How to Fix Opera Not Opening on Windows or Mac?

Opera is a powerful and lightweight browser that many people rely on for daily browsing. Its speed, built-in VPN, ad blocker, and customizable interface make it a favorite among millions of users. However, just like any other software, Opera is not perfect. Users occasionally run into issues like Opera not opening, crashing at startup, or not responding altogether.

If you’re one of those users who opened your laptop only to discover that Opera is not working or won’t launch, don’t panic. Whether you’re using Windows 10, Windows 11, or Mac, this article will guide you through practical, human-friendly solutions to help you fix the issue and get back to browsing without a hitch.

Understanding Why Opera is Not Working

Before jumping into solutions, it’s important to understand why Opera is not working properly. The causes can vary depending on your system, recent updates, conflicting software, or corrupted browser files.

Some users have reported that Opera is not working on Windows 10 after a recent update, while others say Opera is not working on Mac for no apparent reason. Sometimes, the browser opens but doesn’t load pages, which means Opera is not loading pages even though the internet connection is fine.

Let’s dive deeper into the common reasons behind this problem:

• Recent OS or browser update that broke compatibility
  
  

• Corrupted cache or browser profile
  
  

• Conflicts with antivirus or firewall
  
  

• System-level issues on Windows or macOS
  
  

• Improper shutdown or force-quit of the browser
  
  

Understanding the root of the issue helps in applying the most effective fix.

Signs That Opera Is Not Working Properly

You might be facing more than just a launch failure. Some users experience slow responsiveness or a white screen. Others see the browser open but with no response when trying to load pages. Below are a few symptoms that suggest Opera is not working properly:

• Clicking the icon, but nothing happens
  
  

• Opera launches but closes immediately
  
  

• The browser stays stuck on a blank screen
  
  

• Websites don’t load despite a working internet connection
  
  

• Browser freezes or becomes unresponsive
  
  

If any of these sound familiar, keep reading for solutions tailored to both Windows and Mac.

Steps to Fix Opera Not Opening on Windows or Mac

Restart Your Computer

It sounds basic, but restarting your system can refresh your OS, close any hanging processes, and give Opera a fresh chance to launch correctly. If the issue was temporary, this might fix it instantly.

Check for Background Opera Processes

Sometimes, Opera might be running in the background even though it’s not visible. This can block new sessions from opening. Open your Task Manager on Windows or Activity Monitor on Mac, and end all Opera-related processes. Then try launching it again.

Clear Corrupted Profile Data

Your browser profile stores all your settings, extensions, and bookmarks. But if it becomes corrupted, it can prevent Opera from working as expected. Creating a new user profile or resetting your current one can solve this. Backup your bookmarks before doing this, so you don’t lose any important data.

Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily

At times, your antivirus or firewall settings might block Opera from opening or accessing the internet. Temporarily disable them and check if Opera not working gets resolved. If Opera opens normally after disabling, add it to your antivirus' allowed list.

Delete Cache and Temp Files

Corrupted cache or temporary files can also cause issues. Deleting these files can resolve the problem. Go to your system's file explorer and remove any Opera-related temporary data. This step often helps when Opera is not loading pages properly.

Reinstall Opera Browser

If all else fails, uninstalling and reinstalling Opera might be your best option. Sometimes, a fresh install is all it takes to get things back on track. Make sure you download the latest version compatible with your operating system.

Opera Not Working on Windows 10 or 11

Many users running Windows 10 or Windows 11 have reported issues with Opera not working after a recent update. This could be due to compatibility issues or bugs introduced in either the OS or the browser. Here's what you can do:

• Run Opera in compatibility mode for Windows 7 or 8
  
  

• Use Windows System File Checker to scan for corrupted files
  
  

• Update your system drivers
  
  

• Reinstall Opera using the latest setup
  
  

These steps often help when Opera is not working on Windows 10 or Opera is not working after update.

Opera Not Working on Mac

For Mac users, Opera not working on Mac can be caused by outdated system files, permissions issues, or browser-specific bugs. Here’s how to fix it:

• Use Finder to delete Opera's preference files
  
  

• Check if macOS permissions are blocking the app
  
  

• Ensure Opera is granted internet access under System Settings
  
  

• Delete and reinstall Opera with the latest .dmg file
  
  

Also, if you're using Opera GX, make sure your version supports the latest macOS release. The developers often release updates specifically for GX users.

Special Considerations for Opera GX and Opera Cloud

Some users face issues specifically with Opera GX or Opera Cloud. The fixes are mostly the same, but here are a few additional points:

• Opera GX Customer Support recommends checking if any game-boosting settings are interfering with the browser.
  
  

• If Opera Cloud Customer Support mentions a sync issue, try logging out and logging back into your Opera account.
  
  

Both versions rely heavily on background services and system resources. A misconfigured setting or update conflict could be why Opera GX is not working properly.

When to Contact Opera Customer Support

If you've tried everything and still face issues, it might be time to reach out to Opera Customer Support. They can provide device-specific recommendations or assist with logs and error reports.

Although there's no direct Opera customer service phone number, you can still get help through support forums, help centers, or community discussions. Many users with the same problems may have already posted solutions.

When reaching out, provide detailed information such as:

• Your operating system version
  
  

• Browser version
  
  

• Description of the issue
  
  

• Screenshots (if possible)
  
  

This makes it easier for the support team to help you effectively.

Final Thoughts

It’s frustrating when Opera is not working, especially if it suddenly stops after an update or refuses to launch on startup. The good news is that most of these issues can be resolved with simple steps—whether it’s clearing cache, resetting the browser, or updating your system.

Whether you’re facing Opera not working on Windows 10, Opera not working on Mac, or Opera not loading pages, the key is to stay calm, troubleshoot step-by-step, and seek help if needed. Opera remains a reliable browser when functioning properly, and once you’ve solved the issue, you’ll be back to enjoying fast, secure browsing in no time.

If you’re a frequent user of Opera GX or Opera Cloud, keep them updated and stay informed through official support channels. The Opera community is large and active—chances are, someone else has faced the same problem and already found a solution.