How to Fix Opera Not Starting on Windows or Mac?

It can be incredibly frustrating when you click on the Opera browser and nothing happens. The issue of Opera not starting is more common than you might think and can affect both regular Opera users and fans of Opera GX. Whether you're running the browser on a Windows or macOS system, there are various causes behind this behavior, and thankfully, several proven solutions.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through why Opera is not starting correctly, explore potential reasons behind the problem, and offer practical ways to fix it. If you're tired of clicking the icon only to be met with silence, keep reading. This guide is designed to help you resolve the issue efficiently and get your browser back up and running.

Understanding Why Opera Isn't Starting

Before jumping into solutions, it’s important to understand the common reasons Opera GX is not starting or why the standard version is not responding. Some of the core issues may include:

• Corrupted installation files
  
  

• Conflicts with antivirus or firewall
  
  

• Outdated graphics drivers
  
  

• Issues from a recent update
  
  

• Faulty extensions or user data
  
  

• Operating system compatibility issues
  
  

When you experience Opera not starting correctly, the issue might appear in several ways. The browser might show no sign of launching, it might show a loading animation and then disappear, or Opera GX may start but not open a window. Understanding these nuances helps you pinpoint the source of the problem.

Try Restarting Your System First

It might sound basic, but restarting your computer often resolves temporary software glitches. If Opera GX is not starting after multiple attempts, reboot your system and then try again. This clears memory, refreshes processes, and gives the browser a fresh environment to start in.

Check for Background Processes

Sometimes the browser might be running in the background without opening a visible window. This can happen if the browser didn't shut down properly last time. Use your task manager or activity monitor to see if Opera or Opera GX is starting but not opening.

If you find it running:

• End the process.
  
  

• Relaunch the browser.
  
  

• Check if it opens as expected.
  
  

This step can solve the issue, especially when it appears that the browser is doing nothing.

Disable Conflicting Programs

Security software can block browsers from launching. Firewalls or antivirus programs may mistakenly flag Opera files as suspicious. If Opera is not starting correctly, temporarily disable your antivirus or add Opera as an exception.

If you recently installed another software or system update and the issue began afterward, there may be a conflict between applications. Try uninstalling or disabling the new software and testing Opera again.

Run Opera in Compatibility Mode (Windows)

If you’re on Windows and experiencing issues with Opera GX not starting, try running it in compatibility mode:

• Right-click the Opera shortcut.
  
  

• Choose Properties.
  
  

• Go to the Compatibility tab.
  
  

• Check the box for compatibility mode and select an earlier version of Windows.
  
  

This is especially helpful for users on older hardware or newer Windows versions like Windows 11, where software compatibility isn't perfect yet.

Reinstall the Browser

If the issue persists, uninstalling and reinstalling Opera might be the cleanest solution. A fresh install often resolves the Opera not starting issue caused by corrupted files or incomplete updates.

Make sure to delete leftover files in the installation directory. After uninstalling, go to your system's file explorer and remove any remaining Opera folders. Reinstall the latest version from the official source.

This also helps if Opera GX is not starting correctly or if it's crashing immediately upon launch.

Clear User Profile and Cache Files

Sometimes user profile data becomes corrupted. Opera stores user data, history, cache, and extensions in specific folders. These files might interfere with startup. You can try resetting the user profile:

• Navigate to your Opera user folder.
  
  

• Rename the profile directory.
  
  

• Restart the browser to generate a fresh one.
  
  

Doing this can resolve deeper issues, especially when Opera GX is starting but not opening.

Update Your Operating System and Drivers

Old operating systems or outdated graphics drivers can cause incompatibility issues. Ensure your system is up to date, and install the latest graphics drivers for your GPU.

This is especially true if Opera is not starting on macOS or on systems with recent changes. Outdated system components are common culprits behind browser launch failures.

Use Command Line Launch (Advanced Users)

For more advanced troubleshooting, launch Opera using command line parameters to skip certain operations. This method can help determine if extensions or specific flags are preventing launch.

• On Windows, open Command Prompt.
  
  

• On Mac, use Terminal.
  
  

• Use a command like: opera.exe --no-experiments
  
  

This disables experimental features. If Opera launches, it confirms the issue lies in one of the features or flags previously enabled.

Check Logs for Crash Reports

Opera maintains logs of previous sessions and crashes. Examining these files might reveal errors or failure points. Look for crash logs in your Opera or Opera GX profile folder and analyze the last entries. They may hint at plugin failures, rendering issues, or other bugs.

Try Portable Version

A great way to determine if the issue is system-related or specific to your install is to try the portable version of Opera. Portable versions don’t rely on system-wide settings and can run independently.

If the portable version works, this indicates that your primary Opera install has internal problems that need a fresh setup.

Get Support from Opera Community

If none of the above methods resolve the issue, visit the Opera forums. These community-driven platforms often host similar cases with tailored solutions. You’ll find advice from other users who’ve faced Opera not starting correctly or similar startup issues.

Also, Opera’s support team might help with specialized tools or additional steps based on your system configuration.

Prevention Tips for the Future

Now that you’ve hopefully fixed the issue, here are a few tips to ensure your Opera browser runs smoothly in the future:

• Keep it updated regularly.
  
  

• Avoid installing too many extensions.
  
  

• Back up your user data periodically.
  
  

• Clean cache and temporary files.
  
  

• Ensure your antivirus doesn’t conflict with Opera.
  
  

Final Thoughts

Encountering the Opera not starting issue can feel overwhelming, especially when you're in the middle of work or trying to access important pages. But with a patient and step-by-step approach, the problem is almost always solvable. Whether it’s a problem with Opera GX not starting, or the browser is running in the background but not displaying, these troubleshooting steps should help you fix the problem.

Consistency, clean installs, and updated drivers play a huge role in maintaining browser health. And if all else fails, there’s always a strong community and support system to lean on.

If you’ve followed these steps and your Opera GX is still not starting, consider reporting the issue to the developers for a deeper resolution. You're not alone, and every report helps improve the browser for everyone.