A Windows batch script that blocks Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge from downloading updates in the background, by adding outbound block rules to Windows Defender Firewall for their updater executables.
Chrome and Edge run separate background updater processes that check for and download updates independently of the browser itself. Marking a Wi-Fi connection as "metered" in Windows does not reliably stop this traffic.
Read this blog to know the logic behind this scripts: Stop Browsers Update
If you're on a fast, unmetered connection, you almost certainly don't need this.
Browser updates ship security fixes. Blocking them means you stay on a version with known, unpatched vulnerabilities for as long as the rules are active.
Only use this script when you have a specific reason to restrict update traffic (e.g. expensive or severely limited bandwidth). Don't leave it in place permanently. Periodically disable the rules, let Chrome and Edge update fully, then re-enable the rules if your bandwidth situation hasn't changed.
| Browser | Executable |
|---|---|
| Chrome | C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe |
| Chrome | C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\GoogleUpdater\<VERSION>\updater.exe |
| Edge | C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\EdgeUpdate\MicrosoftEdgeUpdate.exe |
- Find your current
GoogleUpdaterversion folder. Open:C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\GoogleUpdater\and replace the version number with<VERSION>. - Save the file.
- Right-click the
.batfile and select Run as administrator.
Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security (run wf.msc),
go to Outbound Rules, and look for the rule names above.