In this guide, we will show you the steps to fix the issue of the Chrome browser automatically restarting itself and then opening a new tab. In spite of the fact that it is among the most resource-hungry browsers out there, many users are still inclined towards this offering from the Silicon Valley giants. Beholding all the required feature sets and its deep integration into the Google ecosystem are just some of the reasons why it is the go-to choice of many. However, despite that, it isn’t free from its fair share of issues either.
As of now, various users have voiced their concern that Chrome automatically restarts itself and then opens a new tab. The URL on that new tab points to a local directory on your PC which stores the browser’s configuration file, namely- http://username/AppData/Local/chrome_configuration. If you are also getting bugged with this issue, then this guide shall make you aware of a few nifty workarounds to resolve it. Follow along.
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Fix Chrome Keeps Restarting and Opening a New Tab
It is recommended that you try out each of the below-mentioned workarounds and then see which one spells out success for you. So with that in mind, let’s get started.
FIX 1: Delete Properties Extension Malware
Recently Chrome browser was infected with Properties Extension Malware. Similar to this issue, the source of that malicious program was also the chrome_configuration folder. So all this points out the fact that your browser is infected with this malware and therefore you should delete it at the earliest. To do so, please refer to our guide on Google Chrome Properties Malware Extension: How to Remove / Delete It.
FIX 2: Disable Extensions
In some instances, a third-party extension might conflict with the normal functionality of the browser. As a result, the issues such as the one that we are currently dealing with are usually on the cards. So let’s verify if the add-ons are causing any troubles or not, and if they are indeed the culprit, then we will deal with them accordingly. Here’s how:
- To begin with, launch the Chrome browser on your PC.
- Then open a new Incognito tab via Windows+Shift+N shortcut keys.
- Now check if the site is able to access the camera or not.
- If it is able to access the camera, then the issue is indeed with an extension. So either disable or uninstall it.
- For that, open a new (normal) window and head over to the below location:
chrome://extensions/
- Now disable the extensions, one at a time, until you are able to recreate this issue.
- As soon as the issue re-appears, the last enabled extension would be the culprit.
- So hit the Remove button next to that extension and then restart your browser.
- Check if it fixes the issue of the Chrome browser automatically restarting itself and then opening a new tab.
FIX 3: Delete Chrome Data
The error that we are currently dealing with could also arise due to the browse data being corrupted or infected with malicious programs. Therefore, you should consider deleting this data and let Chrome repopulate the same from scratch. However, before trying it out, make sure to sync the data with your Google account [from the chrome://settings/syncSetup page].
- Launch Chrome and head over to the below location
chrome://settings/clearBrowserData
- After that, checkmark Cached Images and files and Cookies and other site data
- Then click on the Clear Data button and wait for the process to complete.
- Once done, verify if it fixes the issue of the Chrome browser automatically restarting itself and then opening a new tab.
FIX 4: Reset Chrome
Your next course of action should be to reset the browser to its factory default state. Doing so will remove all the customizations and tweaks, delete cache cookies and history, and disable all the extensions as well. So make sure to sync all the browser data with your Google account before proceeding with the below steps:
- Launch Chrome and head over to the below location
chrome://settings/reset
- Then click on Restore Settings to their original default.
- After that, click Reset Settings in the confirmation dialog box.
- Once done, restart the browser and sign in with your Google account.
- Check if it fixes the issue of the Chrome browser automatically restarting itself and then opening a new tab.
FIX 5: Reinstall Chrome
If none of the aforementioned methods managed to spell out success, then it could be the case of the browser’s configuration settings getting corrupted. Hence you will now have to take the nuclear route of uninstalling and then reinstalling the browser. Here’s how it could be done:
- Launch Settings via Windows+ I, go to Apps > Apps and Features
- Then click on the overflow icon next to Chrome and select Uninstall.
- Now proceed with the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
- Once done, download and install the latest build of Chrome.
- Then launch it, sign in with your account, and the issue would have been resolved.
So these were the five different methods to fix the issue of the Chrome browser automatically restarting itself and then opening a new tab. If you have any queries concerning the aforementioned steps, do let us know in the comments. We will get back to you with a solution at the earliest.
