What it means
The browser tab crashed because a part of the browser tried to use memory it was not allowed to. It is a crash code, not a website warning, and is often caused by a browser bug, an extension, other software on the PC, or a graphics problem.
Common causes
- A bug in the browser version you are using
- An extension that conflicts with the page
- Other software, such as security tools, injecting code into the browser
- Graphics driver or hardware acceleration problems
- Low memory from too many tabs or apps
- A damaged browser profile
How to fix it
Work down the list. Each fix is safe to try before moving on to the next.
FIX 01Reload the tabEASY
- Select
Reloadon the crash page or pressF5. - Check whether other sites open normally. If only one site crashes, that site may be triggering a browser bug.
Why it helps: One-off crashes often clear on reload.
FIX 02Update the browser and restart itEASY
- Chrome:
More (three dots) > Help > About Google Chrome, let it update, thenRelaunch. - Edge:
Settings and more (three dots) > Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge, thenRestart.
Why it helps: These crashes are often browser bugs that later versions fix.
FIX 03Free up memoryEASY
- Close tabs you are not using.
- Quit other programs and pause large downloads.
- Restart your computer.
Why it helps: Low memory makes tab crashes more likely.
FIX 04Turn off extensionsEASY
- Open the page in an Incognito (Chrome) or InPrivate (Edge) window with
Ctrl + Shift + N(Windows) orCmd + Shift + N(Mac). - If it works, go to
chrome://extensionsoredge://extensionsand switch off all extensions. - Switch them back on one at a time to find the one that causes the crash, then remove it.
Why it helps: Extensions are a frequent cause of tab crashes.
FIX 05Turn off hardware accelerationMEDIUM
- Chrome:
More (three dots) > Settings > System, turn offUse graphics acceleration when available. - Edge:
Settings and more > Settings > System and performance, turn offUse graphics acceleration when available. - Restart the browser.
- If the crashes stop, update your graphics driver through
Settings > Windows Updateor the PC maker's site, then turn acceleration back on.
Why it helps: Graphics driver problems can crash the page.
FIX 06Reset browser settingsMEDIUM
- Chrome:
More (three dots) > Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults, thenReset settings. - Edge:
Settings and more > Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their default values, thenReset. - Bookmarks and saved passwords are kept.
Why it helps: Clears bad settings without losing your saved data.
FIX 07Check for conflicting or unwanted softwareMEDIUM
- Run a full scan with Windows Security:
Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options > Full scan. - Update your antivirus or other security tools; some inject code into browsers and can trigger crashes after a browser update.
- Remove programs you do not recognise from
Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
Why it helps: Outside software that hooks into the browser is a known source of access violation crashes.
FIX 08Reinstall or repair the browserADVANCED
- Sign in to your browser account first so bookmarks and passwords sync back.
- Chrome: uninstall from
Settings > Apps > Installed apps, restart, then download and install the latest version. - Edge (Windows 11): open
Settings > Apps > Installed apps, select...next toMicrosoft Edge, chooseModify, thenRepair.
Why it helps: Replaces damaged browser files and profiles.
Check it's fixed
- The page loads and stays open.
- No Aw, Snap! crashes after browsing for a while.
- The same page works after re-enabling your extensions one by one.
When to get help
If every page crashes even after reinstalling, there may be a deeper system or memory problem; ask a repair shop or, on a work PC, IT to check it.
Questions
Is STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION a virus?
Usually not. It is a crash code. Malware can cause crashes, so a quick scan is still sensible if it keeps happening.
Why does it happen on only one website?
Something on that page is triggering a bug in the browser, an extension or a driver. Updating and turning off extensions are the best first steps.
Will I lose my bookmarks if I reset or reinstall?
Resetting keeps bookmarks and passwords. Before reinstalling, sign in to sync so you can restore them.
Related fixes
Still stuck?
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