Windows 11s latest update proves disastrous for some Chrome users

Date:
Thu, 15 Jun 2023 09:25:33 +0000

Description:
New Windows 11 update has broken Chrome for Malwarebytes users, and the workaround is far from ideal.

FULL STORY ======================================================================

The latest update for Windows 11 has totally broken Googles Chrome browser
for users of a popular antivirus app.

For Malwarebytes users, patch KB5027231 for Windows 11 22H2 causes Chrome to fail to work the browser window simply doesnt appear, even though there is a running Chrome instance in Task Manager.

Neowin spotted that Malwarebytes staff members have posted several times on the issue, to let affected folks know that the company is investigating and working on an update to fix the issue. Users also note that theres no issue with Windows 10 and Chrome.

A Malwarebytes employee going by the forum name Msherwood posted to say: Were currently experiencing issues with Malwarebytes Exploit Protection and Chrome in Windows 11 where youll see Chrome crash. We suspect this is happening due to a Windows Update (KB5027231) that was released on June 13, 2023.

Were actively troubleshooting this and well be back with more info as soon as possible.

A further update to that post notes that there is a fix now in the beta of Malwarebytes 4. Analysis: There is a fudged workaround, too

The good news is that if you dont want to switch to the beta of Malwarebytes and lets face it, most folks wont (beta software may well have problems of
its own) there is a workaround which has been successfully applied according to numerous reports.

Some people have simply turned off Malwarebytes Exploit Protection, but that leaves you vulnerable as you might imagine, and theres a more targeted fudge as provided by another staff member at the company, Arthi .

That is to turn off Chrome as a protected app in Malwarebytes. To do this, go to Settings, and the Security tab, and under Exploit Protection, click the Manage Protected Applications button. Then find Google Chrome in the list of apps and turn off the protection slider.

Obviously that still isnt ideal, as Malwarebytes will no longer be protecting Chrome against exploits. If that makes you uncomfortable, the only other path is to uninstall the Windows update (KB5027231) and live without it until the security company provides a full fix. That should be soon enough, given that the cure is already in beta as mentioned.

There is one other workaround suggested by Arthi, and this is to set Chrome
as your default browser in Windows 11 (if it isnt already, obviously). However, a couple of reports in the customer support thread suggest that this didnt make any difference.

Its worth a shot, though, seeing as this is a workaround which wont hinder your level of security with Chrome (turning off exploit protection certainly does).

Interestingly, theres a claim that Malwarebytes isnt the only antivirus
vendor affected, and an ESET user reckons they have encountered it and that the problem is caused by having any other Chromium browser set as your
default (such as Microsoft Edge). Take that with lots and lots of salt,
though it makes some sense in that one of the suggestions from Malwarebytes
is to change Chrome to be your default browser.

Well keep an eye on the situation as it develops to ascertain whether or not other antivirus apps are also hit by this gremlin.



======================================================================
Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/windows-11s-latest-update-proves-disastrous-for -some-chrome-users


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)