Fix Error Code 3 0x80040154 in Google Chrome

If you are seeing Error Code 3 (0x80040154) in Google Chrome, it usually means there is a problem updating the browser. This error can happen due to VPN conflicts, cached data issues, or update service problems. In this blog, you will learn simple and effective ways to fix Error Code 3 in Chrome, like restarting Chrome, clearing cache, disabling VPN, and resetting Chrome settings, so you can keep your browser safe and up to date.

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✅ How to Fix Error Code 3 (0x80040154)

Here are several step-by-step solutions you can try — work through them one by one until you fix the error.

1. Restart Chrome (and Computer)

• Close Chrome fully, including processes in Task Manager.
• Re-open Chrome → Go to Menu (⋮) → Help → About Google Chrome to manually trigger an update.
• If the error still shows, restart your PC. A fresh boot can clear temporary issues.

2. Turn Off VPN or Proxy

If you use a VPN or proxy:

• Disconnect or disable it temporarily.
• Retry the Chrome update via the About page.

3. Enable Google Update Services

You need two Google Update services: gupdate and gupdatem.

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc → Enter.
2. In the list, find Google Update Service (gupdate).
   • Double-click → set Startup type to Automatic (Delayed Start).
   • Click Start if it’s not running.
3. Similarly, find Google Update Service (gupdatem).
   • Set its Startup type to Automatic.
   • Start the service if needed.
4. Click Apply → OK. Then restart your PC and try updating again.

4. Modify the Registry to Enable Updates

If services are enabled but not working, you may need to tweak the registry:

1. Open Registry Editor (Win + R → regedit → Enter).
2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Google\Update
3. In the right pane, find a value named UpdateDefault (or similar).
4. Double-click it → set the Value data to 1.
5. Exit Registry Editor → Restart your system → Try updating Chrome again.

5. Whitelist Chrome Update in Firewall

If Windows Firewall is blocking the update:

1. Open Windows Defender Firewall → Click Allow an app or feature through firewall.
2. Make sure tools.google.com and dl.google.com (or Google Update) are allowed.
3. Save and retry updating Chrome.

6. Run the GoogleUpdater Manually

You can manually run Chrome’s updater executable:

1. Open File Explorer and go to: C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Update\ (or relevant path)
2. Look for GoogleUpdateSetup.exe → Double-click it → Click Yes when UAC prompts.
3. This should re-register the update component and might solve the error.

7. Reinstall Google Chrome

If nothing else works, a clean reinstall often fixes updater issues:

1. Go to Control Panel → Programs & Features → Uninstall Google Chrome.
2. Download the latest Chrome installer from Google’s official website.
3. Install Chrome Again → Open it, go to About → check for updates.

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✅ Final Thoughts

Error Code 3: 0x80040154 in Chrome is frustrating, but usually relates to Chrome’s update system — not the browser itself. By following the steps: restarting Chrome, enabling Google Update services, tweaking registry settings, whitelisting in firewall, or reinstalling Chrome, you should be able to resolve it effectively.

Once fixed, you’ll restore Chrome’s ability to update, which is essential for security and performance.