Why Is Google Chrome Suddenly Crashing on Multiple Platforms? Discover Powerful Fixes for Frustrating Browser Issues

Can You Solve the Annoying Chrome Crash Crisis? Proven Solutions for a Stable Browsing Experience

Google Chrome has recently experienced widespread and disruptive crashes across multiple operating systems, including macOS, Android, and Windows. Users report that Chrome either fails to open or crashes within seconds, often without any error message or warning. This sudden instability has left many unable to access their preferred browser, causing frustration and productivity setbacks.

Key Symptoms

Chrome window flashes briefly, then closes immediately. Crashes occur on launch or within seconds of opening. Most prevalent on older macOS versions (notably Catalina 10.15), but also seen on Android and Windows. Some users report issues only when logged into their Google profile.

Common User Experiences

• On Android, users like those with Samsung S10e devices (Chrome app version 136.0.7103.60) report the app and search widget both shutting down almost instantly.
• On macOS, especially older systems, crashes often follow a recent Chrome update.
• Windows users are less affected, but some have reported similar issues.

Potential Causes

Recent Chrome Update

The timing of the crashes strongly suggests a recent update may have introduced the instability, though Google has not officially confirmed this.

Extensions and Profiles

Some users suspect ad-blocking or other extensions could be contributing. Crashes may be avoided by opening Chrome in incognito mode or guest mode, which disables most extensions and profile syncing.

Android WebView Component

For Android, the problem may relate to the WebView system component. Updating the Play Store and reinstalling Chrome has resolved the issue for some users.

Troubleshooting and Workarounds

While Google has not released an official fix, several practical steps may help:

Try Guest or Incognito Mode

• Launch Chrome in guest mode or incognito mode to bypass extensions and profile syncing.
• On desktop, use the –disable-extensions command-line flag to start Chrome with all extensions turned off.

Update System Components

On Android, update the Google Play Store and the WebView component, then reinstall Chrome.

Switch Browsers Temporarily

Use an alternative browser like Firefox, Edge, or Safari until Chrome is stable again.

Restore Lost Tabs

If Chrome crashes mid-session, try restoring tabs with Ctrl+Shift+T (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+T (Mac).

Reset Chrome Settings

Reset Chrome to default settings or create a new user profile if possible.

Standard Troubleshooting

Disable hardware acceleration, update graphics drivers, and check for malware.

What Hasn’t Worked for Most Users

Uninstalling and reinstalling Chrome, deleting user data folders, or even downgrading the operating system have not consistently resolved the issue. Disabling individual extensions may not help if Chrome crashes before you can access settings.

Although the root cause remains unclear, these crashes do not appear to affect all users or all device configurations. The issue is likely tied to specific combinations of hardware, software, and account settings. Many users have found temporary workarounds, and Google is expected to address the problem in an upcoming update. Staying informed and applying these workarounds can help minimize disruption until a permanent fix is released.