Windows - Data Collection & Auditing - Retrieve Google Chrome Update Logs

What the Chrome update log retrieval Worklet does

This Automox Worklet™ scans Windows endpoints for Google Chrome's update log file and retrieves its contents to the Automox Activity Log. The log file, located at C:\ProgramData\Google\Update\Log\GoogleUpdate.log, contains detailed information about Chrome's automatic update attempts and any issues encountered during the update process.

The Worklet provides flexibility through optional parameters. By default, it captures the last 100 lines of the log file, which covers recent update activity. You can customize the output by specifying a line count to retrieve a different number of entries, or by searching for log entries from a specific date in mm/dd/yy format.

If the log file does not exist on an endpoint, the Worklet exits gracefully without flagging the endpoint. This is common on endpoints where Chrome update logging has not been explicitly enabled.

Why monitor Chrome update logs

Chrome updates regularly to deliver security patches, bug fixes, and new features. When updates fail, it leaves endpoints vulnerable to known security threats. Monitoring update logs helps you identify and resolve update failures before they compromise endpoint security.

Update failures often stem from network connectivity issues, insufficient disk space, registry permission problems, or conflicts with third-party security software. By examining the update log, you can pinpoint the root cause and take corrective action, whether that involves adjusting network settings, freeing disk space, or resolving permission issues.

Access to Chrome update logs also supports compliance requirements that mandate tracking of software maintenance activities on managed endpoints. This Worklet automates the collection process, reducing manual effort and verifying consistent logging across your environment.

How Chrome update log retrieval works

1. Evaluation phase: Checks whether the Chrome update log file exists at C:\ProgramData\Google\Update\Log\GoogleUpdate.log. If the file is not present, the Worklet exits without further action since there is no log content to retrieve.

2. Remediation phase: Reads the update log file and applies any specified filters. If a line count is specified, the Worklet retrieves the last N lines. If a date search is specified, the Worklet filters entries to show only those from that date. The filtered content is then output to the Automox Activity Log for review.

Chrome update log retrieval requirements

• Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2016 or later

• Google Chrome must be installed on the endpoint

• Chrome update logging must be enabled (via the companion Enable Logs for Google Chrome Updates Worklet or through manual configuration)

• Sufficient permissions to read files in C:\ProgramData\Google\Update\Log\

Expected Chrome update log output

After the Worklet runs, the Chrome update log contents appear in the Automox Activity Log. Each log entry includes a timestamp, update status, and relevant error messages or event details. Review this information to identify update failures, diagnose connectivity issues, or verify successful Chrome updates across your fleet.

If the optional parameters were used, the output reflects the applied filters. For example, specifying -LineCount 50 displays only the last 50 entries, and specifying -DateSearch "02/23/24" displays only entries from February 23, 2024. If no matching entries are found for a date search, the Worklet returns a message indicating that no entries were found for that date.

How to validate retrieve google chrome update logs changes

1. Run this Worklet on a pilot Windows endpoint and review evaluation output for retrieve google chrome update logs.

2. Confirm Automox activity logs show successful completion and exit code 0.

3. Verify endpoint state using checks aligned to evaluation script logic, such as Test-Path, Write-Output.

4. Validate remediation effects from script operations such as Test-Path, Write-Output, Get-Content, then rerun evaluation for compliance.