Google has issued an urgent security update for the Chrome desktop browser following the discovery of a high-severity vulnerability being actively exploited in the wild.
The update, which brings the Stable channel to version 145.0.7632.75 or 145.0.7632.76 for Windows and Mac, and 144.0.7559.75 for Linux, specifically addresses a “use after free” flaw within the browser’s CSS engine.
Identified as CVE-2026-2441, the bug was reported by security researcher Shaheen Fazim just days prior, prompting an accelerated rollout to protect users from potential attacks that leverage this exploit to compromise system memory.
Here are the key points from the update:
- New Versions: The Stable channel has been updated to 145.0.7632.75/76 for Windows and macOS, and 144.0.7559.75 for Linux.
- Zero-Day Patch: The update addresses CVE-2026-2441, a high-severity security flaw classified as a “Use after free” vulnerability in CSS.
- Active Threat: Google has confirmed that they are aware of an exploit for this specific vulnerability existing in the wild.
- Rapid Response: The bug was reported by researcher Shaheen Fazim on February 11, 2026, just two days before the release of this patch.
- Rollout: The update will continue to become available to all users over the coming days and weeks.
How to install the Chrome update
Most unmanaged Chrome installations should receive the update automatically. The browser is configured to install updates automatically by default. Since this does not happen immediately, it is recommended to run a manual check for updates to speed up the process.
Open Google Chrome and select Menu > Help > About Google Chrome to do so. The browser should begin downloading and installing the security update immediately.
Windows users may also run winget upgrade google.chrome.exe to install the update from the command line without opening Chrome at all.
Note that it is highly recommended to upgrade the browser, even if it is not the main browser on the system. In short, if the browser is installed, upgrade it to protect it from potential exploits.