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Google Chrome refuses to open on Surface Laptop

Deborah 0 Reputation points
2025-08-11T00:58:33.8633333+00:00

I cannot open Google on my Surface Laptop. I have:

  1. installed updates,
  2. Restarted the device
  3. uninstalled and re-installed Chrome
  4. Made it the default browser App

When I try to open it the pinned icon on the tool bar (or the new link from the installation) it says it's open but I can't see it. I cannot check for conflicts as suggested because I can't open it. I could previously do this, and had all my shortcuts saved there. I do not like Microsoft Edge. I had not used this laptop for a few weeks and had changed nothing when I last used it. Please help. I am ready to toss it.

Surface | Surface Laptop | Network
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  1. John Carl Nazario 710 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-08-11T13:26:18.9266667+00:00

    Hi Deborah,

    I know how frustrating this kind of issue can be, especially when everything used to work fine. Let's walk through a few deeper troubleshooting steps to get Chrome working again on your Surface Laptop.

    Try These Steps

    1. Force Chrome to Appear On-Screen

    Sometimes Chrome opens off-screen. Try this:

    Press Alt + Tab to switch to Chrome.

    Then press Alt + Space, then M (for Move).

    Use your arrow keys to move the window back into view.

    Press Enter when it’s visible.

    2. Check Task Manager

    Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

    Look for any running Chrome processes.

    Right-click and choose End Task for all Chrome entries.

    Try launching Chrome again.

    3. Run Chrome with a Flag

    Try launching Chrome with a flag that disables GPU acceleration:

    Press Win + R, type:

    chrome.exe --disable-gpu

    Hit Enter. If Chrome opens, the issue may be with your graphics driver.

    4. Create a New Chrome User Profile

    Your current profile might be corrupted.

    Navigate to: C:\Users<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data

    Rename the folder called Default to Default_backup

    Try launching Chrome again it will create a fresh profile.

    You can later copy bookmarks and settings from the backup if this works.

    5. Check Display Settings

    If you recently used an external monitor:

    Right-click desktop > Display Settings.

    Make sure only one display is active.

    Try setting the resolution to something standard (e.g., 1920x1080).

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment” I’m here to assist!
    Best,
    Carl

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