Fix Chrome 'Aw, Snap!' STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION

Updated: 11/29/2025

You try to load a webpage, but it instantly crashes to a gray screen with a folder icon: 'Aw, Snap! Something went wrong while displaying this webpage. Error code: STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION'. This specific code means a chunk of code from a website tried to access a part of your RAM that was 'restricted'. It is often caused by a conflict between Chrome's sandbox security and your antivirus.

Method 1: The 'Rename' Trick (Weird but Effective)

For some reason, renaming the Chrome executable forces Windows to treat it as a new application, bypassing bad registry keys.

Step 1: Find Chrome

Go to C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application.

Step 2: Rename

Find chrome.exe. Rename it to chrom.exe or chrome1.exe. Double click it to launch. If the crashes stop, create a new shortcut for this renamed file.

Method 2: Disable Renderer Code Integrity

This creates a compatibility bridge for older drivers.

Step 1: Shortcut Properties

Right-click your Chrome shortcut > Properties.

Step 2: Add Target Line

In the Target box, add this to the very end (after the quotes):

Click Apply and OK. Restart Chrome completely.

Method 3: Check RAM (Memory Management)

If this happens frequently on video sites, you might have a faulty RAM stick.

Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, and select Restart now and check for problems. Windows will reboot and run a blue-screen memory test. If it finds errors, you need to replace a RAM stick.