[Troubleshoot] Google Chrome Not Responding

[Troubleshoot] Google Chrome Not Responding

/ Andrew Holdeman

Having optimum performance on any operating system is desired when purchasing a PC. Even though you can perform accordingly on all of the PC’s core features, sometimes the browser you usually utilize can be slower than usual or completely unresponsive.

The information below will cover the steps to take if your Google Chrome browser is not responding.

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Common Reasons Why Google Chrome is Not Responding

In this section, we will discuss the common reasons that may cause Google Chrome to become unresponsive. Understanding these reasons can help diagnose and resolve the issue more effectively.

  1. Outdated Browser: One of the most common reasons for Google Chrome being unresponsive is that the browser is outdated. If you are using an older version of Chrome, it may become incompatible with the websites you visit, resulting in browser crashes or errors.
  2. Too Many Tabs or Windows Open: Having multiple tabs or browser windows open can consume a high amount of RAM, which can cause Google Chrome to become unresponsive. Closing unnecessary tabs and windows can help free up memory and improve browser performance.
  3. Resource-Intensive Websites: Some websites require many system resources to function properly, causing Google Chrome to slow down or become unresponsive. Limiting the number of resource-intensive websites you visit can help prevent browser slowdowns.
  4. Corrupted Browser Cache: If the browser cache becomes corrupted, it may cause Google Chrome to become unresponsive. Clearing your browser cache and cookies can help resolve this issue.
  5. Browser Extensions: Some browser extensions can also cause Google Chrome to become unresponsive, especially if they are not compatible with the browser or are outdated. Disabling or removing problematic extensions can help resolve the issue.
  6. Outdated or Incompatible Drivers: If your computer’s graphics or network drivers are outdated or incompatible with Chrome, it can result in browser issues. To fix this, you should update your graphics and network drivers to the latest available version.
  7. Malware Infection: Malware can sometimes interfere with web browser functionality, making Google Chrome unresponsive. Running a malware scan and removing any detected threats can help resolve this issue.
  8. Proxy Settings: Incorrect proxy settings can cause connectivity issues and make Google Chrome unresponsive. If you use a proxy server, ensure your proxy settings are correctly configured.
  9. Hardware Issue: Hardware-related problems, such as insufficient RAM, a slow processor, or an aging hard drive, can also cause Google Chrome to become unresponsive or crash frequently. Upgrading your computer’s hardware or optimizing it for better performance may help resolve this issue.

By being aware of these common reasons for Google Chrome not responding, you can better identify the underlying cause and take appropriate actions to resolve the problem.

How to Fix Google Chrome Not Responding

Check for the Malware

If Google Chrome is not responding, it could happen due to malware or virus attacking the system files linked to the browser. In this context, check for any malware attack. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch settings from the windows main menu. Right-click the windows icon and select Settings from the list. 

Step 2: In the settings menu, select the option of windows security followed by selecting virus and threat protection from the left pane. 

open virus and threat protection

Step 3: Run the scan for malware in the virus and threat protection section. Follow the on-screen wizard to run the scan and fix the malware issue. 

Clear DNS Cache if You Can’t Open Google Chrome

When you visit a website, your computer looks up the corresponding IP address and connects to it. The DNS cache stores the results of these lookups so that the next time you try to visit the same website, your computer can retrieve the IP address from the cache rather than look it up again.

If you are experiencing problems with Google Chrome, one possible cause is that the DNS cache has become corrupt or outdated. Clearing your DNS cache will force Google Chrome to look up the IP address for every website you visit, which can help to fix any problems that you may be experiencing

As it is linked to the network, it can lead to browser functionality errors like google Chrome not responding. Hence, clearing the DNS server’s cache can help resolve the problem. Here is how you can act.

Step 1: Launch the Run utility via windows key + R, and type cmd in the run command box. Simultaneously click shift+ctrl+enter, which will launch the command prompt as an administrator.

control find cmd

Step 2: In the command prompt, type ipconfig /flushdns and click enter to complete the action. As the command runs successfully on the device, it will clear all DNS cache. Restart your device to check if the error persists.

ipconfig flushdns

Add Chrome to Your Firewall Exception List

Windows firewall utility helps to protect the device and OS from external malware-leached applications and restricts malware-attacked files and folders from downloading on the device. It is possible that the web page you are visiting carries content that could be a threat or could be detected as a threat to your device.

