How to Fix Opera Not Responding on Windows or Mac?

We’ve all been there. You're ready to start your day, open the Opera browser, and it just won’t respond. Whether you’re using the regular Opera browser or the more gamer-focused Opera GX, issues like Opera not responding can be frustrating. This problem can happen for many reasons—outdated software, system incompatibilities, corrupted files, or even third-party interference.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to troubleshoot and fix the Opera not responding issue on both Windows and Mac. Whether it's happening during startup or randomly while browsing, this human-focused approach will help get things working smoothly again.

Understanding the Issue: Why Is Opera Not Responding?

Before jumping into solutions, it’s important to understand why this problem occurs. The Opera not responding error can appear as the browser freezing, not launching, or simply going blank. For Opera GX users, this is just as common and equally annoying.

Here are some possible reasons why you're seeing Opera not responding on startup or during usage:

• Outdated Opera browser version
  
  

• Conflicting extensions or plugins
  
  

• Corrupted installation files
  
  

• Cache and cookies overload
  
  

• Hardware acceleration conflicts
  
  

• Operating system updates not installed
  
  

• Background applications interfering with the browser
  
  

Whether you're facing Opera GX not responding on startup or the regular version crashing mid-session, the causes are often quite similar.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple reboot is all it takes. Your system might have minor glitches or background processes that are interfering with Opera. Restarting helps refresh system memory and closes unnecessary apps that may be clashing with the browser.

Step 2: Close Opera from Task Manager or Activity Monitor

If Opera is not responding and you can’t close it normally, you’ll need to force it to quit.

• On Windows: Open Task Manager and end all processes related to Opera.
  
  

• On Mac: Use Activity Monitor to force quit Opera.
  
  

This ensures the browser completely shuts down before restarting it again.

Step 3: Disable Extensions Temporarily

Extensions can sometimes cause conflicts or slow down performance. If you notice Opera GX not responding or if the main browser is lagging, disabling extensions can help pinpoint the issue.

To disable extensions:

• Open Opera in safe mode or private browsing (if possible).
  
  

• Disable all extensions and restart the browser.
  
  

• Enable them one at a time to see which one is causing the problem.
  
  

If the browser becomes responsive after disabling a specific extension, it’s best to remove that one entirely.

Step 4: Clear Cache and Cookies

An overloaded cache can often be the culprit. When Opera stores too much temporary data, it can slow down or even stop responding entirely.

Here’s how to fix Opera not responding using a cache reset:

• Go to browser settings.
  
  

• Navigate to privacy or history.
  
  

• Clear browsing data, including cache and cookies.
  
  

This won’t delete your saved passwords or bookmarks, but it will give the browser a fresh start.

Step 5: Update the Opera Browser

Outdated software is another common reason for Opera not responding on startup. Developers regularly release updates that fix bugs, improve stability, and optimize performance.

Open Opera’s settings and check for updates. If you're using Opera GX, make sure it’s the latest version. Updating may resolve compatibility issues with your current operating system.

Step 6: Disable Hardware Acceleration

Hardware acceleration helps improve performance by using your GPU for certain tasks. However, in some cases, it may actually slow things down or cause Opera to become unresponsive.

To disable it:

• Go to Opera settings.
  
  

• Search for "hardware acceleration."
  
  

• Turn it off and restart the browser.
  
  

Many users have reported that this simple step resolved their Opera GX not responding issues.

Step 7: Check System Compatibility

Is your system updated? Running an older version of Windows or macOS can lead to instability with modern browsers. This is especially true for users who notice Opera GX not responding on startup in Windows 11.

Ensure your system:

• Meets minimum requirements for Opera
  
  

• Has all recent updates installed
  
  

• Is not overloaded with background tasks
  
  

Checking these basics can go a long way in solving the issue.

Step 8: Reinstall Opera Browser

If none of the above steps worked, a clean reinstall might be necessary. Sometimes, the installation files get corrupted and can’t be repaired through updates alone.

To do this:

• Uninstall Opera completely from your system.
  
  

• Delete all leftover files from your system directory.
  
  

• Re-download Opera from the official site.
  
  

• Install it fresh.
  
  

Whether you're facing Opera not responding or Opera GX not responding, a clean install gives you a fresh, bug-free setup.

Step 9: Use Opera Without Syncing First

When Opera syncs your data (like bookmarks, extensions, and settings), it might bring back problematic configurations. After reinstalling, avoid signing into your account immediately. Use the browser for a while without syncing and see if the issue persists. If it doesn’t, the problem could lie within your synced data.

Step 10: Scan for Malware or Conflicts

Sometimes malicious software can interfere with browser operations. If you're noticing that Opera not responding happens frequently—even after reinstalling—it's a good idea to scan your system for malware.

There could also be conflicts with other software like VPNs, antivirus tools, or system utilities. Try temporarily disabling them to see if the browser starts responding.

What If Opera Still Won’t Respond?

If all else fails, you may want to:

• Try using a portable version of Opera.
  
  

• Contact Opera Customer Support for help.
  
  

• Report the issue on the Opera community forums.
  
  

At this point, you’ve ruled out most of the common issues and a developer’s input may be needed. Keep in mind that Opera GX not responding could also be specific to its unique features, so mention the version when contacting support.

Final Thoughts

It’s definitely frustrating when Opera is not responding—especially when it happens repeatedly. But the good news is that most of the time, the issue can be fixed with a few logical steps. Whether it’s due to cache overload, outdated files, or buggy extensions, identifying the cause is key.

The same principles apply if you're experiencing Opera not responding on startup, Opera GX not responding, or even issues specific to Windows or Mac. Stay patient, try each fix carefully, and you'll likely get Opera back up and running without too much trouble.

If you’ve followed all the steps and your browser is now working properly, don’t forget to back up your settings and data for future safety. And of course, always keep your browser and system updated to avoid facing these issues again.