Fix – Google Chrome Freezes at Startup (Windows)

Users of the Google Chrome web browser for Windows may experience a problem where the browser hangs and freezes when it starts. Try these tips to fix the issue.

Fix 1 – Disable Hardware Acceleration

On some systems, hardware acceleration can cause problems. Try disabling it. It’s a common fix. You can do so with these steps.

1. Download chromehwa.zip.
2. Open the zip file, then run the chromehwa.reg file.
3. Click “Yes“, then “Yes” again to import the registry change. Then select “OK”.
4. Restart Windows, then give Chrome a try.

Fix 2 – Remove Extensions

Some extensions can become corrupted and be problematic. Remove them with these steps.

1. Navigate to C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions
   Note: Be sure to set Windows to show hidden files.
2. You’ll see a series of folders. Each one holds the files to certain extensions. It’s difficult to tell which one is which. You may want to try deleting these folders a few at a time, then testing Chrome to see if it launches. If you’re like me though, I just delete them all, then I can reinstall the extensions/plugins I want later.