Test Chrome browser channels

Applies for managed Chrome browsers (Windows and Mac).

As an administrator, you might need to let some of your users test web pages and apps on upcoming versions of Chrome browser. Or, you might want to let developers test the Canary channel. By testing Chrome browser channels, you can check browser compatibility with existing systems and evaluate new features. For example, test policy changes or do regression testing.

You can run the Stable, Beta, Dev, and Canary channels of Chrome browser at the same time on Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac computers. The Beta channel gives you a 4–6 week preview of features coming to the Stable version of Chrome browser. The Dev channel gives you a 9–12 week preview. Canary is an early-release, experimental version of Chrome browser that's recommended only for advanced testing. Channels don’t share installation locations or user profiles with each other.

Step 1: Install multiple channels

Windows

  1. For the Stable channel, download the Chrome bundle for Windows to get all the essential files for deployment. 
    For information about what’s in the bundle, see Download Chrome Enterprise Bundle.
  2. For the channels you want to test, download the files you need to install Chrome browser:
  3. Download and install the ADMX or ADM template for Windows Group Policy Editor:
  4. In Group Policy, set policies for Chrome browser to align with your organization and users.
  5. Deploy the Chrome browser channels on Windows computers in the test group.

Mac

  1. For the Stable channel, download Chrome browser for Mac.
  2. For the channels you want to test, download the files you need to install Chrome browser:

Note: The policies that you set for the Stable channel also apply to other channels that you install on the computer at the same time.

Step 2: Test your installation

For every Chrome browser channel that you want to test:

  1. On each computer in the test group, go to chrome://policy.
  2. Verify that the correct policies are in effect. 
    For details, see View a device’s current Chrome policies.
  3. (Windows only) If you don’t see the correct policies or settings, force a refresh of the computer's Group Policy settings:
    1. Open a command line. 
    2. Enter gpupdate /force.

Related topics 

Google and related marks and logos are trademarks of Google LLC. All other company and product names are trademarks of the companies with which they are associated.

Was this helpful?

How can we improve it?
Search
Clear search
Close search
Google apps
Main menu