Chrome Crashing or Won’t Open on Windows? Try These Fixes

Common causes

• Not enough free memory for Chrome, your apps and extensions
• Another program or process getting in the way
• A Chrome extension causing a problem
• A problem with how your computer’s hardware works with Chrome
• Antivirus software or malware preventing Chrome from opening
• Something wrong with your Chrome profile

Step-by-Step Solutions

If Chrome won’t open at all, start by ending it in Task manager, then restart your computer and check your antivirus. If it crashes, start by freeing up memory and restarting Chrome and your computer, then open the page in another browser: Google gives the hardware acceleration and reinstall steps for when the page works there.

1. 1

   Step 1: End Chrome in Task manager

   If Chrome won’t open, it might already be running in the background, so force close it first.

   Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, then click Task manager. Under Processes, click Google Chrome or chrome.exe, then click End task.

2. 2

   Step 2: Close other tabs, apps and downloads

   Your computer may have run out of memory, and can’t load the site while it also runs your apps, extensions and programs.

   To free up memory:

   • Close every tab except the one that’s showing the error message.
   • Quit other apps or programs that are running.
   • Pause any app or file downloads.

   Good to know

   After you free up memory, try to reload the tab that shows the error.

3. 3

   Step 3: Quit Chrome and reopen it

   Restarting Chrome is one of Google’s first fixes for crashes.

   Press Ctrl + q to quit Chrome, then reopen it and try loading the page again.

   To reopen the tabs that were open before, press Ctrl + Shift + t.

4. 4

   Step 4: Restart your computer

   A program or process running on your computer might be causing problems with Chrome.

   Programs or apps sometimes get in the way of a page loading correctly. Restart your computer to check whether that fixes the problem, then try loading the page again.

5. 5

   Step 5: Open the page in another browser

   This tells you whether the problem is with the webpage or with Chrome.

   If Chrome crashes on a page, try to open that page in another browser, like Firefox.

   If the page works there, Google’s next steps include fixing hardware acceleration and reinstalling Chrome, both covered below. Google also says one of your Chrome extensions could be causing a problem. If it doesn’t work in another browser either, it could be a problem with your network or the website itself.

   Good to know

   If other sites open normally but one site crashes, that site might be the cause of the problem. You can contact the site owner to report the problem.

6. 6

   Step 6: Turn off hardware acceleration

   There could be a problem with how your computer’s hardware works with Chrome.

   In Chrome, open More, then Settings. At the bottom, click System, then turn off Use hardware acceleration when available.

   Restart Chrome.

7. 7

   Step 7: Check your antivirus and look for malware

   Your antivirus software or unwanted malware can prevent Chrome from opening.

   Check whether Chrome was blocked by antivirus or other software on your computer.

   You might have unwanted software or malware on your computer if you see signs like these:

   • Pop-up ads and new tabs that won’t go away
   • Your Chrome homepage or search engine keeps changing without your permission
   • Unwanted Chrome extensions or toolbars keep coming back
   • Alerts about a virus or an infected device

   Good to know

   Google also suggests checking your computer for unwanted programs. On Windows, go to the Start menu, then select Settings, Apps, then Installed apps to see them.

8. 8

   Step 8: Uninstall and reinstall Chrome

   If the other steps didn’t work, Google suggests uninstalling and reinstalling Chrome, which can fix problems that might have stopped it from opening.

   Something wrong with your Chrome profile can also cause problems, and Google says to check the box to delete browsing data when you uninstall, then reinstall Chrome. If you delete your profile information, like bookmarks and history, it won’t be on your computer anymore. If you’re signed in to Chrome and save data in your Google Account, some information might still be on Google’s servers.

   On Windows 11, close all Chrome windows. Click Start menu, then Settings, then Apps, then Installed apps. Next to Google Chrome, click More, then Uninstall, and click Uninstall. To allow this app to make changes to your device, click Yes.

   On Windows 10, close all Chrome windows and tabs, then click the Start menu, then Settings, then Apps. Under Apps & features, find and click Google Chrome, click Uninstall, and confirm by clicking Uninstall. To delete your profile information, like bookmarks and history, check “Also delete your browsing data,” then click Uninstall. If you check it, that profile information won’t be on your computer anymore.

   To reinstall, download the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions. If you get the message “Do you want to run this file?” select Run, and if you get “Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?” select Yes. On Windows 10 and up, a Chrome window opens when the installation is complete.

   Good to know

   Before you download, check that Chrome supports your system. On Windows, Chrome needs Windows 10 and up with an Intel processor, or Windows 11 and up with an ARM processor.

Frequently Asked Questions