Microsoft Resolves Issue Preventing Google Chrome from Launching Successfully

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Microsoft Resolves Issue Blocking Google Chrome Launch on Windows Devices

A recently resolved issue with Microsoft’s Family Safety parental control service had been preventing some Windows users from launching Google Chrome and other web browsers. The problem, which was first reported in June 2025, was caused by a bug in the service’s web filtering tool.

What is Family Safety?

Family Safety is designed to provide parents with a range of tools to monitor and manage their children’s activity on Windows devices. This includes features such as screen time management, app controls, and content filtering.

The Issue

However, the web filtering tool had been incorrectly blocking new versions of previously approved web browsers, including Google Chrome. When children attempted to launch affected browsers, they would shut down unexpectedly.

Microsoft acknowledged the issue and explained that the blocking behavior was intended to prompt children to request permission from their parents to use other browsers. However, the bug had the unintended consequence of blocking newer versions of approved browsers.

The Fix

To resolve the issue, Microsoft has pushed a service-side fix, which began rolling out in early February 2026. The fix should address the problem and allow affected users to launch Google Chrome and other web browsers without issue. Users are advised to connect their devices to the internet to receive the fix, which will be rolled out to all affected devices over the coming weeks.

Alternative Solution

In cases where users are unable to connect to the internet to receive the fix, Microsoft recommends enabling the ‘Activity reporting’ feature under Windows settings in Microsoft Family Safety. This will allow parents to receive approval requests as expected and add newer browser versions to the allowlist.

The resolution of this issue marks the end of a frustrating period for affected users, who had been experiencing unexpected shutdowns when attempting to launch Google Chrome and other web browsers. Microsoft’s Family Safety service is an important tool for parents seeking to manage their children’s online activity, and this fix ensures that the service functions as intended.