How To Guide

How to Repair, Reset and Reinstall Google Chrome windows 11/10

This help fix Chrome slow performance, frequent crashes, unresponsive tabs, or unusual behavior in the browser that basic troubleshooting doesn't resolve.

By Steve Ballmer
Repair or reinstall Google Chrome

Share

Table of contents

Google Chrome is the most popular web browser in the world, known for its speed, user-friendly interface, extensive features, and strong integration with Google services. The browser receives regular updates with security enhancement, latest bug fixes, performance improvements and sometimes new features. However, sometimes, after an update, you might notice Google Chrome not opening or not responding. Users report Chrome won’t open, the browser crashes or very slow to load web pages. Multiple reasons why Chrome not working, browser cache, malicious extension, and Profile Corruption are common. Here is How to Repair, Reset and Reinstall Google Chrome to fix issues such as Chrome slow performance, frequent crashes, unresponsive tabs even the browser not responding after trying basic troubleshooting.

When need to reset or reinstall Google Chrome

If you notice Google Chrome is very slow, crashes freezes, or won’t start at all, it may be a good time to consider options like Repair, Reset, or reinstalling Chrome to address these issues.

- Advertisement -
  • Chrome becomes noticeably slower in loading pages or responding to commands.
  • If the browser crashes regularly, interrupts your browsing experience.
  • Chrome tabs become unresponsive and don’t load content properly.
  • If installed extensions are causing conflicts or issues with Chrome’s functionality.
  • If the user profile associated with Chrome becomes corrupted, leading to problems.
  • If you suspect malware or other security threats are affecting Chrome’s performance.

Note: Always backup your important data before making significant changes to your browser settings

How to Repair Google Chrome

Here this part we try basic troubleshooting like clearing the browser cache, Update the Chrome browser, and disabling malicious extensions that help common problems on Google Chrome.

Clearing Cache and Cookies

Over time, Google Chrome accumulates temporary data known as cache and cookies. While these elements enhance browsing speed and convenience, they can also lead to performance issues and glitches.

  1. Launch Google Chrome and navigate to the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
  2. Proceed to “Settings” and scroll down to locate “Privacy and Security.”
  3. Click on “Clear browsing data” and select “Cached images and files” and “Cookies and other site data.”
  4. Complete the process by clicking “Clear data.”

Disable Chrome Extensions

Extensions are invaluable tools that enhance Chrome’s functionality. However, they can sometimes conflict with each other or the browser itself, leading to performance problems.

  1. Type “chrome://extensions/” in the address bar and press Enter.
  2. Toggle off the switch next to each extension to disable them.
  3. Restart Chrome and monitor if the issue persists.

If you have a number of extensions installed, and due to this chrome won’t open, press win + R, type chrome.exe –disable-extensions, and click ok to open Chrome without extensions.

Updating Chrome

Outdated browser versions can be prone to bugs and security vulnerabilities. Regular updates help maintain optimal performance.

  1. Open Chrome “Settings”  Scroll down and click on “About Chrome.”
  2. Chrome will automatically check for updates. If available, it will download and install them.

In addition, open chrome settings -> System then disable the use of hardware acceleration when available.

Press Ctrl, Shift, and Esc to open Task Manager look for chrome related process, right click select endtask.

How to Reset Google Chrome

Resetting Google Chrome means restoring the browser to its default settings. It’s like giving it a fresh start and resolving issues caused by misconfigurations or conflicts. This can help resolve issues like slow performance, frequent crashes, or other unexpected behavior.

Note: Resetting Chrome will not affect your bookmarks or saved passwords, but it will disable extensions and clear browsing data.

Resetting Chrome Settings

If various settings within Chrome become misconfigured or cluttered, a reset can often provide a clean slate.

  • First, open Google Chrome settings and select the Reset settings option
  • Or you can type chrome://settings/reset in the address bar and press Enter.
  • Select “Restore settings to their original defaults” and click “Reset settings.”

Creating a New Chrome Profile

Occasionally, issues may be tied to a specific user profile. Creating a new one can be an effective way to isolate and address these problems.

  • On your computer, open Chrome, At the top right, click Profile then Add.

  • If you choose to Sync to your Google Account, your profile name will automatically be your Account name.
  • Click continue without an account, Choose a name, photo, and color scheme.

How to Reinstall Google Chrome

This will completely remove the current installation of Chrome from your computer and then download and install it again from scratch. It provides a clean start and can help resolve persistent issues or conflicts that may be affecting the browser’s performance.

Note: Keep in mind that reinstalling Chrome will remove all your browsing data, so be sure to back up any important information before proceeding.

Uninstalling Chrome

If the above solutions didn’t fix the problem, a complete reinstallation of Chrome most probably help fix the issue.

  1. Press the Windows key and search for “Control Panel.”
  2. Click on “Programs” and then “Uninstall a program.”
  3. Locate Google Chrome in the list, right-click, and select “Uninstall.”
  4. Once done, reboot your computer.

Also, you can open settings -> apps and features (on Windows 10) or Installed apps (on Windows 11) to locate Chrome and select the uninstall option.

Now press Windows key + R, type %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google, and click ok. If you notice still chrome folder present there, rename the folder Chromeold.

Downloading and Reinstalling Chrome

A fresh installation ensures a clean start, free from any lingering issues.

  1. Visit the official Chrome website (https://www.google.com/chrome/).
  2. Click on “Download Chrome” and follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

Restoring Bookmarks and Settings (Optional)

For those who had bookmarks and settings, signing in with your Google account after reinstalling Chrome will automatically sync your data.

Conclusion

Whether you’re experiencing sluggish performance, unresponsive tabs, or other unexpected behavior, these methods – Repair, Reset, and Reinstall Chrome– offer effective solutions to get your browsing experience back on track.

Steve Ballmer
With over 7 years of experience in the IT industry, I have experience in IT support, helpdesk, sysadmin, network admin, and cloud computing. Certified in Microsoft Technologies (MCTS and MCSA) and also Cisco Certified Professional in Routing and Switching.

Popular posts

Exit mobile version