Summary & Fix for Chrome Blocking by Microsoft Family Safety on Windows 11
What’s Happening:
- Microsoft Family Safety is a parental control tool that, after recent Chrome updates (137.0.7151.68, 137.0.7151.69), started blocking Chrome on Windows 11 (and possibly Windows 10/macOS).
- Users report Chrome instantly closes, cannot reopen, and is being blocked regardless of Chrome version.
- This problem happens only when Microsoft Family Safety content filtering is on—Edge is not affected.
- Temporary Workaround:
- Renaming
chrome.exeto something else likechrome1.execan let you open Chrome. However, this is not a robust solution. - Official Solution (from Chrome & Microsoft):
- You need to adjust the Family Safety settings to allow Chrome:
- Go to family.microsoft.com or open the Family Safety mobile app.
- Select the child/user being blocked.
- To allow all browsers:
- Option 1: Disable “Filter inappropriate websites” under the Edge tab.
- Option 2: Go to Windows tab → Apps & Games → Unblock Chrome explicitly.
A Chrome community manager confirmed the above steps and acknowledged the issue as originating from enabled Microsoft Family Safety web filtering.
Microsoft’s Guidance:
Microsoft also recommends reviewing Family Safety settings, specifically website filtering and app/game blocking for the account affected.
References:
- Neowin article on the issue
- Chrome Community Manager and Microsoft official responses
Source: Neowin Windows 11 blocks Google Chrome due to a Microsoft safety feature, fix out