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Set executablePath in puppeteer.launch() to the full path of the chrome.exe you want Puppeteer to run. The path must point to a real file on the machine or container running Node.js; there is no single Windows path that works everywhere.
Launch Chrome from an explicit Windows path
Use the complete executable filename, not just the application folder. This example assumes Chrome is installed at the conventional location shown; check your own system before using it.
import puppeteer from 'puppeteer';
const browser = await puppeteer.launch({
browser: 'chrome',
executablePath: String.raw`C:Program FilesGoogleChromeApplicationchrome.exe`,
});
try {
const page = await browser.newPage();
await page.goto('https://example.com', { waitUntil: 'networkidle0' });
await page.screenshot({ path: 'screenshot.png', fullPage: true });
} finally {
await browser.close();
}String.raw keeps the backslashes in this JavaScript string literal as written. The executablePath launch option selects a browser executable instead of Puppeteer’s bundled browser. Puppeteer warns that only its bundled browser is guaranteed to work with Puppeteer; using another executable is at your own risk (Puppeteer LaunchOptions).
Find and verify the path
- Locate the
chrome.exethat you intend to use, then copy its full path, including the filename. - Check that the file exists and that the account running Node.js can access it.
- Verify the path in the same environment where the script runs. A path on your desktop may not exist inside a CI runner, container, or remote host.
C:Program FilesGoogleChromeApplicationchrome.exe is only an example, not a universal Chrome location. Puppeteer’s own downloaded-browser cache uses a different layout, including chrome-win64chrome.exe; do not assume the cache is located at a fixed desktop path. See Puppeteer’s configuration guide for browser installation and management.
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Choose between bundled Chrome and a separate installation
| Approach | Browser management | Path setup | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
Use the browser bundled with puppeteer |
Puppeteer downloads a compatible Chrome during installation. | Usually omit executablePath. |
This is the browser Puppeteer guarantees to work with. |
| Use a separately installed or managed browser | You manage its installation and updates. | Set executablePath to the actual executable, or use a release channel when the browser is at a known standard location. |
Compatibility with arbitrary binaries is not guaranteed. |
Use puppeteer-core |
You provide or manage the browser; the package does not download Chrome. | Configure the browser through the launch API. | Configuration files and environment variables used by puppeteer are ignored. |
Puppeteer’s installation guide covers installation and manual browser setup. If you do not need a specific system Chrome, leaving out executablePath is generally the simplest setup for the full puppeteer package.
Set the path with an environment variable
For the full puppeteer package, PUPPETEER_EXECUTABLE_PATH can provide an executable-path override through the environment. This is useful when the path differs by machine or deployment environment, because the code does not need to contain a machine-specific path. The variable does not configure puppeteer-core; Puppeteer documents that its configuration and environment-variable settings are ignored by that package (Puppeteer configuration).
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- Windows 11 Pro
Alternatively, keep the path explicit in puppeteer.launch({ executablePath: ... }) when you want the choice visible in the script. Use one approach deliberately and confirm it points to the executable in the runtime environment.
Troubleshoot launch failures
Executable not found
Check for a typo, missing .exe, or a path copied from another computer. Confirm the file exists in the environment that runs Node.js, not merely on the machine where you edited the script.
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Access denied or launch blocked
Check that the launching account has permission to access the browser files. Puppeteer’s troubleshooting guide notes that, starting with v22.14.0, Puppeteer attempts to configure permissions for downloaded Chrome by running Chrome’s setup.exe. For older versions or continuing access-denied sandbox errors, the guide describes an icacls workaround; follow its current commands and security context rather than applying permission changes blindly (Puppeteer troubleshooting).
Chrome starts but Puppeteer behaves incompatibly
Confirm which browser binary the script launched and consider whether it is compatible with your Puppeteer version. The compatibility guarantee applies to Puppeteer’s bundled browser, not every separately installed Chrome build (LaunchOptions API).
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Cache path does not match the example
The chrome-win64chrome.exe layout is relative to Puppeteer’s browser cache; it is not a guaranteed installation path for desktop Chrome. Use Puppeteer’s browser APIs or installation guide to manage the downloaded browser instead of guessing where its cache lives.
Or skip the browser setup
ScreenshotNeo can return a screenshot or PDF with one GET request, without configuring Puppeteer or a local Chrome path. Its capture flow accepts cookie and consent banners and removes more than 60 known consent platforms, newsletter popups, and chat widgets; each of those steps can be turned off. Bot checks, blank pages, timeouts, failed loads, and cache hits are not billed, and the response identifies the page verdict and billing status in headers. An MCP server exposes screenshot tools to AI agents. The free plan includes 1,000 shots per month with no card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000.
curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://example.com -o shot.webpSee the ScreenshotNeo API documentation for options. Sign up for the free plan to get 1,000 screenshots a month with no card.
Best Value
- WINDOWS 11 | STABLE PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 system, this laptop delivers stable performance for everyday computing tasks. It supports web browsing, online learning, document editing, email communication, and basic office work with optimized power efficiency, providing a practical and reliable experience for essential daily use for daily use.
- 15.6” FHD IPS DISPLAY: Features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with narrow bezels, offering wider viewing angles and clearer image details compared to standard panels. The improved screen-to-body ratio enhances visual experience for study, reading, document work, and video playback, making it suitable for both productivity and entertainment use.
- 4GB DDR4 + 128GB eMMC STORAGE: Equipped with 4GB DDR4 memory and 128GB eMMC storage for everyday basics such as browsing, documents, email, and online learning platforms. The built-in TF card slot supports storage expansion up to 1TB, giving you more flexibility for files, photos, videos, and daily documents. TF card not included.
- CONNECTIVITY & PORTS: Includes 1× TF card slot, 2× USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and 2× full-featured Type-C ports (USB 3.2 Gen1). The Type-C ports support data transfer, charging, and video output, enabling flexible connection with external devices such as monitors, storage, and peripherals for daily work and study use.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN | ONLINE COMMUNICATION: Designed with a slim, portable profile, this laptop is easy to carry for school, commuting, and travel. A built-in 1MP front camera supports online classes, video meetings, remote communication, and everyday conferencing. The 3300mAh battery works with the low-power system design to support practical daily use, while thermal optimization helps maintain quieter operation during extended tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Puppeteer require a custom Chrome path on Windows?
No. The full puppeteer package downloads a compatible browser; an explicit path is for choosing a separately managed executable.
Can I use PUPPETEER_EXECUTABLE_PATH with puppeteer-core?
No. Puppeteer documents that configuration and environment-variable settings are ignored by puppeteer-core.
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