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Chrome won't open: what to do

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A browser icon that won't launch, with a task manager window ending a hidden process

In short: Chrome may already be running in the background. Force it closed: on Windows, End task on "Google Chrome" in Task Manager; on Mac, Force quit from ⌘+Option+Esc.[1] Then open it again.

You click the icon. Nothing happens, or a window flashes and disappears. Before you reinstall anything, try these steps in order. They're the ones Google lists for a Chrome that won't open at all.[1]

1. Check if Chrome is already running

Chrome might already be running in the background.[1] Force it closed:

Open Chrome again. This fixes it more often than you'd think.

2. 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.[1]

3. Restart your computer

A program or process running on your computer might be causing the problem. A restart tells you quickly.[1]

4. Uninstall and reinstall Chrome

If nothing else worked, Google suggests uninstalling and reinstalling Chrome.[1] Before you check any box to delete browsing data, make sure the tabs you care about are saved somewhere.

Still stuck? Turn on crash reports, then search for related issues or post in the Chrome Help Forum.[1]

Getting your tabs back

Once Chrome opens, Ctrl+Shift+T (⌘+Shift+T on Mac) can reopen the tabs that were open before.[1] More in how to reopen closed tabs. If Chrome opens but keeps crashing, see Chrome crashing with too many tabs.

Close tabs without fear. Keeptab saves your tabs in one click, backs them up every hour and notes your open tabs every 5 minutes. Free for Chrome.

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Don't let a broken browser hold your tabs hostage

Keeptab, our free Chrome extension, notes your open tabs every 5 minutes and backs up your lists every hour.[2] It can also write an optional daily file to Downloads/Keeptab, a copy that lives outside Chrome.[2]

FAQ

Why won't Chrome open on my computer?

Chrome may already be running in the background, or your antivirus or malware may be blocking it. Force Chrome closed, check your antivirus, then restart your computer.

How do I force quit Chrome?

On Windows, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete, open Task Manager, select Google Chrome under Processes and click End task. On Mac, press ⌘+Option+Esc, select Google Chrome and click Force quit.

Will reinstalling Chrome delete my tabs?

It can, if you choose to delete browsing data during the uninstall. Save the tabs you care about before reinstalling.

Sources

  1. Google Chrome Help. Fix Chrome if it crashes or won't open. https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/142063?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop
  2. Keeptab. The OneTab alternative to stop losing your tabs. https://keep-tab.com/onetab-alternative

Close tabs without fear

Keeptab saves your tabs in one click, backs them up every hour and notes your open tabs every 5 minutes. Free for Chrome.

Add to Chrome — it's free

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