In this context, the windows defender firewall will impede the action and result in google chrome not responding errors. Here are the steps to add Chrome to the firewall exception list.

Step 1: In the windows main menu, type windows firewall in the taskbar’s search box. Double-click the option of windows defender firewall to launch.

search windows firewall

Step 2: In the Windows defender firewall menu, select the option of Allow an app through the Windows Firewall.

allow app through firewall

Step 3: In the next window, click Change settings and then click Allow another app.

allow another app in firewall

Step 4: In the list, select google chrome and click on the add option. Click ok to complete the action.

Update Chrome

If you are using an outdated version of Chrome, then it would not comply with OS. It will also result in functionality errors. Using an updated version of the browser can resolve the google chrome not responding error. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch google chrome and click on the hamburger menu.

Step 2: In the settings menu, select the option about Chrome.

about google chrome

Step 3: If the current chrome version is outdated, click on an update option to complete the action. Once the action completes, restart your device to check if the error persists.

checking chrome version

Reset Google Chrome

Apart from updating Chrome, resetting Chrome helps avoid errors like google Chrome not responding. Resetting Chrome doesn’t mean that you will reinstall it; the difference is that reinstalling Chrome will restore settings to their default state and should only be attempted if updating and resetting are attempted beforehand.

Here are the steps to reset Chrome.

Step 1: Launch Chrome and click on the hamburger menu to select settings.

chrome settings

Step 2: In the next window, click on advanced to select the option of reset and cleanup.

Step 3: In the next step, click and select the option of restoring settings to their original defaults. Click reset settings to complete the action.

reset chrome settings

Run an SFC Scan if You Can’t Open Chrome

Using SFC and DISM scans to fix chrome errors, i.e., google Chrome not responding, can resolve the error. The scan helps to restore corrupted files and system folders on the device linked to particular programs. In this context, running SFC and DISM scans can mend files associated with google chrome. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the command prompt by typing it in the taskbar’s search box and double-click the option to launch it. Run it as an administrator with full privileges. 

control find cmd

Step 2: In the command prompt, type sfc /scannow. Click enter to continue. The SFC scan will initiate, and the issue will be resolved as soon as it completes. 

sfc scannow

Step 4: Launch the command prompt by typing the command in the search box of the taskbar and double-clicking the option to launch it. Run it as an administrator with full privileges. 

Step 5: In the command box, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. Click enter to proceed. It will start the DISM scan, and the error will be resolved once it completes. 

dism restorehealth

Clear the Cache, Browsing History, and Cookies

If your device shows an error message, i.e., google Chrome not responding, then extra cache, browsing history, and cookies could be why it won’t load. Hence, clearing the cache and cookies from Chrome can fix the problem. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch Chrome and click on the hamburger menu to select the settings option.

chrome settings

Step 2: In the settings window, type clear in the search box and click on the option of clear browsing data results.

clear browsing data

Step 3: In the next window, choose all time as the time range and then proceed to click clear data.

clear browsing data all time

Disable Chrome Extensions

There are specific Chrome extensions in the browser, which can result in conflicting interests leading to google Chrome not responding error. In this regard, removing Chrome extensions can help fix the error. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch Chrome and select the option of more tools in the menu. In the next step, click on extensions.

chrome

Step 2: In the extensions window, select the targeted extension and toggle the button off to disable it. Restart and reinstall Chrome to check if the error exists.

uninstall google

Check the Proxy Settings

Google chrome not responding error may also result due to specific proxy settings that impact the Chrome processes. These settings will block the functionality of Chrome. Hence, checking and deciding to disable proxy settings can help to fix the error. Here is how you can perform the fix.

Step 1: Launch settings via windows key+ I, and in the settings menu, select the network and internet option.

windows i keyboard shortcut
network and internet settings

Step 2: In-network and internet window, click on the option of proxy in the left pane to open.

Step 3: In the proxy window, toggle the button off to detect settings automatically.

disable
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Frequently Asked Questions About Google Chrome is Not Responding

How do I Fix Google Chrome?

