Always Be Updating

Learn the simple steps to update Playwright and its browsers so you're always running with the latest features and fixes.

July 3, 2025 by cryan.com

Everyone knows that Playwright is a powerful tool for browser automation, but like any evolving framework, it benefits from regular updates. Staying current ensures you have the latest bug fixes, security patches, and new features. Here's how to keep your Playwright setup up to date in just a few steps.

Step 1: Check for Updates

First, use npm to see if an update is available for Playwright:

npm outdated @playwright/test

If an update is listed, you're ready to move forward.

Step 2: Update Playwright

Run the following command to update Playwright and its browser binaries:

npm install @playwright/test@latest

Then, download the latest browser versions:

npx playwright install

Step 3: Verify Your Installation

Confirm that Playwright is using the latest version:

npx playwright --version

Step 4: Test Your Code

After updating, it's a good idea to rerun your tests and make sure nothing breaks:

npx playwright test

Bonus: Automate the Check

Add this script to your package.json to check for updates regularly:

"scripts": {
  "check-playwright-update": "npm outdated @playwright/test"
}

Then run it with:

npm run check-playwright-update