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Fixed: Google Chrome Won’t Open in Windows 10

It’s no less than confusing as to why Google Chrome would suddenly not open in Windows 10. What exactly could have happened for this to occur? Sometimes the fix is as easy as restarting your computer. Other times it could take a deeper dive into the settings of the application.

If Google Chrome won’t open in Windows 10, there are a few things that you can do to resolve this.

Method 1: Fix Google Chrome Won’t Open On Windows 10 By Restarting Your Computer

When you cannot open Google Chrome in Windows 10, the first thing you should attempt is to restart your computer. This will often fix the problem without having to get too deep into the various settings of your operating system.

Step 1. Restart your computer via the Power icon in the Start Menu.

Restart to fix Google Chrome won’t open in Windows 10

Step 2. Once your computer has fully booted, if you have it set for Google Chrome to startup upon reboot, head into Task Manager with Ctrl + Alt + Del.

Step 3. In the Processes tab, locate Google Chrome, right-click it, and select End process tree (or End task if End process tree is not present) from the drop-down menu.

Close Google Chrome from Task manager

Step 4. Relaunch Google Chrome once all processes of the previous session have been ended.

Method 2: Repair Google Chrome Won’t Open In Windows 10 Via Antivirus Exclusion or Firewall Settings

When Chrome won’t open in Windows 10, it’s possible that your firewall or computer antivirus can be temporarily keeping the application closed. If this occurs consistently, you may need to add an exclusion to your settings for the browser.

Check to see if turning your Firewall off helps the situation. If you’re able to open Google Chrome, follow these steps.

Step 1. Open the Settings window and select Update & Security.

Update & Security in Windows 10 settings

Step 2. In the left side panel, select Windows Security.

Select Windows Security in Windows 10 settings

Step 3. In the main window, select Firewall & network protection.

Select Firewall & network protection in Windows 10 settings

Step 4. In the main section of the new window, look for the Allow an app through firewall link and click it.

Allow an app through firewall in Windows 10 settings

Step 5. Scroll down to find Google Chrome and make sure that a check is placed in the box. Click OK.

Allow Google Chrome for through firewall

Step 6. Back in the main window of Settings, click Virus & threat protection.

Virus & threat protection in Windows 10

Step 7. Underneath Virus & threat protection settings, click Manage settings.

manage settings - Virus & threat protection in Windows 10

Step 8. Scroll down to the Exclusions section and click Add or remove exclusions.

Add or remove exclusions in Windows 10 settings

Step 9. Click the + Add an exclusion button, select Process from the drop-down, and type Google Chrome into the field. Click Add.

Add Google Chrome as an exclusion in Windows 10

Step 10. You will see the Google Chrome exclusion just underneath the button.

Google Chrome exclusion in Windows 10

Step 11. Relaunch Google Chrome.

Method 3: Fix Google Chrome Won’t Open On Windows 10 By Uninstalling Unidentifiable Programs

Google Chrome can sometimes find conflict with programs that are unidentifiable or malicious that are present on your computer. This could be the reason Chrome won’t open in Windows 10. To combat this, you’ll need to locate and remove them from your computer in order to continue using Google Chrome.

The Chrome Cleanup Tool can help you identify and uninstall these programs if you’re uncertain about what you need to be looking for. However, if you feel confident in which program(s) are causing the issue, you can follow these steps.

Step 1. Head into Control Panel.

Step 2. In Category view, under Programs, click Uninstall a program.

Uninstall a program in Windows 10 control panel

Step 3. Scroll through the available programs, right-click the one you want to remove, and click Uninstall.

Uninstall a program in Windows 10

Step 4. Click Yes when prompted by User Access Control to remove the program.

Step 5. Restart your computer and launch Google Chrome.

Method 4: Repair Google Chrome Won’t Open In Windows 10 By Changing Advanced Security Settings

Aside from running the program as administrator (which you should always be doing), there are other things within Google Chrome Properties you can do to make access easier. This would be going into the Security tab and tweaking the Advanced settings.

Step 1. Right-click on the Google Chrome shortcut and select Properties.

Google Chrome Properties in Windows 10

Step 2. While in the Google Chrome Properties window, navigate to the Security tab.

Step 3. While in the Security tab, locate and click the Advanced button

Advanced Security in Google Chrome

Step 4. In the new window, to the right of Owner, click Change.

Change the Owner in Google Chrome

Step 5. Type your username into the large box at the bottom of the new window labeled “Enter the object name to select,” and click OK.

Enter the object name to select in Google Chrome

Step 6. You should now be at the Advance Security Settings for Google Chrome window again. This time navigate over to the Effective Access tab.

Step 7. While here, click Select a user.

Select a user in Windows 10

Step 8. Follow the same instructions as step 5 by typing your username into the box and clicking OK.

Enter the object name to select in Google Chrome

Step 9. You should now launch Google Chrome.

FAQs About Google Chrome Won’t Open on Windows 10

Google Chrome Now Opens But I Get A “Not Responding” Error

You finally get Google Chrome to open but now receive an error. There are a few more tricks to try to get things working as intended.

Update Google Chrome to the latest version.

  • Click the three dots at the top right of the window to open the menu.
  • Select Help from the drop-down.
  • Click About Google Chrome.
  • The update process should start if one is necessary, and the download and installation will begin automatically.

Clear the browsing data.

  • Click the three dots at the top right of the window to open the menu.
  • Select Settings from the drop-down.
  • Scroll to Privacy and security and choose Clear browsing data.
  • The time range should be All time and checks should be placed in Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files.
  • Click Clear data and wait until the process completes.

Reset Google Chrome.

  • Head back into the Settings window through the Chrome menu.
  • Scroll to the bottom and click Advanced.
  • Navigate to Reset and clean up.
  • Select Restore settings to their original defaults.
  • Click Reset settings.

What If Google Chrome Continues To Crash When Opening Different Web Pages?

Though crashing and not opening are two different things, some of the fixes remain the same. It’s possible that you could receive a proxy error or webpage not available when Chrome crashes or freezes. If this occurs:

  • Try closing all other tabs, extensions, and apps. The crash could be the result of a memory leak or dump, and performing these tasks should help to free up some memory.
  • Restart Chrome or your computer and attempt to reload the page again.
  • Run an antimalware software to ensure your computer isn’t being attacked.
  • Attempt to open the same webpage in another browser.
  • Fix potential network issues by rebooting your modem and router.
  • Remove problematic and incompatible apps and programs.

Nothing Mentioned Above Has Resolved My Situation. What More Can I Try?

If you’ve attempted to resolve Google Chrome’s refusal to open in Windows 10 and nothing has worked, it may be time to submit a report. Your problem could be unique and require the direct help of Google Chrome support to find a resolution.

Conclusion

It’s very rare that the above methods will not resolve the issue of Google Chrome not opening in Windows 10. We’re confident that everything in the article above will provide you the best chance to get back to surfing the web comfortably.

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