First, you’ll want to close all Chrome windows and tabs. After completing those, download the latest version of Chrome and install it on your computer. Once Chrome is installed, please open it and allow it to load completely. You should then be able to re-open the websites that were previously open in Chrome.

How do I Use Chrome Malware Scanner?

To perform a Chrome malware scan when your Google chrome isn’t responding, follow these steps;
1. Open Chrome and go to the “Menu” bar on the top right-hand corner of your screen.
2. Choose “More Tools” and select “Malware Scanner.”
3. The Malware Scanner will open and start scanning your Chrome browser for malicious files.
4. Once the scan is complete, you will see a list of any malicious files found. You can then choose to remove them or keep them.

Why is Google Chrome Freezing?

If Google Chrome is frequently freezing, try closing down unnecessary tabs and extensions, and see if that fixes the problem. If it doesn’t, you may need to upgrade your computer’s hardware to continue using Google Chrome.

How Often do I Need to Update Google Chrome?

Google Chrome is a frequently updated browser with new features and security patches. You should update Google Chrome every time you are prompted, at least every few weeks. However, if you do not have time to update it immediately, you can set it to update automatically, so you don’t have to worry about it.

Why Can’t I Restart Chrome Extensions?

There are a few possible reasons why you can’t restart Chrome extensions. One possibility is that you don’t have administrative rights to your computer. Another possibility is that the extension is currently in use by another program or user account. The extension might be corrupted and unable to start. If none of these reasons apply, you can try restarting your computer.

How do I Stop Running Chrome Processes?

The best way to quickly stop running Chrome processes is to use the Google Chrome Task Manager. To open the Task Manager, press Shift + Esc on your keyboard. Alternatively, you can right-click the Chrome icon in your toolbar and select “Task Manager.” In the Task Manager, select the “Processes” tab and look for any processes with the name “chrome.” Right-click on any of these processes and select “End Process.”

How do I fix Google Chrome not responding?

If you are experiencing issues with Google Chrome not responding, there are a few steps you can take to fix the problem. First, try restarting your computer. If that does not work, try reinstalling Google Chrome. Finally, if those two solutions do not work, you may contact Google for further assistance.

Why is Google Chrome unresponsive?

One potential reason Google Chrome may be unresponsive is that the browser is incompatible with the operating system. Another reason could be that too many tabs are open, and the browser is struggling to keep up with the demand. It could also be that the computer itself is not powerful enough to handle Google Chrome. Finally, it is also possible that too many extensions or plugins are running on the browser, causing it to slow down.

How do I run Chrome repair?

There are a few ways to go about running Chrome repair. The first is simply going to the Chrome menu and clicking “About Google Chrome.” This will bring up a new tab, automatically checking for and applying any available updates. If any updates are available, they will be applied, and you will be prompted to restart your browser. Once your browser has been restarted, it should be repaired.

How do I restart Chrome browser?

There are a few ways to restart your Chrome browser. One way is to click on the three dots in the upper right-hand corner of your browser window and select “Exit.” This will close all your open tabs and windows, and you can restart Chrome by opening it again. Another way is to click on the three dots and select “Settings,” scroll to the bottom of the page, and click “Advanced.

How do I uninstall Chrome and reinstall it?

If you’re experiencing issues with Chrome, one potential fix is to uninstall and reinstall the browser. Here’s how:
Close all Chrome windows and tabs on your computer.
Click the Start menu icon, then click Control Panel.
Under “Programs,” click Uninstall a program.
Find and click Google Chrome in the list of programs.
Click the Uninstall button.

How do I get rid of unresponsive Chrome window?

If you have an unresponsive Chrome window, you can try to force quit the window. To do this, go to the Chrome menu and select “Exit.” If that doesn’t work, you can try to use the Task Manager to force quit the window. To do this, press “Ctrl+Shift+Esc” to open the Task Manager. Then, find the unresponsive Chrome window in the list of processes and click “End Process.

Andrew Holdeman
Meet the author

Andrew has extensive experience with a wide range of writing platforms and automation systems. He has spent over 6 years creating content and troubleshooting for various companies. He also enjoys spending time with his family and his fiancé, while staying active and healthy.