Microsoft Family Safety is blocking Google Chrome, but there's a workaround

[harlan4096]

If you are having trouble with Google Chrome crashing or not opening, Microsoft Family Safety may be the reason why. Here's what happened.

The Verge says that the problem began in early June, with first reports dating back to June 3. Most users say the same thing, Chrome crashes after a few seconds, and does not restart, or does not open at all. There are a dozen or reports about the issue on Reddit, Microsoft and Google support forums. The issue seems to have started with Chrome 137.0.7151.69. And it doesn't appear to be limited to Windows, some users say that Chrome didn't open on Android, macOS, too. Annoyingly, there was no error message associated with the crashes. This had led to some confusion as some users began to worry if their PC had been infected by some malware.

However, one user, possibly an IT person, reported they had several students report that Chrome was crashing, but some of them had seen a message "You need to ask permission to use this app". Another user discovered that it was Microsoft Family Safety causing the problem, specifically, the web filtering options that were enabled under Windows Family Parental Controls. Among other things, it is used to prevent access to adult content, harmful websites, manage screen time, track online activity. It is also used by Schools to restrict access to harmful content, so you can imagine how many students couldn't access Chrome because of this problem.

Continue Reading...