If Chrome started crashing right after an update, the cause could be an extension, damaged profile data, graphics settings, or a problem on the device itself. These ten fixes are for desktop and mobile users, ordered from quick, low-risk checks to steps that change or reinstall Chrome; try them one at a time so you can tell what helped.
1. Restart Chrome and Your Device
A full restart clears temporary operating-system and browser processes that can linger after Chrome installs an update. Close every Chrome window, then use your computer’s restart command rather than simply closing and reopening the lid; on a phone or tablet, restart the device from its power menu. If Chrome is frozen, use Windows Task Manager or macOS Force Quit to close it before restarting. This is worth trying first because it is quick and does not alter bookmarks, extensions, or browser settings.
2. Check Whether an Extension Is Causing the Crash
Extensions can conflict with a changed browser interface or with one another, and a crash that happens when opening a particular site may point to a specific add-on. Open an Incognito window from Chrome’s menu and test the same task; extensions are generally off there unless you have explicitly allowed them in Incognito. If Chrome stays open, go to chrome://extensions, switch off extensions, then turn them back on individually until the problem returns. Remove or update the extension that triggers the crash, and avoid disabling several unrelated protections permanently just to keep browsing.
3. Check for Another Chrome Update
An update may not have completed correctly, or Google may already have released a follow-up fix for a problem in that version. In desktop Chrome, enter chrome://settings/help in the address bar and let the browser check for updates; if it downloads one, select Relaunch when prompted. Save open work first, because relaunching closes Chrome windows, although Chrome may offer to restore them. On Android, check Chrome’s listing in Google Play, and on iPhone or iPad check the App Store, since mobile updates are managed there rather than through the desktop settings page.
4. Turn Off Graphics Acceleration Temporarily
Hardware graphics acceleration lets Chrome use the device’s graphics hardware for supported tasks, but an incompatible graphics driver can make rendering unstable after a browser change. If Chrome stays open long enough, go to Settings, open System, and switch off Use graphics acceleration when available; then select Relaunch. The wording or location can vary slightly by Chrome version, so use Settings search for “graphics acceleration” if you cannot find it. If crashes stop, check for a graphics-driver update from your computer manufacturer or operating-system update service before deciding whether to leave acceleration disabled.
5. Test With a Fresh Chrome Profile
A Chrome profile stores personal browser data and settings, so a damaged profile can cause crashes even when the Chrome application itself is working. If you can reach the profile menu, choose Add or create a new profile and test Chrome there without importing old settings or installing extensions. If the new profile works, the issue is more likely tied to the original profile than to every Chrome installation on the device. Before removing or resetting the old profile, confirm that important bookmarks and passwords are synced or backed up; sync status and available data can be checked in Chrome’s profile settings.
6. Clear Cached Files, Not Everything at Once
Cached images and files are temporary copies that Chrome saves to load sites faster, and damaged cached data can sometimes cause site-specific problems. Open Settings, choose Privacy and security, then Delete browsing data; select Cached images and files and a suitable time range, leaving other categories unchecked for this first test. Clearing cookies can sign you out of websites, while clearing saved passwords or browsing history has different consequences, so do not select every box as a shortcut. This step is most useful when Chrome crashes on certain pages or after loading content, rather than before the browser opens at all.
7. Check Memory, Storage, and Background Processes
Chrome can become unstable when a device is low on available memory or storage, especially if many tabs, video calls, or other demanding apps are open. Close unused tabs and applications, then check free storage in your operating system’s settings; avoid deleting files unless you know they are backed up or no longer needed. On desktop Chrome, press Shift+Esc to open Chrome Task Manager when the browser is responsive, and look for a tab or extension using unusually high memory or CPU. End only a task you recognize, since stopping a page can discard unsaved work.
8. Reset Chrome Settings
If a setting changed during troubleshooting or an extension altered browser behavior, Chrome’s reset option can restore many settings to their defaults. On desktop, open Settings, choose Reset settings, then select Restore settings to their original defaults and review the confirmation before proceeding. This disables extensions and resets items such as the startup page, new-tab page, and search engine, but it does not normally erase bookmarks, history, or saved passwords. Because extensions will be disabled, reset is a useful diagnostic step; if Chrome stabilizes, re-enable extensions selectively rather than turning them all back on at once.
9. Review Security Software and Unwanted Programs
Security software, unwanted applications, or a recently installed system utility can interfere with browser startup or network and graphics components. Check whether the crashes began after installing a specific program, and use your operating system’s built-in security tools or a trusted security product to scan for unwanted software. If you suspect a security product, check its official support guidance for Chrome compatibility or updates rather than turning off antivirus or firewall protection as a general fix. This check is especially relevant if other applications are also behaving abnormally, or if Chrome crashes alongside unexpected pop-ups or redirects.
10. Reinstall Chrome or Use the Mobile App’s Safe Options
If desktop Chrome still crashes after the earlier checks, download its installer from Google’s official Chrome website and reinstall it; avoid third-party download sites. Before uninstalling, make sure you can access important synced data, because what is retained can depend on the operating system, profile location, and choices made during removal. On Android, first try Settings, Apps, Chrome, Storage and cache, then Clear cache; do not choose Clear storage unless you understand that it can remove local app data. On iPhone or iPad, update Chrome through the App Store and check sync before deleting and reinstalling the app, since local unsynced information may not be recoverable.
How to Choose
Start with the least disruptive fix that matches when the crash occurs. If Chrome fails immediately on launch, restart the device, check for another update, and test a fresh profile before spending time clearing website data. If it crashes only on certain pages, an extension, cached files, or a resource-heavy tab is a more useful place to investigate. If the issue began after changing graphics drivers or happens during video playback, test graphics acceleration and check the driver through the device maker or operating-system update service.
Protect data before trying steps that affect a profile or app installation. Clearing only cached files is different from clearing cookies, passwords, or all browsing data, and reinstalling an app is different from confirming that bookmarks and passwords are synced. Make one change at a time, then repeat the action that previously caused the crash; otherwise, it is difficult to know which change mattered. If Chrome continues to fail and other apps also crash, investigate the operating system or device rather than assuming every symptom is a Chrome problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Chrome start crashing immediately after an update?
An update can expose a conflict with an extension, profile data, graphics driver, or operating-system component. The timing is a useful clue, but it does not by itself prove the update is defective.
Will clearing Chrome data delete my bookmarks?
Clearing only cached images and files does not delete bookmarks. Other selections in Delete browsing data can remove cookies, history, or saved information, so review each option before confirming.
Can I roll Chrome back to an older version?
Google does not provide a simple supported rollback button for ordinary users. Installing older builds can create security and profile-compatibility risks, so first check for a newer fix and troubleshoot extensions, settings, and the device.
What if Chrome crashes before I can open Settings?
Restart the device, then try opening Chrome with a new profile if the profile menu is available. If it still will not launch, check for updates through the platform’s normal update channel and consider reinstalling only after protecting important synced data.
Should I disable antivirus to test Chrome?
Do not leave antivirus or firewall protection disabled as a routine fix. Consult the security product’s official guidance and use its supported troubleshooting options if you have a specific compatibility concern.
Final Thoughts
Work through the fixes in order, beginning with a restart and checking extensions before resetting settings or reinstalling. Keep track of which change affects the crash, and protect unsynced data before clearing app storage or removing a profile. If the problem persists across a fresh profile and reinstall, check for device or operating-system issues and consult the relevant official support resources.