Microsoft’s Family Safety feature is preventing Google Chrome from running on Windows, leaving users frustrated. The issue, which emerged earlier this month, highlights ongoing tensions between Microsoft and Google.

Chrome Users Locked Out as Microsoft Family Safety Triggers Unexpected Block


A glitch within Microsoft’s Family Safety system has left Windows users unable to access the Google Chrome browser, in what many view as the latest flashpoint in the tech giant’s long-running browser rivalry.

Reports first surfaced on 3 June, with affected users describing how Google Chrome would either shut down unexpectedly or fail to open altogether. The fault appears to be directly linked to Microsoft's Family Safety feature—a tool designed to allow parents and schools to manage online content and restrict access to certain websites.

Chrome the Only Browser Affected by Microsoft Family Safety Glitch


The issue has so far only impacted Chrome, with rival browsers such as Mozilla Firefox and Opera functioning normally, according to user reports. Chrome support manager Ellen T. confirmed the problem, stating: “Our team investigated these reports and determined the cause of this behaviour. For some users, Chrome can’t open while Microsoft Family Safety is enabled.”

Some tech-savvy users have discovered temporary workarounds, including renaming the Chrome.exe file to Chrome1.exe, which allows the browser to operate as usual.

Alternatively, schools and families using Microsoft 365 subscriptions can disable the "filter inappropriate websites" setting within Family Safety to resolve the issue. However, experts warn that doing so removes all content restrictions, potentially exposing young users to inappropriate websites.

Frustration Grows as Microsoft Remains Silent on Permanent Fix


Despite the issue persisting for over two weeks, Microsoft has yet to issue a formal update or timeline for resolving the problem. A Chromium engineer expressed frustration on an official error tracker, writing on 10 June: “We haven’t heard anything from Microsoft about a fix. They’ve instructed contacting users to restart Chrome, but I don’t think this will have any major effect.”

Microsoft’s Ongoing Battle with Google Chrome


While Microsoft has attributed the Family Safety glitch to a bug, many users suspect the problem reflects broader tensions between Microsoft and Google over browser dominance.

Microsoft has been criticised previously for aggressive tactics aimed at steering users away from Google Chrome and towards its own Edge browser. These tactics have included intrusive pop-ups, misleading AI-generated warnings, and even manipulating Bing search results to mimic Google’s layout, all designed to dissuade users from downloading or using Chrome.

Earlier this year, Microsoft faced backlash after reports revealed Bing search results were tailored to create the impression that users were already on Google’s platform, a move seen as an attempt to undermine Chrome's popularity.

Calls for Transparency as Users Await Resolution


As frustration mounts, users and industry observers are calling on Microsoft to provide greater transparency and a swift resolution. The situation has reignited concerns about platform control, competition, and the blurred line between technical errors and strategic manoeuvres.

For now, Chrome users are left grappling with workarounds, while the tech world watches closely to see how Microsoft responds—and whether the Chrome block was simply a bug or something more deliberate.