Microsoft Confirms Google Chrome Block After Windows 11 Users Complain

On June 23, a wave of discontent emerged among Windows 11 users, particularly those utilizing Google’s Chrome browser. Reports flooded online support forums, revealing that the latest versions of Chrome were crashing either upon startup or when attempting to access websites. A common thread among these users was the activation of the Microsoft Family Safety parental control feature. Despite inquiries directed at Microsoft, the tech giant remained silent, leaving many to ponder the underlying cause of these disruptions.

In my quest for clarity, I stumbled upon a parental control FAQ from Microsoft, which indicated that web and search filters utilized by the Edge browser would block other commonly used browsers to ensure functionality. This revelation hinted at a potential explanation for the issues plaguing Chrome users. Recently, Microsoft has confirmed this theory, shedding light on why certain versions of Chrome are functioning while others are not.

A Microsoft Windows 11 Google Chrome Blocking Recap

The uproar regarding Google Chrome crashes among users of the Microsoft Family Safety feature can be traced back to June 3. Complaints began to surface on various online support platforms, including Reddit, coinciding with Google’s update to Chrome version 137.0.7151.68/69. Users reported that the browser would unexpectedly close and fail to reopen when children under parental control attempted to access any site. Google responded promptly, acknowledging the issue and attributing it to the activation of Microsoft Family Safety.

While Google offered a workaround—disabling the filter for inappropriate websites or unblocking Chrome through the Windows Apps & Games tab—Microsoft chose to remain reticent regarding any public statements. This lack of communication left many users seeking answers and solutions.

The Microsoft Confirmation In Full

This week, Microsoft has finally addressed the situation, confirming the suspicions that had been circulating. The company acknowledged that it is in the process of adding the latest versions of Chrome and other browsers to a block list. Additionally, they highlighted another complication: when web filtering is enabled, parents must approve the use of alternative browsers. However, the latest versions of these browsers cannot be blocked until they are officially added to the list. Consequently, some browsers may appear unblocked temporarily during this update phase.

A Microsoft spokesperson emphasized that the company is actively working to ensure that all the latest versions of browsers are included in the block list, reinforcing their commitment to supporting parents and guardians. However, as this block list undergoes updates, users may continue to experience shutdowns when attempting to launch Google Chrome and other affected browsers.

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Microsoft Confirms Google Chrome Block After Windows 11 Users Complain