Software, browsers & email

Browser keeps crashing

A browser that crashes repeatedly is usually caused by a corrupted profile, a bad extension, or graphics acceleration conflicts. Disabling hardware acceleration and extensions typically resolves it.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
15–30 minutes
DIY cost
$0

Symptoms

  • Browser closes unexpectedly with no warning
  • 'Aw, snap' or similar crash message appears
  • Crashes happen on specific sites or videos
  • Browser restarts itself after crashing

Likely causes

  • CommonGraphics hardware acceleration conflictBrowser video acceleration can conflict with certain graphics drivers.
  • CommonCorrupted browser profileDamaged settings or cache files can destabilize the browser.
  • CommonA specific extension crashing the browserPoorly coded extensions can cause repeated crashes.
  • PossibleOutdated graphics driverOld drivers can be incompatible with current browser rendering.
  • PossibleLow system memoryToo many open tabs and apps can exhaust available memory, forcing a crash.

What to do

  1. Restart the computer to clear any stuck background processes.
  2. Update the browser to the latest version.
  3. Disable hardware acceleration in the browser's display or system settings.
  4. Disable extensions one at a time to isolate which one is causing crashes.
  5. Update your graphics driver from the manufacturer's website.
  6. Create a new browser profile and see if the crashing continues there.
  7. Reinstall the browser fresh if crashing persists across profiles.

When to call a pro

If other apps also crash randomly, have the computer's memory and hardware checked by a professional.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.