Fix Google Chrome Update Error Code 7: 0x80040801

Several Google Chrome users have been complaining of late about Update Error (Error Code 7: 0x80040801). As the name suggests, this error tends to show its ugly head whenever the user attempts to update the popular web browser.

An error occurred while checking for updates: Unable to connect to the Internet. If you use a firewall, please whitelist GoogleUpdate.exe. (error code 7: 0x80072EE7 — system level).

How to fix Error Code 7: 0x80040801 on Chrome

We also understand that some users may face issues due to corrupted Google Chrome installation, or maybe the Windows Firewall is blocking the updater from doing its thing. Additionally, the Chrome updater is probably disabled, and we do not want that.

In this article, we are going to discuss multiple ways to solve this problem, so hopefully, at least one option works for you effectively. Before you begin, make sure that your internet connection is working properly.

1. Whitelist Google Chrome Update Service in Windows Firewall
2. Start the Google Update Service by force
3. Reinstall Google Chrome

Let us talk about fixing this error from a more detailed perspective.

1] Whitelist Google Chrome Update Service in Windows Firewall

The first thing you should do is to make sure the Firewall poses no threat to the update service. In order to accomplish this task, go on ahead and launch the Windows Firewall tool. You can do this by typing Windows Defender Firewall into the search box on the Taskbar, then select it when it comes up in the search results.

From there, you will need to select Allow apps and feature through Windows Defender Firewall.

From here, search for googleupdate.exe and allow it through the Firewall. Once that is done, go ahead and check if Error Code 7: 0x80040801 persists.

2] Start the Google Update Service by force

If the above option fails to work, we suggest enabling the Google Update Service via Services.msc. In many instances, the update service automatically enables itself, but there are situations where this doesn’t happen at all.

Now, in order to enable it, please click on the Windows key + R to fire up the Run dialog box, then type Services.msc into the search area. Finally, hit the Enter key to open the Services menu.

From there, look for Google Update Services (gupdate) via the Services menu. Right-click on this and be sure to select Properties. Now, from the General tab, you will want to change the Startup type to Automatic (Delayed Start).

Finally, click on Start > Apply to initiate the changes.

The next step is to return to the Services menu and search for Google Update Services (gupdatem). Perform the same steps, then restart your computer when you’re done.

3] Reinstall Google Chrome

Should the above options fail to work, your best bet is to reinstall the Google Chrome web browser promptly.

Before reinstallation, you will first want to delete the cache folder to ensure no corruption is brought over to the new installation.

To begin, close Google Chrome, and from there, open the Run dialog box right away by selecting Windows key + R.

Type the following command into the box:

%localappdata%

Hit the Enter key on your keyboard. Once the local app data folder has opened, look for the Chrome folder and delete it from your computer.

Finally, uninstall the web browser, visit the official Google Chrome page and redownload the popular web browser. Now, after installation, restart your web browser and check if it this is still an issue.

Related error: Error code 7, 0x80072EE7 while installing or updating Google Chrome.