Brave Browser is known for its speed, privacy, and ad-blocking features—but like any software, it can sometimes run into issues. If you're facing the frustrating problem of Brave not working on Windows, you're not alone. This issue has affected users across different versions, including Brave not working on Windows 11, Windows 10, and especially after updates.

In this guide, we'll explore easy and fast solutions to fix Brave not working on Windows laptop or desktop. Whether you just installed an update, switched to a new OS version, or simply opened Brave to find it unresponsive, these steps will help get you back on track. 💻🛠️

🔍 Why Is Brave Not Working on Windows?

There are many reasons why you might see Brave not working on Windows. Here are some common causes:

🧱 Corrupt installation or update errors
🛡️ Antivirus or firewall interference
🔌 Broken extensions or plugins
🧹 Outdated drivers or system files
🔄 Conflicts after Windows or browser updates

These issues can cause the browser to freeze, crash, or simply not respond at all.

🛠️ Fixing Brave Not Working on Windows Laptop

If you’re using a laptop and Brave suddenly stops working, don’t worry. Most of these problems can be solved with a few simple steps. Let’s go through them one by one.

🟢 Step 🥇: Restart Your Windows Laptop

It may sound simple, but restarting your system can fix temporary glitches.

🔄 Close all running applications
🧹 Let the system refresh its memory
🔁 Restart your device and try opening Brave again

Many users have reported this step alone resolves Brave not working on Windows laptop.

🟢 Step 🥈: End Brave Processes in Task Manager

Sometimes Brave doesn’t fully close, leaving behind a hidden background process.

🖱️ Right-click on the taskbar and open Task Manager
📄 Find all processes labeled "Brave Browser"
✂️ Click and End Task on each one
🖥️ Try reopening Brave after closing all background instances

This is especially helpful when dealing with Brave not working on Windows 11 or Windows 10 after sleep mode or system hibernation.

🟢 Step 🥉: Run Brave as Administrator

Permission issues might block Brave from launching properly.

🖱️ Right-click the Brave shortcut on your desktop
⚙️ Choose “Run as Administrator”
🚀 See if the browser opens and functions normally

If this solves the problem, you can set Brave to always run as administrator via the shortcut’s properties.

🟢 Step 🟡: Disable Extensions in Brave

If Brave opens but isn’t functioning properly, an extension could be to blame.

🧩 Launch Brave in private window or incognito mode
🧰 If it works there, go to extensions and disable them
🔄 Re-enable one at a time to find the culprit

Corrupted or outdated extensions are a major cause of Brave not working on Windows 10 and 11.

🟢 Step 🔵: Clear Brave’s Cache and Temporary Files

Browser cache may become corrupted over time.

⚙️ Open Brave settings
🧹 Navigate to “Privacy and Security”
🗑️ Click on “Clear browsing data”
🧾 Select cached images, cookies, and site data
✅ Confirm and restart Brave

This often resolves issues related to freezing or slow loading after updates.

🟢 Step 🟣: Reboot in Safe Mode

If you suspect system-level interference, Safe Mode can help you isolate the issue.

🔄 Restart your PC
🧭 While restarting, press and hold Shift
⚙️ Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings
🆗 Click Restart and select Safe Mode

Then try launching Brave. If it works, a third-party app or driver is likely causing the problem.

🔄 Brave Not Working on Windows After Update?

Many users report that Brave not working on Windows after update—whether it’s a browser update or a system update. Here’s how to fix it:

🟢 Step 🍏: Reinstall Brave Completely

When updates go wrong, reinstalling ensures you're starting fresh.

🗑️ Uninstall Brave from your system
🧼 Delete leftover files from AppData\Local\BraveSoftware
💾 Reinstall a fresh version of Brave from the official site
🔁 Restart and test again

This fix is especially useful when Brave not working on Windows 11 after a recent update.

🟢 Step 🍎: Check for Conflicting Software

Certain third-party tools and background apps can cause problems.

🔍 Look for apps that control security, firewalls, VPNs, or overlays
🧯 Disable or uninstall suspicious tools temporarily
🧪 Try launching Brave to test compatibility

This is a hidden issue behind many Brave not working on Windows 10 complaints.

🟢 Step 🍐: Update Windows Drivers and Patches

Outdated system drivers can conflict with Brave, especially after updates.

🛠️ Go to Device Manager
📤 Right-click and update display, network, and system drivers
🔄 Check Windows Updates to make sure everything is current

A fully updated OS often prevents future Brave-related errors.

🔧 Advanced Solutions for Persistent Issues

Still facing problems with Brave not working on Windows? Try these deeper troubleshooting methods.

🔒 Create a New User Profile

If your user profile is corrupted, Brave may refuse to open or load correctly.

👤 Create a new user account on Windows
🔁 Login with the new profile
🧭 Try launching Brave from there

If it works fine, your original user profile might need fixing.

🧼 Reset Brave Browser Settings

You can reset Brave without uninstalling it.

🧰 Go to Settings → Additional Settings → Reset Settings
♻️ Choose “Restore settings to their original defaults”
✅ Confirm the action and restart

This removes settings and extensions that could be causing issues.

🛡️ Add Brave to Antivirus and Firewall Exceptions

Security software may block Brave from accessing essential system functions.

🛑 Open your antivirus or firewall settings
➕ Add Brave as an exception in both
🔄 Restart the system and test again

This simple step resolves Brave not working on Windows laptop due to overprotective security settings.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Why is Brave not working on Windows 11?

Brave may become incompatible with recent system updates or conflicting extensions. Restarting, reinstalling, or disabling add-ons usually helps.

❓ What should I do if Brave is not loading any pages?

Check your internet connection, clear browser cache, and disable extensions. If that fails, reinstall Brave.

❓ Is Brave compatible with both Windows 10 and Windows 11?

Yes, Brave fully supports both versions. If Brave not working on Windows 10, check for outdated drivers or interference from third-party apps.

❓ Does Brave support automatic updates?

Yes, Brave updates in the background. However, update errors can lead to issues that require manual fixes or clean installation.

✅ Final Thoughts

While Brave is a fast, secure, and efficient browser, problems like Brave not working on Windows can be frustrating. Whether it's Brave not working on Windows 11, Windows 10, or after a browser update, the good news is that most issues can be resolved quickly.

From simple restarts to deeper solutions like profile resets and antivirus tweaks, this guide has everything you need to get Brave up and running again. Don't give up on your favorite browser—just follow these steps and you'll be browsing with confidence once more. 🚀🦁💡