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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsInstalledBrowser is an installation record from the @puppeteer/browsers package—not a running Puppeteer browser. It identifies the browser build and exposes both the installation directory and the executable path. Obtain it from the package’s install() API, then pass its executablePath to Puppeteer when you need to launch that installed browser.
What an InstalledBrowser object represents
In Puppeteer’s version 25.12.0 documentation, InstalledBrowser describes a browser that has been installed on disk. The API reference marks its constructor as internal, so application code should get an instance from the browser installation API rather than create one directly.
The object identifies an installation; it does not represent a live browser process, a page, or a connection. Puppeteer’s management guide describes the live browser as something you obtain separately with puppeteer.launch() or connect to with puppeteer.connect().
Fields and methods
| Member | Meaning | When it matters |
|---|---|---|
browser |
Browser-family identifier. | Identifies which browser the installation belongs to. |
buildId |
Identifier for the installed build. | Distinguishes the installed browser build. |
platform |
Operating-system and architecture identifier used by the package. | Describes the target platform for the installation. |
path |
Root directory of the browser installation. | Use it when you need the installation directory or its contents. |
executablePath |
Path to the browser executable binary. | Pass this to Puppeteer’s launch options to select this executable. |
readMetadata() / writeMetadata(metadata) |
Methods for reading and writing installation metadata. | Use them when working with the installation’s metadata. |
The distinction between path and executablePath is practical: the first points to the installation root, while the second points to the binary Puppeteer must start.
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How install() returns an installation
The browser installation API has two documented return paths. Its default behavior downloads and unpacks the browser archive, resolving to a Promise<InstalledBrowser>. Setting unpack: false downloads the archive without unpacking it and resolves to a Promise<string> containing the archive path instead.
For example, after installing with the default unpacking behavior, use the returned object’s executable path to launch that installation:
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import puppeteer from 'puppeteer-core';
import { install } from '@puppeteer/browsers';
const installed = await install({
browser: 'chrome',
buildId: 'YOUR_BUILD_ID',
cacheDir: './.cache/puppeteer',
});
const browser = await puppeteer.launch({
executablePath: installed.executablePath,
headless: true,
});
try {
const page = await browser.newPage();
await page.goto('https://example.com');
console.log(await page.title());
} finally {
await browser.close();
}Replace YOUR_BUILD_ID with a build identifier appropriate for the browser and platform you intend to install. This example deliberately uses puppeteer-core: when you manage the browser separately, explicitly supplying the executable path makes the launch target clear.
Launch the installed browser with the right path
Puppeteer’s launch options use executablePath to select a browser executable instead of Puppeteer’s bundled browser. Pass installed.executablePath, not installed.path; the latter is a directory, not the executable file.
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There is a compatibility trade-off: Puppeteer’s compatibility guarantee applies only to its bundled browser. A separately installed executable can work, but compatibility with that browser is not guaranteed by Puppeteer.
puppeteer and puppeteer-core: who manages the browser?
| Package | Browser management | Launch configuration |
|---|---|---|
puppeteer |
Downloads Chrome and drives it through puppeteer-core. |
Provides managed-browser defaults; use executablePath if selecting a different installed executable. |
puppeteer-core |
Does not download Chrome; you manage the browser or connect to a remote one. | For launch, provide executablePath or channel. |
These distinctions are documented in the Puppeteer installation guide and the launch options reference. Choose puppeteer when its managed Chrome download and defaults suit your project. Choose puppeteer-core when you deliberately manage the browser yourself or connect to a remote browser.
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Common errors and how to fix them
- Chrome could not be found: a package manager may have blocked dependency install scripts, preventing Puppeteer’s automatic browser download. Run
npx puppeteer browsers installto install a browser manually, as described in the official configuration guide. - Launch fails after passing
installed.path: that value is the installation root, not the executable. Passinstalled.executablePathin the launch options. puppeteer-corecannot select a browser: setexecutablePathto the installed binary or specify achannel. Unlike the fullpuppeteerpackage,puppeteer-coredoes not download Chrome.- A separately installed browser behaves incompatibly: Puppeteer guarantees compatibility only with its bundled browser. If compatibility is important, use the bundled browser or verify the specific browser and Puppeteer versions your project depends on.
Or skip the browser setup
If your goal is a website screenshot rather than running Puppeteer-managed browser code, ScreenshotNeo provides a screenshot API and MCP server. A single GET request can return an image or PDF:
curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://stripe.com -o shot.webpSee the ScreenshotNeo API documentation for request options. It accepts cookie and consent banners before capture and removes more than 60 known consent platforms, newsletter popups, and chat widgets; those steps can be turned off. Bot checks, blank pages, timeouts, failed loads, and cache hits are not billed, and response headers report the page verdict and billing status. An MCP server provides take_screenshot, get_page_info, and capture_pdf tools for Claude, Cursor, and other MCP clients. The free plan includes 1,000 screenshots per month with no card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000 shots.
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- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
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Version note
The API details here reflect the official Puppeteer documentation labeled version 25.12.0, reviewed on October 3, 2026. Check the documentation for your project’s installed version before relying on version-sensitive fields or behavior.
Quick Recap
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