Is the new Chrome 139 update a disastrous change for your old devices?

Ready for an amazing upgrade? What you need to know about Chrome 139.

Google just released a new version of its Chrome web browser. This update, called Chrome 139, is for computers and Android phones. It brings new features and important security fixes. However, it also changes which devices can run Chrome. Let’s walk through what this means for you.

How to Get the New Chrome

If you use a desktop computer, getting the update is simple.

1. Click the three dots in the top-right corner of Chrome.
2. Go to Help.
3. Click on About Google Chrome.

The browser will check for the new version and install it for you. Windows users have another option. You can use a command line tool called “winget” to upgrade.

Keeping You Safe Online

Every update tries to make your browsing safer. Chrome 139 fixes 12 security problems. Google has shared details on eight of them. These were rated as medium or low risk. The good news is that Google doesn’t know of any hackers actively using these flaws to attack users. This means the update is a proactive step to keep you protected before problems arise.

What’s New and Different in Chrome 139?

This update isn’t just about security. It introduces new tools and makes some significant changes to how the browser works.

A Smarter Search with AI

Google is testing a new feature called “Explore in AI Mode.” When you start typing in the address bar, you might see this new section appear. It gives you search suggestions powered by artificial intelligence. This is in addition to the usual suggestions from your bookmarks and browsing history. This feature is rolling out slowly, so you may not see it right away.

Changes for Older Devices

This is a critical change. Chrome 139 will no longer work on some older operating systems.

• For Android phones, it drops support for Android Oreo (version 8) and Android Pie (version 9). These were released in 2017 and 2018.
• For Apple computers, it no longer supports macOS 11 (Big Sur).

If your device uses one of these older systems, you will not be able to update to the latest version of Chrome.

Safer Downloads on Android

When you download an Android app file (an APK), Chrome will now check with Google’s servers to see if it’s safe. If Google thinks the file is dangerous, it will warn you and block the download. You can still choose to bypass the warning and download the file if you are sure it’s safe. This check happens if you have “Standard” or “Enhanced” protection turned on in your Safe Browsing settings.

A New Way to Manage Passwords

In the “Clear browsing data” settings, the option to delete “Passwords and other sign-in data” is gone. Instead, Chrome will send you to the Google Password Manager. Google says this tool gives you better control over managing and deleting your passwords and passkeys.

Sharing Tabs with Others

The ability to share a whole group of tabs with other people continues to become more widely available in this version. This can be very useful for working on projects with a team or planning a trip with friends.

Technical Changes for Developers

Google also made some changes that mostly affect web developers. It removed some startup flags to reduce risks from harmful extensions. It also changed how Chrome handles WebGL, a technology for rendering graphics. Instead of automatically falling back to a software-based solution called SwiftShader, Chrome will now simply fail to create the WebGL context. This is a technical shift that aims for more predictable performance.