[Fix] Google Chrome Not Working on Windows 11 for Malwarebytes Users

If Google Chrome web browser suddenly stopped working or opening on your Windows 11 device and you also have Malwarebytes program installed, this article will help you in fixing the issue and using Chrome again without any problem.

[PROBLEM SYMPTOM] Google Chrome Not Opening in Windows 11

Many Windows 11 users are complaining that Google Chrome web browser is not working in their computer system. Either it’s crashing at startup or not opening at all. The web browser was working fine till yesterday but suddenly it stopped working.

Whenever the user tries to launch Chrome browser, nothing happens. Sometimes the mouse cursor changes to circle animation which indicates that some processing is happening but Chrome doesn’t open.

A few Windows 11 users are facing crashing issues while trying to launch Chrome in their computer system.

[PROBLEM REASON] Conflict Between Windows 11 Update and Malwarebytes

The main culprit behind this issue is the popular anti-malware program “Malwarebytes”. If a Windows 11 user is using Malwarebytes program and the user tries to open Chrome browser, it crashes or refuses to start. The issue started occurring after release of the new “KB5027231” update for Windows 11 22H2 operating system. This new update installs the latest Moment 3 update on Windows 11 devices along with a few bugs and security fixes. We posted about the update in our exclusive Important Security News and Updates article.

KB5027231 update was released on June 13, 2023 as a part of Patch Tuesday program. Since Windows updates are installed automatically on Windows 11, the new update is also downloaded and installed automatically on all Windows 11 devices. After the installation of this new update, Malwarebytes program started having issues with Google Chrome web browser.

Many Malwarebytes users reported issues about Google Chrome browser not opening on their Windows 11 devices at official Malwarebytes forum. In fact, a Chrome user also reported the same issue at official Microsoft Answers community.

So basically the Chrome not opening issue is occurring on Windows 11 devices which contains Malwarebytes software and have the new KB5027231 update installed. There is come conflict between the new KB update and Malwarebytes protection.

[PROBLEM SOLUTION] Disable Malwarebytes Exploit Protection for Chrome

The Chrome opening issue is occurring due to a native feature called “Exploit Protection” enabled for Chrome in Malwarebytes program on Windows 11. Fortunately, Malwarebytes team has acknowledged the issue and provided an official workaround to fix the issue.

Malwarebytes team has also released a testing beta version of Malwarebytes program which comes with the fix built-in. The company is going to release the patched version very soon to public. Until then you can manually apply the fix to make Chrome working again in your Windows 11 device.

Following steps will help you in fixing Chrome not opening issue in Windows 11:

1. Open Malwarebytes program and click on Settings (cog wheel) icon present at the top-right corner.

2. Now go to Security tab or section.

3. Under Exploit Protection section, click on Manage protected applications button. It’ll open “Protected applications” window.

4. Set the Google Chrome (and plug-ins) toggle option to OFF.

That’s it. Now try to launch Chrome again and it’ll start working without any problem.

PS: Chrome users can also try to set the browser as default in their Windows 11 device to fix the issue.

[TIP] Install or Upgrade to Malwarebytes Beta Version

You can also download and install the beta version of Malwarebytes which contains a working fix for Chrome opening issue.

1. Open Malwarebytes and go to Settings page.

2. On General tab or section, scroll down and enable Beta updates option.

3. Now go to About -> Check for updates and follow the instructions.

It’ll download and install the latest beta version of Malwarebytes. The patched version number is 4.5.31.270 with component version 1.0.2047 or higher.

Malwarebytes team will soon release the patched version to public.

Thanks to Neowin for sharing it…

Also Check:

Windows 11 2022 Update (22H2) Known Issues and Workarounds

[Fix] Unable to Install Firefox in Windows 7