Use initial preferences for Chrome browser

Applies to IT administrators who want to deploy an initial_preferences file for managed Chrome browser on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.

As an admin, you can use initial preferences to deploy default preferences to Chrome browser users on managed computers. These preferences are applied when users first open Chrome browser. For example, you can set the homepage or choose which tabs and URLs are shown when they open Chrome browser.

Note: For Chrome browser 91 or later, the file named initial_preferences replaces the master_preferences file. To minimize disruption, Chrome continues to support both filenames, and any further change will be notified in the Chrome Enterprise release notes. 

When to use initial preferences

Use initial preferences to:

• Configure default settings that users can change later.
• Deploy settings that you don’t want to manage, or aren’t available, with a Chrome policy.
• Apply settings to Microsoft Windows computers that aren’t joined to an Active Directory domain.

To apply settings that you don’t want users to change, enforce Chrome policies on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers instead.

If a setting is managed by a Chrome policy and also configured in the initial_preferences file, the policy takes precedence and users can’t edit the setting. For details, see View a device’s current Chrome policies.

Before you begin

If users already have Chrome browser on their computers, you need to remove it before you complete the steps below.

Deploy initial preferences