Microsoft Fixes Chrome Launch Bug in Family Safety Feature

Microsoft has finally resolved a frustrating bug in its Family Safety parental control service that prevented Windows users from launching Google Chrome and other web browsers. The issue, which affected users running Windows 10 22H2 and Windows 11 22H2 or later, caused browsers to either fail to launch entirely or shut down unexpectedly.

The Root Cause

The problem stemmed from Family Safety's web filtering tool, which was designed to prompt children to request parental approval before using unapproved browsers. However, a flaw in this system inadvertently blocked new versions of previously approved web browsers, causing them to crash or fail to start.

As Microsoft explained on its Windows release health dashboard: "The blocking behavior continues to work, however, when a browser updates to a new version, the latest version of the browser cannot be blocked until we add it to the block list."

This meant that even if parents had previously approved Chrome or other browsers, updates to newer versions would trigger the blocking mechanism, leaving users unable to access their preferred web browsers.

Timeline of the Issue

The bug was first acknowledged by Microsoft in late June 2025, following widespread user reports. For nearly eight months, affected users experienced intermittent issues with Chrome and other browsers, with Microsoft working to update its block list with newer browser versions.

During this period, the company noted: "As Microsoft continues to update the block list, we've received reports of a new issue affecting Google Chrome and some browsers. When children try to open these browsers, they shut down unexpectedly."

The Fix

Microsoft confirmed this week that it has addressed the issue with a service-side fix that began rolling out in early February 2026. The company stated: "This issue has been resolved through a service-side fix. The rollout began early February 2026 and should reach all affected devices over the coming weeks."

For users who haven't yet received the fix, Microsoft recommends ensuring their devices are connected to the internet to receive the resolution automatically. No manual intervention or additional steps are required.

Workaround for Immediate Relief

Users who need immediate access to their browsers and cannot wait for the automatic rollout can enable the 'Activity reporting' feature under Windows settings in Microsoft Family Safety. This allows parents to receive approval requests as expected and manually allowlist newer browser versions.

Impact on Family Safety Users

Family Safety is designed to help parents monitor their children's digital activity, offering features like screen time management, app controls, communication monitoring, content filtering, location tracking, and activity reports. While the service provides valuable parental controls, this bug highlighted the challenges of balancing security features with user experience.

Broader Context

This incident is part of a series of Windows update-related issues that Microsoft has faced recently. Other problems have included:

• Outlook freezes following Windows updates
• Password sign-in options disappearing
• Windows PCs failing to shut down properly
• Cloud PC connectivity issues

The resolution of this Chrome launch bug represents a positive step for Microsoft in addressing user concerns and improving the reliability of its parental control features.

Looking Forward

As Microsoft continues to refine its Family Safety service, users can expect more stable and predictable behavior from browser controls. The company's acknowledgment of the issue and subsequent resolution demonstrates its commitment to addressing user feedback and improving the Windows experience for families.

For now, affected users should ensure their devices are connected to the internet to receive the fix automatically, while those needing immediate access can utilize the Activity reporting workaround to restore browser functionality.