Windows
Downloading Google Chrome from 2014 for Windows 8 is tricky—Google no longer hosts old versions, but archival sites and offline installers still exist.
If you’re running legacy software or troubleshooting a vintage PC, you’ll need the right steps to avoid malware or compatibility issues. Below, I’ll show you where to find the original installer, how to verify it’s safe, and what to watch for during setup.
Where to find the original Google Chrome 2014 download for Windows 8
Google no longer hosts direct downloads of Chrome 2014 versions, but you can still access them through trusted archives. The 36-38 releases from 2014 are compatible with Windows 8, but you’ll need to verify sources to avoid malware.
I’ll guide you through the safest methods, including offline installers and verification steps.
Google Chrome version 36-38 (released in 2014) is the last stable build officially supported for Windows 8. These versions lack modern security patches, so use them only for legacy systems. Always download from verified sources like the Wayback Machine or trusted archive sites.
summary-table
Source
Chrome Version
Download Link
Verification Method
Internet Archive (Wayback Machine)
36.0.1985.125
Archive Link
Check file hash against official Google archives
MajorGeeks (Legacy Section)
37.0.2062.124
Download Page
User reviews + antivirus scan
FileHorse (Offline Installer)
38.0.2125.104
Download Here
Digital signature verification
OldApps.com
36.0.1985.125 (Portable)
Portable Version
No-install verification
For the most reliable download, I recommend Internet Archive or MajorGeeks, as they host verified versions of Chrome from 2014. Always check the file hash against known-good sources to ensure the installer isn’t corrupted or tampered with.
Google Chrome version 36-38 requires Windows 8 (32/64-bit) and at least 2GB RAM. If your system meets these system requirements, proceed with the download. Avoid using these versions on modern networks due to security vulnerabilities.
Before installing, disable auto-updates in Chrome’s settings to prevent accidental upgrades. Navigate to Settings > About Chrome and disable the update feature. This ensures you maintain the 2014 version for compatibility.
If you encounter installation errors, try running the installer as Administrator. Right-click the .exe file and select "Run as administrator". This resolves permission issues common on Windows 8 systems.
For offline use, download the portable version from OldApps.com. This avoids installation entirely and runs directly from a USB drive. Ideal for legacy systems where full installations cause conflicts.
Always scan the downloaded file with Windows Defender or Malwarebytes before running it. Outdated software like Chrome 2014 is a prime target for malware distribution, so caution is critical.
If you need a clean uninstall later, use Revo Uninstaller to remove all residual files. This prevents conflicts with newer Chrome versions you might install later.
How to install Chrome 2014 on Windows 8 without errors
Installing Google Chrome 2014 on Windows 8 can be tricky due to modern security restrictions and auto-update mechanisms. Many users encounter errors like admin rights failures or conflicting software issues. The key is to disable auto-updates first and run the installer in compatibility mode.
Start by downloading the offline installer for Chrome 36-38 (the last versions from 2014). Verify the file’s SHA-256 hash against trusted archives to avoid malware. Once downloaded, right-click the installer and select Properties to check the digital signature.
Before installing, open the installer’s Properties window and navigate to the Compatibility tab. Check "Run this program in compatibility mode for" and select Windows 7. Also, enable "Run as administrator" to bypass User Account Control (UAC) restrictions.
Launch the installer while holding Shift + Right-Click and select "Run as administrator". If prompted by Windows Defender, temporarily disable real-time protection or add an exception for the installer’s location. Monitor the installation closely for error codes like 0x80070005 (access denied).
After installation, disable auto-updates by navigating to chrome://settings/help in the browser. Click "About Google Chrome" and note the version number. Then, open Task Manager, end all Chrome processes, and delete the Update folder in Chrome’s installation directory.
To prevent future updates, create a registry tweak by opening Regedit and navigating to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Update. Set UpdateDefault to 0 and UpdateEnabled to 0. Restart your PC to apply changes. For extra security, block Chrome’s update servers via your hosts file.
