[Updated] Google Chrome 'Error 44' when updating or installing on Windows under investigation

Update 27/06/24: If this issue persists, there’s a new workaround suggested in the Chromium issue tracker. Apparently, the most effective solution is to try repairing your Windows Task Scheduler service. This could resolve the Chrome installation issue and potentially fix other problems on your PC. But if that doesn’t work, a temporary workaround is to download Chrome directly from chrome.com. Scroll down to the “Other Platforms” link and choose “Windows 8.1/8/7 64-bit.” This should give you the latest Chrome version, but with an older updater.

Note that if you use this workaround, remember to manually check for Chrome updates regularly. The older updater may not automatically update Chrome, which may leave your browser vulnerable to security issues.

Update 18/06/24: A community manager in the Google Chrome forum followed up on this matter with a potential workaround that you could try if still experiencing error 44 when installing or updating the browser. Apparently, the issue happens when services related to the Task Schedular don’t run as expected. To fix it, check these settings:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type “services.msc” and click OK.
3. Make sure the following services are set to “Automatic” for Startup Type:
– Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
– Windows Event Log
– Task Scheduler

If the problem persists, reinstalling Windows and then performing the above steps might be a last resort to get rid of the Error 44 in Chrome. I hope this helps others facing the same issue. Please note that reinstalling Windows should only be done if other troubleshooting steps fail, as it will erase your existing data and programs. Always back up your important files before attempting a reinstallation.

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Original article from May 28 follows:

A wave of frustration is rippling through the Google Chrome user community as a perplexing “Error 44” message halts updates and installations, leaving many unable to access the latest features and enhancements on their preferred web browser.

The problem appears to have surfaced around the release of Google Chrome 125, with users reporting failed updates followed by an ominous “Updater error 44” message. Attempts to rectify the situation by uninstalling and reinstalling the browser have proved futile, deepening the confusion and annoyance.

“It’s been days,” lamented one user on the Google Chrome forum, echoing the sentiments of many others. “There’s nothing online about it.”

Another user described the problem in detail: “I mean, it lets me download Google Chrome but it doesn’t let me install it on my Windows 10 PC because I get the ‘Error Updater Error 44’. Already deleted everything in the Registry Editor (Regedit) but I don’t know what else I can do to install it.”

The issue isn’t limited to Windows 10 users, with reports surfacing from Windows 11 users as well. However, Mac users are conspicuously missing from the reports, which suggests it may be a Windows problem. One user shared their ordeal, explaining how the problem began with the disappearance of the gradient background color in Chrome. Attempts to fix it by reinstalling Google Chrome only led to the dreaded Error 44. It’s unclear whether this issue affects older versions of Chrome. This isn’t helped by the fact that my efforts to reproduce the glitch on multiple attempts have been futile, so it’s likely limited to certain use cases.

The lack of official information and solutions has fueled speculation and anxiety. A product expert in the Google Chrome forum acknowledged the issue a few days ago, stating that the Chrome team was investigating, but no further updates have been provided since. Interestingly, this error isn’t part of the documented errors that often affect Chrome updates and installations, suggesting it’s something new that developers will have to quickly find a solution for.

The sudden and widespread nature of the problem, coupled with the lack of clear answers, has left users feeling abandoned and frustrated. Many rely on Chrome for work, school, and daily tasks, and the disruption has had a significant impact on their productivity and routines. For now, those still unable to install Chrome may have to check out other alternative web browsers like Firefox, Opera and Microsoft Edge until Google fixes the error.

As the issue persists, users are eagerly awaiting an official response and solution from Google. In the meantime, many are left wondering what caused the problem and how long it will take to resolve. For those looking for ways to roll back the new Chrome UI, we have an article for this, so be sure to check it out.