In late March 2025, Windows users attempting to install Google Chrome encountered a significant issue: the installer displayed the error message, "This app can’t run on your PC." This problem primarily affected systems running on Intel and AMD processors, while ARM-based devices experienced no such issues.

Background and Cause

The root cause of this error was traced back to a mix-up in Google's distribution process. Google inadvertently served the ARM version of the Chrome installer to x86-based systems. This misstep led to compatibility issues, as ARM-specific executables cannot run on x86 processors without appropriate emulation or translation layers. The presence of ARMv8 references within the installer code confirmed this mismatch. (windowslatest.com)

Implications and Impact

This error disrupted the installation process for many users, particularly those setting up new Windows 10 or Windows 11 machines. The inability to install Chrome could have led users to seek alternative browsers, potentially affecting Chrome's user base and market share. However, the issue was temporary, and Google promptly addressed it. (9to5google.com)

Technical Details

The Chrome installer for Windows is tailored for different processor architectures:

  • x86 (Intel/AMD): Designed for traditional desktop and laptop processors.
  • ARM: Optimized for devices with ARM processors, such as certain tablets and laptops.

When an ARM installer is executed on an x86 system, the operating system detects the architecture mismatch and prevents the application from running, resulting in the error message encountered by users. (windowslatest.com)

Resolution

Google acknowledged the issue and released a fix, ensuring that the correct installer version is now served to users based on their system architecture. Users experiencing this problem can download the appropriate installer directly from Google's official website. (9to5google.com)

Conclusion

While the Chrome installation error on Windows was an unexpected inconvenience, it was swiftly addressed by Google. This incident underscores the importance of accurate software distribution and the need for thorough testing across diverse hardware configurations.

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