The STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION error in Google Chrome is a common issue that disrupts your browsing experience by displaying an “Aw, Snap!” error message. This error usually occurs due to a process violation, meaning that a browser tab or process attempted to access memory incorrectly. While it may seem technical, fixing this error doesn’t require advanced skills. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what causes the STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION error and practical ways to resolve it.
What Causes STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION in Chrome?
The STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION error can arise from several factors, including:
1. Outdated Chrome version: An older version may lack essential bug fixes.
2. Conflicting browser extensions: Some extensions interfere with Chrome’s memory usage.
3. Corrupt or incompatible tabs: Specific tabs or websites may trigger the error due to incompatibility.
4. Excessive RAM usage: Heavy memory consumption by other applications can impact Chrome’s stability.
Let’s go through simple fixes that can get Chrome working smoothly again.
Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION in Chrome
1. Update Chrome
The first and simplest solution is to update Chrome. Google releases regular updates to fix bugs and improve stability, which may help resolve the STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION error.
– Open Chrome and click on the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner.
– Go to Help > About Google Chrome. Chrome will automatically check for updates and install them if available.
– Restart Chrome to apply the updates and check if the issue is resolved.
2. Disable Browser Extensions
Extensions are useful, but some may interfere with Chrome’s processes. Disabling them can help identify if any extension is causing the issue.
– Go to chrome://extensions/ in the address bar.
– Toggle off each extension individually to see if the error disappears.
– If the error stops after disabling a particular extension, remove or update that extension.
3. Rename Chrome Executable File
Changing Chrome’s executable file name can reset certain settings that might cause this error. Although this may sound unusual, it has helped many users.
– Close Chrome completely.
– Locate Chrome’s installation directory on your system. For Windows, this is usually found in C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application.
– Right-click chrome.exe, select Rename, and change the name to something like “chrome1.exe.”
– Open Chrome using this renamed file and check if the error persists.
4. Disable Hardware Acceleration
Hardware acceleration improves performance, but it may cause stability issues in some cases. Turning it off can help resolve the error.
– Open Chrome, click on the three dots, and go to Settings > System.
– Turn off Use hardware acceleration when available.
– Restart Chrome to apply the changes.
5. Use Chrome’s No-Sandbox Mode (Temporary Fix)
Running Chrome in no-sandbox mode is a temporary fix that may bypass the STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION error. Note that this option reduces Chrome’s security, so use it only as a temporary measure.
– Right-click the Chrome shortcut on your desktop and select Properties.
– In the Target field, add `–no-sandbox` at the end (e.g., “C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe –no-sandbox”).
– Click Apply and then OK to save.
– Open Chrome using this shortcut and see if the error is resolved.
6. Clear Browsing Data
Sometimes, corrupted cache files can cause various errors, including STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION. Clearing your browsing data can help.
– Open Chrome and press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
– In the Clear browsing data window, select Cached images and files and Cookies and other site data.
– Click Clear data and restart Chrome.
7. Reset Chrome Settings
Resetting Chrome to its default settings can resolve configuration-related issues that may be causing the error.
– Go to chrome://settings/reset in the address bar.
– Select Restore settings to their original defaults and confirm.
– Restart Chrome and see if the error persists.
8. Reinstall Chrome
If all else fails, reinstalling Chrome can give you a fresh installation without corrupted files.
– Uninstall Chrome through your computer’s settings.
– Download the latest version from the official Google Chrome website.
– Install it and check if the STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION error is resolved.
The STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION error in Chrome, though inconvenient, is often fixable through these straightforward solutions. By updating Chrome, managing extensions, clearing cache, or reinstalling the browser, you can typically eliminate the error and restore smooth browsing. If the error persists despite these fixes, it may be due to a deeper system issue or compatibility problem with certain websites or applications, in which case checking for system updates or contacting Chrome support may be necessary.
