It is possible that we have ever had doubts when using Chrome Components , a section of the browser necessary to solve certain problems, and that sometimes requires updating some of its add – ons individually.
Unlike the Chrome Flags , the Components section includes a reduced number of elements, which cannot be deactivated, uninstalled or installed independently. The only option available is “Check for updates” to bring them up to date.
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These add-ons or components, actually, are responsible for key functions of Chrome , both desktop and mobile versions, so they are a mandatory part of the browser, although we will not always use the capabilities of all of them.
To access the Components section we must write this text in the address bar and press “enter”:
chrome: // components
We will see a list of elements like the following:
Apart from the name of each component, it indicates the installed version , its status (“Updated” or “Update error”) and offers us the possibility to search for new updates.
Normally, Chrome Components update only when the browser itself does, so this option is quite hidden. If problems arise we will have to enter this section, which we already see that it does not have much to delve into.
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How to update Chrome components
The process for updating individual components does not have many options, but it is important to know if at any point the Components become problematic. These are the necessary steps:
- We have to run Chrome as the administrator user of the computer. For example, in the case of Windows we will go to the Start menu, click on “Google Chrome” with the right mouse button, choose “More” and then on “Run as administrator”:
- We type the corresponding command in the address bar and click on “Enter”:
chrome: // components
- We go to the add-on that we want to update, and click on “Check for updates” :
- The process can be successful, or indicate “Update error” , which is quite common.
If the update error appears, there is no other option but to uninstall Google Chrome and reinstall it , as you cannot add or remove components one by one.
We explain the process in the next section, where we see a Netflix failure that is usually the main reason why users are interested in Chrome Components.
Widevine Content Decryption and Error M7357-1003 on Netflix
The most problematic component is called the Widevine Content Decryption Module (widevinecdm), and it is used to protect the content (music and video) of the streaming platforms, so that it is difficult to copy it for later distribution.
Specifically, Netflix requires this add-on, and if it is not working or is an old version, we will get the error M7357-1003 , which will prevent us from playing any series or movies from the browser.
In principle, from Chrome 57 (released in 2017) we will have Widevine Content Decryption Module as part of Components, so very few computers will be without it today.
The steps to solve the error M7357-1003 are the following:
- Netflix advises us to press “Check for updates” in the Widevine Content Decryption Module add-on as explained in the previous section, something that sometimes fixes the problem, but not always.
- If not, the next step is to update Chrome from this path:
Three dots menu -> Help -> Google Chrome information -> Check for updates
- If error M7357-1003 is not resolved in this way, we must uninstall the system browser , restart and re- download and install Chrome to work with a “clean” version and up to date.
It would be very strange if the error M7357-1003 would continue to appear after these steps. It would probably have to do with some advanced configuration of the machine (in particular, restrictions in the computers of a company or organization that have been applied by the administrator).
In any case, the solution proposed by Netflix is to use another browser , as it is also compatible with Firefox, Opera, Edge and Safari.
List of Chrome Components and their function
While Google can add new components, or even remove some, the list of Components is quite stable . We will see around 20 add-ons in desktop versions, and some less on mobile, each with its own objective. These are the functions they perform:
- MEI Preload : takes care of loading video and music.
- Legacy TLS Deprecation Configuration : for websites that use outdated versions of TLS.
- Federated Learning of Cohorts : a system that replaces cookies.
- Autofill States Data : to save the autocomplete text.
- Third Party Module List : in charge of managing HTTP requests.
- Subresource Filter Rules : the filtering system for malicious websites and intrusive advertisements.
- Crowd Deny : controls web permissions (cookies, notifications, microphone, webcam, etc.)
- Certificate Error Assistant – Handles issues with encryption SSL certificates.
- Software Reporter Tool : is responsible for collecting and sending technical bugs to Google.
- CRLSet – Lock certificates when necessary.
- pnacl – Tool for developers to test insecure code.
- Chrome Improved Recovery : repair the browser if there are problems updating.
- Hyphenation : related to the visualization of the text.
- Safety Tips : security notices (such as the red screen when entering a malicious website).
- File Type Policies : manage the files that Chrome opens (PDFs, for example).
- Trust Token Key Commitments : to differentiate real users from bots.
- Origin Trials – For development testing.
- OnDeviceHeadSuggest – Related to address bar suggestions.
- Widevine Content Decryption Module – Security for commercial streaming services.
- Zxcvbn Data Dictionaries – For password security.
Until it was discontinued at the end of 2020, Adobe Flash Player was also among the components of Chrome . Currently you can continue using Flash on your computer with some tricks, but the major browsers do not support it, not even as an option.
In short, Chrome Components is a key element of the browser , which we should not normally touch, but which sometimes causes inconveniences. Now that we know how to use these plugins, it will be easier to resolve possible errors.
