Is Google Chrome not launching on your child's Windows device? If so, this is likely due to a bug in Microsoft Family Safety that is stopping Google Chrome from opening on children's accounts. Here’s everything you need to know about the problem and how to fix it.

Why Can't My Child Open Google Chrome?

The internet is a great source of knowledge, but there are parts of it you probably don’t want your kids accessing. Parental control tools can help by letting you control what your children can view online.

Microsoft has its own parental control service for Windows called Family Safety. This tool enables parents to monitor their children's web activity across desktops and mobile devices, manage app usage, track location, and set screen time limits. It also includes web filtering, which allows you to choose which websites your children can access and which browsers they’re allowed to use. Unfortunately, this filtering function is the reason Chrome may not be opening on your child's computer.

When web filtering is active, children typically see a message saying “You’ll need to ask to use this app” when attempting to open a new browser. Once approval is given, they should be able to proceed normally. However, a current bug prevents children with Chrome version 137.0.7151.68/69 from launching the browser even after approval. Some parents aren't even receiving these approval requests.

This issue was first mentioned on Reddit on June 3, and since then, many users have reported similar problems on various forums. The main affected users are those running Chrome version 137.0.7151.68/69 alongside Windows 11 updates like 24H2, 23H2, 22H2, or Windows 10 22H2.

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PostsFollowing widespread complaints, Microsoft issued an official statement confirming the issue. They explained that when a browser like Chrome receives an update, the Family Safety feature fails to recognize it as approved. This bug stops the Family Safety system from sending a consent prompt to parents, which means approval can’t be granted—leaving Chrome unable to launch or crashing on children's devices.

Microsoft also noted that the issue mainly affects systems where the "Activity Reporting" option within Family Safety is turned off. Google has also confirmed the problem and stated they are investigating further.

While both companies work toward a permanent solution, several temporary fixes can help get Chrome working again on your child’s device.

Unblock Chrome via Family Safety Settings

Both Google and Microsoft have offered temporary solutions for this issue. According to Google, you can resolve the problem by unblocking Chrome in the Microsoft Family Safety settings. To do this, go to the Microsoft Family Safety website or open the Family app on your PC.

From the dashboard, select your child's profile. Navigate to the "Apps and Games" section, and unblock Chrome.

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Posts Enable Activity Reporting ---------------------------------------

As previously noted, this issue mostly impacts devices where the Family Safety Activity Reporting feature is disabled. When enabled, this feature gives you visibility into your child's online behavior.

Microsoft recommends enabling Activity Reporting to temporarily fix the issue. To do so, open the Family app on your Windows machine, select your child's account, and under the Windows tab, toggle on "Activity Reporting."

After enabling this, you will start receiving approval requests whenever your child tries to open Google Chrome. Approving the request will allow them to use the browser without issues.

Rename the Chrome Executable File

Neither Microsoft nor Google officially supports this method, but some Reddit users claim it works. You can try renaming the Chrome executable file to bypass the issue.

To rename the file, open the Start menu, search for Google Chrome, right-click it, and choose "Open File Location." Then, right-click the Chrome shortcut again and select "Open File Location."

Locate the Chrome executable file, right-click it, and choose "Rename." Change the name to chrome1.

This process should bypass the Microsoft Family Safety check, allowing your child to open Chrome normally.

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Posts 14 ---

With Microsoft Edge increasingly being used only to install Google Chrome, it seems odd that the Family Safety feature blocks Google Chrome and other browsers, yet leaves Microsoft Edge unaffected. I'm not suggesting this isn't a real issue, but it's definitely an interesting coincidence. In the meantime, while we wait for a permanent fix, give the above methods a try.

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