Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers in the world, but it can sometimes crash or become unresponsive under Windows 11. This can be very frustrating, especially if you need to access important information quickly.
In this article, we'll walk you through the best, proven methods to get Google Chrome back on its feet under Windows 11.
By following these steps, you will be able to browse with peace of mind without further delay.
Possible causes for Google Chrome stopping responding under Windows 11
After discussing the problem in our introduction, you are probably wondering what can cause these inconveniences with Chrome. Here is a quick overview of common causes:
- Unfinished Chrome Updates: Sometimes an incomplete update can cause problems.
- Incompatible extensions: Not all extensions, especially ad blocking ones, are always up to date with the latest versions of Chrome or Windows 11.
- Outdated graphics drivers: Outdated drivers may conflict with Chrome.
- Software conflicts: Some tools, especially security tools, can interfere with the operation of Chrome.
- Lack of system resources: If your computer is overloaded, Chrome may be affected.
Once you have identified the cause of the problem, you can start trying the solutions that we are going to present.
How to Fix Chrome Won't Open or Launch Under Windows 11
Now that we've identified the possible causes, let's get to the heart of the matter: how to get Chrome back in the saddle?
Before embarking on more in-depth manipulations, let's try a few simple but often life-saving tips.
Restart Chrome and your PC
Restarting Chrome and your PC can fix minor issues caused by chrome errors or memory problems. When you restart Chrome, it closes all instances of the browser and reloads files and settings.
When you restart your PC, you close all running applications and processes and reload the operating system.
Google Chrome Update
An outdated version of Chrome may be causing the problem. Chrome is updated regularly with new features, security fixes, and performance improvements.
To check if Chrome is up to date, follow these steps:
- Open Chrome.
- Click the three-dot icon at the top right of the window.
- Select “Help” > “About Google Chrome”.
- If a new version of Chrome is available, click “Update”.
Close all running Chrome processes
If Chrome doesn't open, it may be because it's running quietly in the background. No worries, we'll stop it together. Open Task Manager and look for all Chrome related stuff to stop them. This is how to do it
- Open Task Manager by pressing the keys simultaneously Windows and X on your keyboard. The Power User menu will be displayed. In this menu, click on “Task Manager”.
- Under the “Processes” tab, find all Chrome-related tasks.
- Right-click on each task and select “Close Task”.
Chrome cleaning
Clear cache, history and cookies can give your browser a boost. This can also fix issues caused by corrupted extensions or websites.
To clear browsing data, follow these steps:
- Open Chrome.
- Click the three-dot icon at the top right of the window.
- Select “Settings”.
- In the “Privacy and security” section, click “Clear browsing data”.
- Check the “Browsing history”, “Cookies and other site data” and “Cache” boxes and select the “All data” period.
- Click on " Erase data"
Temporary disabling of ad blockers
Ad blockers can sometimes interfere with how Chrome works, especially if you're using older versions.
To deactivate them, here is the procedure to follow:
- Open Chrome.
- Click the three-dot icon at the top right of the window.
- Select “Extensions”.
- Disable ad blockers.
Advanced solutions
When general solutions are not enough, the problem requires a more technical approach. Don't worry, we will guide you step by step to try to resolve these complications with Google Chrome under Windows 11.
Chrome Safe Mode
Le safe mode of Chrome allows you to start the browser without extensions, drivers or add-ons. This can be helpful in identifying the cause of a crash.
Steps to follow :
- Close all Chrome windows.
- Simultaneously press the Windows +R to open the Run dialog box.
- type C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe –disable-extensions and press Enter.
If Chrome works fine in Safe Mode, one of your extensions is likely the cause of the problem. Try disabling your extensions one by one to identify the cause of the problem.
Reset your Chrome user profile
Your user profile on Chrome contains all your data and configurations: favorites, passwords, extensions, etc. If this profile is damaged, this could prevent Chrome from opening correctly. One solution is to delete this profile and let Chrome create a new one.
Here's how to do it:
- Open File Explorer, either from the taskbar or using the keyboard shortcut Windows +E.
- Go to the following location, replacing “
%username%» by your username Windows :C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data
- Right-click the “Chrome” folder, then choose “Delete” from the menu that appears. By deleting this folder, Google Chrome will be forced to create a new user profile the next time it is launched.
- Open Google Chrome to see if the issue is resolved.
Reinstall Chrome
If you still can't find a solution after trying all the previous options, consider reinstalling Google Chrome. This action will eliminate any possible browser anomalies returning it to its original state.
Here's how to proceed:
- Go to “Settings” by clicking on the “Start” menu or using the keyboard shortcut
Windows + I. - In the left pane, click “Apps,” then choose “Apps & Features” on the right side.
- In the list of installed software, find “Google Chrome”. Click the three-dot icon next to Chrome and select "Uninstall."
- Follow the on-screen instructions to authorize the complete uninstallation of the browser.
- After Chrome is completely uninstalled, go to Google Chrome official website to download and install the latest version.
What if none of the solutions work?
We know how annoying it is when something refuses to work, especially when it's a tool as essential as Google Chrome. First, take a quick look to see if Windows 11 has pending updates. Sometimes a small update can make everything right.
If that doesn't help, why not take a look at the Google Chrome help site? It's like a big forum where everyone shares their little worries and tips.
And if Chrome really turns your nose up at you, it's not the end of the world. There are plenty of other cool browsers like Firefox or Edge that can take over in the meantime. And then, as a last resort, we can always think about going back to an older version of our computer, to a time when everything was fine.