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Why Does Chrome Close Right After Opening? Troubleshooting Made Simple

Can You Quickly Fix Google Chrome Shutting Down Instantly? (Easy Steps for Relief)

When Chrome shuts down right away, you can’t browse, check mail, or do homework. It’s hard to feel positive when the browser stops before you even start. This happens a lot with new Windows 11 updates, broken profiles, or clashing add-ons. If you know why it happens, it’s easier to get back to your favorite sites and saved passwords without stress.

Reliable Fix: Start Fresh by Deleting Chrome Data and Reinstalling

Wiping old Chrome files clears out hidden problems. Corrupt data is usually why Chrome closes fast. The best way is to erase Chrome’s user files, then install it again.

Step 1: End Every Chrome Process

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click the “Processes” tab.
  3. Right-click on any “Google Chrome” app and pick “End task“.

Step 2: Remove Chrome Data Folders

  • Press Win + R.
  • Type %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google and hit Enter.
  • Delete the folder named “Chrome”.

Step 3: Clean Program Files

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Go to C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\.
  3. Delete the “Chrome” folder if it’s there.

Step 4: Reboot Your Computer

This step frees up locked files.

Step 5: Download and Install Fresh Chrome

  1. Go to the official Chrome site.
  2. Install Chrome.
  3. Try opening Chrome. It should now stay open and run as you expect.

Tip

If you want your bookmarks and passwords saved, copy these files from your profile folder before deleting:

  1. Open %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default
  2. Copy files named “Bookmarks” and “Login Data” to another spot (like your Desktop).
  3. After Chrome is reinstalled, paste these files back in the same spot.

Extra Option: Make a Brand-New Windows User Account

If Chrome still won’t run, your Windows profile might be broken. A clean new user account often solves deep problems.

Step 1: Open the Terminal as an Admin

Right-click Start, choose “Windows Terminal (Admin)”.

Step 2: Create a New User

Type this:

net user user1 pass1 /add
net localgroup administrators user1 /add

(Change user1 and pass1 to your choices.)

Step 3: Switch Users

  1. Log out.
  2. Log in with the new account.

Step 4: Install Chrome

Download Chrome and install it.

Step 5: Move Your Files

If all works well, copy files you need from your old profile to the new one.

Other Ways to Fix This Problem

Disable Extensions That Cause Trouble

Extensions might crash Chrome.

  1. Right-click the Chrome icon, pick “Properties.”
  2. In the “Target” box, add –disable-extensions at the end.
  3. Open Chrome. If it works now, remove or turn off recent add-ons in chrome://extensions.

Clear Cache and User Data

  1. Go to %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default.
  2. Back up important data if you need.
  3. Delete the “Default” folder.
  4. Open Chrome. It will now build a new profile folder.

Update Windows and Chrome

Out-of-date software can break Chrome.

For Windows:

  1. Press Win + I, open “Settings.”
  2. Go to “Update & Security.”
  3. Click “Check for updates.”

For Chrome:

  1. Open Chrome.
  2. Go to menu > “Settings” > “About Chrome.”
  3. Chrome checks for updates itself.

Try Simple Quick Fixes

  • Restart your computer.
  • Scan for malware.
  • Try running Chrome as administrator.
  • If the issue only started after a Windows update, uninstall that update.

Getting Chrome to stay open brings back easy browsing. By clearing out broken data, using a new Windows profile, or stopping troublesome add-ons, you can stop crashes quickly. Regular updates and backed-up bookmarks help your browser feel dependable and safe, every day.