Google Chrome is crashing for multiple Windows 10 users — here's how to fix it [Update]

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Here is how to patch the Chrome bug in Windows 10

Google Chrome Logo on a laptop with a smartphone resting on its its keys also displaying the Chrome logo
(Image credit: Anadolu Agency / Contributor)

Update on Wednesday, May 26: Google identified the cause of the issue and released an update that resolves the bug. What follows is an updated article and a solution for Windows, Linux, and Chrome OS users to receive the update.

Google's Chrome browser update reportedly had a bug that caused major problems for Windows 10, resulting in the browser closing completely and extensions randomly crashing.

According to Windows Latest, the Chrome 90 update had a bug that had been crashing Google's browser for Windows 10 users. Fortunately, the issue did not appear to be affecting those who use macOS.

One of Laptop Mag's writers started experiencing the issue on Wednesday, May 20, when several notifications appeared saying all the browser's extensions had crashed. Along with this, blank pages appeared when going to any website (as shown below). 

(Image credit: Future)

Other Chrome users have been experiencing similar issues, with extensions, settings pages, and tabs crashing completely. Users have also experienced the Chrome browser refusing to launch altogether. 

How to fix Google Chrome on Windows 10

Google released an update for Google Chrome users, including for Windows, Linux, and Chrome OS, in order to resolve the issue.  

For Windows devices, be sure to close any open Chrome windows and then re-open Chrome. Keep the Chrome browser open for about five minutes, then quit Chrome and then relaunch it once again. As Google notes, the behavior should be resolved.

For those experiencing problems on Linux devices, navigate to the directory containing the Chrome user profile via .config/google-chrome/. From here, delete the contents of the [Chrome user profile]\ Origin Trials subdirectory, which should include a "1.0.0.7" directory.

Then, delete the [Chrome user profile] Local State File, and then start Chrome again. Google states that it should load as normal.

Finally, for those impacted on Chrome OS devices, such as Chromebooks, Google has provided a help page to cover various problems multiple users may be experiencing. 

Darragh Murphy
Darragh Murphy
Editor

Darragh Murphy is fascinated by all things bizarre, which usually leads to assorted coverage varying from washing machines designed for AirPods to the mischievous world of cyberattacks. Whether it's connecting Scar from The Lion King to two-factor authentication or turning his love for gadgets into a fabricated rap battle from 8 Mile, he believes there’s always a quirky spin to be made. With a Master’s degree in Magazine Journalism from The University of Sheffield, along with short stints at Kerrang! and Exposed Magazine, Darragh started his career writing about the tech industry at Time Out Dubai and ShortList Dubai, covering everything from the latest iPhone models and Huawei laptops to massive Esports events in the Middle East. Now, he can be found proudly diving into gaming, gadgets, and letting readers know the joys of docking stations for Laptop Mag.