If you’re a Chrome user running a 64-bit version of Microsoft Windows then you may want a native 64-bit build of the browser to go along with it.
The first steps towards this were made public two months ago, with Google debuting native 64-bit Windows builds of Chrome on the Canary and Developer channels.
Today, the company has gone a little bit further. It nudges its flagship browser ever-closer towards mainstream release by bringing Beta channel users into the mix.
25% Better Performance
Has it been a long wait to get this far? You bet. But has it been worth it? Based on performance reports from the builds, most certainly.
As reported during June’s dev debut, 64-bit Chrome for Windows features performance improvements of “up to 25% in graphics and multimedia content handling” and a ‘marked increase in stability’ over its 32-bit sibling.
Download
Google says both Windows 7 and 8 are supported by the release. To get it download the 64-bit installer from the Chrome beta download page.
The Chrome Team cautions that installing the release will replace any existing 32 bit version on your system. Your settings, apps, bookmarks and user accounts will be carried over as part of the upgrade.
That said, once you’ve committed it’s not quite so simple to turn back. You will not be able to downgrade or return to the stable 32 bit channel without first uninstalling Chrome — a process that will remove your settings, apps, and bookmarks.
Are you going to be taking this release for a spin? Let us know how you get on!
- Source: Chrome Release Blog