.
As popular as Chrome is, there are severe caveats to using it, and I recommend everyone replace it with other, more secure options.
Key points discussed in this article:
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Why Google Chrome?
I've procured four things that have made Google Chrome the most used browser in the past decade.
Fastest Browser (Or is it)
Back in 2008, when Google launched Chrome, its main competitors were Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. These two were notoriously famous for being slow—especially Internet Explorer.
Do you remember the memes people started making after Chrome was launched?
Combining the address and search bar
Before the launch of Chrome, users had separate bars that they'd have to use in order to search.
Image Source: Shorttutorials.com
That's how information on the internet was accessed back in my days.
Image Source: Googlesystem.blogspot.com
You place the keywords in 1 or 2 to get your desired result. Google called it Omnibox, the combination of address and search bar. Chrome was the first to offer this feature, making searching for things on the internet simpler.
Search suggestions
Image Source: Google
The suggestions were based on past queries made by users from all over the world. This was a massive and instant hit amongst the users because of the quality of life it provided.
Voice search: Okay, Google!
With Chrome came the era of voice searches. Users could now search with their voices!
Image Source: Google
Besides this, Google also integrated the keyphrase "Okay, Google" into Androids, which, when triggered, would prompt you to ask anything and then search the query using Google.
It's 2024, not 2004
I agree that Chrome revolutionized how people looked at browsers, but it is also safe to say that Chrome has started showing its age.
There have been data leaks (caused by an extension on Chrome), invasion of privacy, and mishaps like the WEI (Web Environment Integrity) in recent years. The general audience, which makes up more than 50% of the users, isn't aware of this, and the ones aware of this have already removed Chrome and shifted to other platforms.
Image Source: Backlinko.com
As you can see, the numbers are subpar compared to Chrome, but they have been increasing slowly over the years.
The launch of newer options like Brave, DuckDuckgo, and OperaGx, which boast better speeds, better security, and lesser load on the RAM, have proven to be as good, if not better, than Chrome.
And, in an ironic turn of events, there are now memes on Chrome!
Uninstall Chrome on PC
Step 1
Go to system settings (press win + I).
Step 2
Click on Apps.
Step 3
Search Chrome and left-click.
Step 4
Click Uninstall.
This will permanently delete Chrome from your computer.
Uninstall Chrome on Android
You can't uninstall Google Chrome on your Android device by just long pressing the icon; instead, you can turn it off and remove it from your apps list.
Step 1
Go to your phone settings.
Step 2
Go to the apps list and find Google Chrome.
Step 3
Now select disable, and that's it.
The Chrome icon will be removed from your app menu.
Uninstall Chrome on Mac
Step 1
Right-click on the top left corner.
Step 2
Go to applications, find Chrome, and drag it to the bin.
Image Source: Lifewire
Step 3
Go to the bin and empty it.
Image Source: Lifewire.com
A couple of things to keep in mind:
- There might be some browsing data left even after deleting Chrome if you've kept your syncing on, so make sure to clear everything on Chrome first, then proceed with the removal;
- After deleting, you need to go and clear your Chrome profile information, which you can do by pressing the Command-Shift-G key, pasting ~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome in the window that pops up, and hitting return. Please select all the folders that show up and drag them to the bin. Now empty the bin, that's it.
FAQs
Why I cannot uninstall Google Chrome?
If it's a phone/tablet, the most you can do is turn off the app (unless you root it). You can remove Google Chrome altogether from your Windows and Mac devices.
How to uninstall Google Apps?
You cannot. Google Apps come as system apps on all Android devices.
Should I uninstall Chrome?
Yes. Just download other browsers like Brave and DuckDuckgo. Brave is built on Chromium, the same open-source code Chrome uses so that you can transfer all your data hassle-free. They offer better security and speed.
