Update Chrome/Edge and restart it, test in Incognito (extensions off), disable extensions one by one, and pause third-party antivirus. If it continues, create a new browser profile or reset settings. As a test, rename the browser .exe (e.g. chrome.exe to chrome1.exe). If that stops it, security software is interfering.
STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION, explained
STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION is a Windows exception (0xC0000005) inside the browser’s renderer process. The browser closes the tab to protect itself and shows “Aw, Snap!” (Chrome) or “This page is having a problem” (Edge).
Bugs fixed in later versions, extensions that inject code into pages, and antivirus or other software hooking into the browser are the main triggers.
Signs of the problem
- “Aw, Snap! Something went wrong while displaying this webpage. Error code: STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION”.
- Random tab crashes on many sites.
- Edge shows the same code.
What causes STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION
- Outdated browser build.
- Problem extensions.
- Antivirus or software injecting into the browser.
- Corrupted browser profile.
Fixes to try, in order
- Update the browser
chrome://settings/helporedge://settings/help, then relaunch. - Test Incognito/InPrivateIf it works, disable extensions at
chrome://extensionsand re-enable one at a time. - Pause security softwareTemporarily disable third-party antivirus web protection and test again.
- Try a new profileChrome: profile icon → Add. If the new profile is stable, move bookmarks and remove the old profile.
- Reset settings
chrome://settings/reset→ Restore settings to their original defaults. - Rename the executable (diagnostic)In
C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application, rename chrome.exe to chrome1.exe and launch it. If crashes stop, update or uninstall the software interfering with Chrome. Rename it back afterwards.
How to tell it worked: Pages that crashed before load and stay open.
Prevent it from coming back
Keep the browser and extensions updated and avoid security tools that inject into browsers.