How to Fix a “Page Unresponsive” Error in Google Chrome

Happens infrequently, but is very annoying

Google Chrome usually displays a “Page Unresponsive” error when a web page takes too long or fails to load correctly. In most cases, selectingExit pagesand refreshing the problematic page should help you get rid of the error for good.

If not, try accessing the page on another browser such as Edge, Safari, or Firefox. If it shows up without running into any problems, you’re likely dealing with a Chrome-related issue that you must fix on your end.

Below, you’ll find a list of troubleshooting tips and methods that you can work your way through to resolve persistent “Page Unresponsive” errors in Chrome.

Update Google Chrome

Google releases constant updates that introduce bug fixes and performance enhancements in Chrome. Although the browser updates itself automatically, it’s always a good idea to double-check.

Start by opening theChromemenu—select the 3-dots icon to the screen’s top-right. Then, point toHelpand selectAbout Google Chrome. That should force the browser to scan and install any pending updates.

Restart PC or Mac

Restarting your PC or Mac typically helps resolve minor technical issues or other system-related anomalies that prevent Chrome—as well as other applications—from working properly. Do that now before moving on with the rest of the fixes.

Clear Cookies and Browser Cache

Outdated browsing data can end up causing all sorts of trouble while visiting websites. To rule that out as the reason behind the “Page Unresponsive” error, you must clear the Chrome cache.

Note:It’s best to get rid of the cache and cookies for a problematic site first and follow by deleting the entire Chrome browser cache if that doesn’t help.

  1. Go to Chrome’sSettingsscreen.

  2. SelectPrivacy and securityon the sidebar.

  3. SelectSite Settings.

  4. SelectView permissions and data stored across sites.

  5. Pick the site from the list and selectClear data.

  6. Open a new Chrome tab.

  7. PressCtrl+Shift+DeleteorCmd+Shift+Deleteto bring up Chrome’sClear browsing databox.

  8. Under theBasictab, check the boxes next toCookies and other site dataandCached images and files. Then, set the time range toAll timeand selectClear data.

Disable Third-party Cookies

Sometimes, web pages can take too long to load in Chrome due tothird-party browser cookies. Disable them and check if that helps.

To do that, open theChromemenu and selectSettings. Then, selectPrivacy and Securityon the sidebar and pick the option labeledCookies and other site data. On the screen that follows, selectBlock third-party cookies.

Note:Blocking third-party cookies in Chrome can break specific site functions. Re-enable them once you’ve finished visiting sites that end up with a “Page Unresponsive” error.

Disable Hardware Acceleration

Chrome uses hardware acceleration to speed things up. But rarely, that can also end up causing page rendering issues. Try disabling the functionality.

Go to Chrome’sSettingsscreen and selectAdvanced>Systemon the sidebar. Then, turn off the switch next toUse hardware acceleration when availableand selectRelaunch.

Update Graphics/Audio Drivers

If disabling hardware acceleration ended up fixing the “Page Unresponsive” error in Chrome on a PC, you should follow by updating the graphics and audio drivers. Use a driver updater tool to get the most recent driver updates automatically. Once you’ve done that, re-enable hardware acceleration in Chrome and check if the issue recurs.

Disable Extensions

Running lots of Chrome extensions at the same time can consume system resources, slow things down to a crawl, and result in “Page Unresponsive” errors. Some extensions can also create conflicts with site content and prevent pages from functioning correctly.

You can find out if that’s the reason behind the “Page Unresponsive” errors quite easily. Start by selecting theExtensionsicon to the right side of the Chrome address bar. Then, selectManage Extensionsand turn off all active extensions.

If you don’t run into the “Page Unresponsive” error after that, re-enable the extensions one-by-one. That should help you identify any that uses too many system resources or cause other issues in Chrome.

Remove Harmful Software

The “Page Unresponsive” error can also show up due to malicious extensions and browser hijackers. You can deal with that by taking Chrome’s built-in harmful software scanning tool out for a spin. It’s only included in the PC version of Chrome, however.

  1. Open the Chrome menu and selectSettings.

  2. SelectAdvanced>Reset and clean upon the sidebar.

  3. SelectClean up computer>Findto scan and remove harmful software.

Ideally, you should wrap up by scanning your computer with a dedicated malware removal tool. The free version ofMalwarebytesis more than good enough for the job. It’s also available for both Windows and macOS.

Use a Content Blocker

Sometimes, sites with heavy page content can take a long time to load and break down in “Page Unresponsive” errors. Tryadding a content blocking extension(which gets rid of ads and tracking scripts) to Chrome and check if that fixes the issue.uBlock Origin,AdGuard AdBlocker, andAdblock Plusare top picks.

Update Windows/macOS

You must always keep the operating system on your PC or Mac up-to-date. That gives Chrome a stable platform to run on and minimizes possible conflicts with Windows or macOS.

Go toStart>Settings>Update & Securityand selectDownload and installto apply the latest Windows updates.

Go toSystem Preferences>Software Updateand selectUpdate Nowto install the latest macOS updates.

Create New Chrome Profile

If none of the fixes above helped, you’re likely dealing with a corrupt Chrome user profile. You can create a new one by renaming your current profile using File Explorer or Finder. But before you begin, make sure tosync your browsing data to a Google Account.

  1. Exit Google Chrome.

  2. PressWindows+Rto open the Run box on the PC. If you use a Mac, open Finder and selectGo>Go to Folderinstead.

  3. Copy and paste the relevant folder path below and pressEnter:

PC —%userprofile%AppDataLocalGoogleChromeUser Data

Mac —~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/

  1. Rename the folder labeledDefaulttoDefault.old.

  2. Reload Chrome. The browser should automatically generate a new profile. Sign in with your Google Account to start using it.

Reset Google Chrome

If you still keep running into frequent “Page Unresponsive” errors, it’s time to reset Google Chrome. That reverts all browser settings and allows you to start using Chrome in a new state. Again, make sure to sync your browsing data to a Google Account before you go ahead.

  1. Open the Chrome menu and selectSettings.

  2. SelectAdvanced>Reset and clean up/Reset settingson the sidebar.

  3. SelectRestore settings to their defaults>Reset settings.

Fully Responsive Web Pages

Common fixes such as clearing the browser cache, turning off hardware acceleration, and disabling unnecessary extensions will almost always end up fixing the “Page Unresponsive” error in Chrome. Keep them in mind so that you know what to do the next time you run into it.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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