Chrome 157 security update: what it fixes and how to update

Google moved Chrome 157 to the stable channel for Windows, Mac and Linux on 3 November 2026, and its release post says "This update includes 213 security fixes." The update rolls out over days or weeks, so to get it now, open Chrome's About page and relaunch.

What does the Chrome 157 security update fix?

Google's Chrome Releases post of 3 November 2026 lists the fixes by severity. By our count of that list, the 213 fixes are 7 rated Critical, 77 High, 75 Medium and 54 Low. The first three Critical entries are:

• "Critical CVE-2026-121156: Buffer overflow in Dawn."
• "Critical CVE-2026-121229: Memory corruption in ANGLE."
• "Critical CVE-2026-121246: Use after free in WebGL."

Our guide what is a vulnerability? explains the basics of security flaws, and CVE and CVSS explained covers what the CVE numbers and ratings mean.

Google may hold the details back for now. The post says: "Access to bug details and links may be kept restricted until a majority of users are updated with a fix."

Has any Chrome 157 flaw been exploited?

The release post doesn't say any of these flaws has been exploited. It contains no statement that an exploit exists in the wild. The update still includes 213 security fixes, so it is worth installing straight away.

How do I update Chrome on a PC or Mac?

Google's steps from its Chrome Help page:

1. On your computer, open Chrome.
2. At the top right, select More > Help > About Google Chrome.
3. Chrome checks for updates on that page. Select Relaunch to apply one.

Google says that if you can't find the Relaunch option, you're on the latest version. When Chrome relaunches it reopens your tabs and windows, but Incognito windows won't reopen. If you select Not now, the update applies the next time you restart Chrome.

Some notes for each system, also from Google:

• Windows: close all Chrome windows and tabs, then relaunch Chrome to apply the update.
• Mac: if Chrome is in your Applications folder, go to About Google Chrome and click Automatically update Chrome for all users.
• Linux: update Chrome with your package manager.

Normally, Google says, updates happen in the background when you close and reopen the browser. If you haven't closed it in a while, you might see a pending update instead.

How do I check which version of Chrome I have?

Go to More > Help > About Google Chrome. Google says the version number is "the series of numbers beneath the 'Google Chrome' heading". For this release, look for a number starting 157.0.8103.

Will Chrome 157 run on my computer?

Google's system requirements say Chrome on Mac needs macOS 13 Ventura or later. On Windows with an Intel processor it needs Windows 10 or later, and on an ARM processor Windows 11 or later. If your PC is still on Windows 10, the operating system needs its own updates too: see our guide to Windows 10 ESU year 2.

Is a "Chrome security update" warning on a website real?

Be wary of it. The US Federal Trade Commission says "Scammers create fake security warnings that tell you to call a phone number for tech support", and advises: "Never call a phone number that appears in a pop-up window." It also says "Don't click on ads to download software."

Google's own Chrome Help lists "Alerts about a virus or an infected device" among the signs that unwanted software or malware may be on your computer, along with pop-ups and new tabs that won't go away.

Google's help describes updating from inside the browser, as above, and says that if a pop-up about a program update or download seems suspicious, don't click on it. If a page or pop-up tells you Chrome needs an urgent security update, don't download anything from it. Close the tab, then open More > Help > About Google Chrome yourself and see what it says. For emails dressed up as security alerts, see security update scam emails. For what a compromised site can push at visitors, see can visiting a hacked website hack you?

More questions

When was Chrome 157 released?

Google announced Chrome 157 for Windows, Mac and Linux on the Chrome Releases blog on 3 November 2026. The post says it "will roll out over the coming days/weeks", so not every computer gets it on the first day.

What is the latest Chrome version number?

In Google's post of 3 November 2026, the stable release is 157.0.8103.38 for Linux and 157.0.8103.38 or .39 for Windows and Mac. Check yours at More > Help > About Google Chrome.

How many security fixes are in Chrome 157?

Google's post says the update includes 213 security fixes. By our count of the list in that post, 7 are rated Critical, 77 High, 75 Medium and 54 Low.

Do I need to restart Chrome to finish the update?

Yes. Google says updates usually apply when you close and reopen the browser, and a pending update needs a Relaunch from the About Google Chrome page. Your tabs reopen, though Incognito windows don't.

Does this update cover Chrome on my phone?

The 3 November 2026 post is the Stable Channel Update for Desktop, and it names Windows, Mac and Linux only. Chrome Releases posts updates for Chrome for Android and Chrome for iOS separately, under their own labels.

Sources

• Stable Channel Update for Desktop (3 November 2026), Chrome Releases, Google
• Update Google Chrome, Google Chrome Help
• Remove unwanted ads, pop-ups and malware, Google Chrome Help
• Malware: How To Protect Against, Detect, and Remove It, FTC