Microsoft Finally Fixes Long-Running Family Safety Bug That Blocked Chrome and Other Browsers

In a major relief for Windows users worldwide, Microsoft has officially resolved a long-standing bug in its Family Safety parental control service that had been preventing users—especially children—from launching Google Chrome and other popular web browsers. The glitch, which had plagued Windows 10 and Windows 11 users for months, caused approved browsers to either fail to open or shut down unexpectedly after updates.

The Problem: A Well-Intentioned Feature Gone Wrong

Microsoft’s Family Safety tool is designed to give parents greater oversight and control over their children’s digital activity. It offers features like screen time limits, app restrictions, communication monitoring, content filtering, location tracking, and detailed activity reports. However, a flaw in its web filtering mechanism turned this helpful tool into a source of frustration for many families.

The issue arose when Family Safety’s approval system failed to recognize newer versions of previously approved browsers. While the service was supposed to prompt children to request parental approval for using alternative browsers, it instead blocked updated versions of browsers like Google Chrome, causing them to either refuse to launch or crash immediately.

As Microsoft explained in June 2025, the blocking behavior continued to function, but when a browser updated to a new version, the latest release couldn’t be blocked until it was manually added to the block list. This oversight meant that even approved browsers were being inadvertently shut out.

“We’ve received reports of a new issue affecting Google Chrome and some browsers,” Microsoft noted on its Windows release health dashboard. “When children try to open these browsers, they shut down unexpectedly.”

Widespread Frustration and User Reports

The bug quickly gained attention across tech forums and social media platforms. Users flooded Reddit, Microsoft’s support forums, and Google’s community threads with complaints about Chrome refusing to open on Windows 10 22H2 and Windows 11 22H2 or later systems. Some users reported that the browser would crash immediately upon launch, while others found it wouldn’t start at all.

The issue wasn’t limited to Chrome. Reports indicated that other browsers, including Firefox and Microsoft Edge, were also affected, though Chrome users seemed to be hit the hardest. Parents trying to manage their children’s screen time found themselves unable to grant access to essential tools for schoolwork and entertainment.

The Fix: A Service-Side Rollout

After months of user complaints and internal acknowledgment, Microsoft confirmed this week that it had deployed a service-side fix in early February 2026. The resolution, which began rolling out over eight months after the first reports surfaced, is designed to prevent the blocking of updated browser versions and ensure that Family Safety’s approval system works as intended.

According to Microsoft, the fix is being distributed automatically to all affected devices. Users are advised to ensure their devices are connected to the internet to receive the update. No manual intervention or additional steps are required.

“This issue has been resolved through a service-side fix,” Microsoft stated on its release health dashboard. “The rollout began early February 2026 and should reach all affected devices over the coming weeks. If your device presented this symptom, please let it connect to the internet to receive the resolution. No other action is required.”

For users who remain offline or continue to experience issues, Microsoft recommends enabling the ‘Activity reporting’ feature under Windows settings in Microsoft Family Safety. This will allow parents to receive approval requests as expected and manually allowlist newer browser versions if necessary.

The Bigger Picture: Balancing Safety and Usability

This incident highlights the delicate balance tech companies must strike between providing robust parental controls and ensuring a seamless user experience. While Family Safety’s intentions are noble, the bug underscores the challenges of implementing complex filtering systems that can adapt to frequent software updates without disrupting legitimate use.

For Microsoft, the resolution of this issue is a step toward rebuilding trust with users who felt let down by a tool meant to protect them. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of rapid response and transparent communication when addressing widespread technical problems.

As Windows users regain access to their favorite browsers, the episode stands as a cautionary tale for both developers and parents: even the most well-intentioned features can have unintended consequences, and vigilance is key to maintaining a safe yet functional digital environment.

Tags: Microsoft, Family Safety, Parental Controls, Windows 10, Windows 11, Google Chrome, Browser Issues, Tech News, Software Bug, Parental Control Glitch, Chrome Not Opening, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Screen Time Management, Content Filtering, Activity Reports, Tech Support, Windows Update, Service-Side Fix, Internet Safety, Digital Parenting

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