WINDOW 11

Brave Browser Not Opening on Windows 11? (Fix It in Minutes!)

4 SOLUTIONS
MAY 29, 2025

Brave may fail to launch due to corrupted profiles, outdated GPU drivers, conflicting flags, or permission errors. Windows 11’s security features (e.g., controlled folder access) can also block Brave. Here's how you can fix your browser and open it smoothly in Windows 11 with quick and easy steps.

Deepak Yadav
Deepak Yadav

Keep Windows 11 Updated

Go to Settings → Windows Update and install any pending updates. Compatibility issues often vanish after a quick system update.

Check for Brave Updates

If accessible, open Brave → Menu → About Brave. It will auto-update to the latest version to avoid known bugs.

Temporarily Off Antivirus/Firewall

Temporarily disable tools like Avast or McAfee. Overprotective security software can silently block Brave from launching.

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Disable GPU Acceleration at Launch

2 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

1/4

METHOD
Method 1
Overview

Bypass graphics driver hiccups instantly by launching Brave without GPU support.

Method 1 of 4
Next Method

Run Brave with GPU off

 Press Win + R

Type: brave --disable-gpu

Now, hit Enter

Method 1 of 4
Step 1 of 2

Disable GPU acceleration permanently 

Open Brave Browser

Click the menu icon (≡ or ⋮) in the top-right

Go to Settings

In the left sidebar, click on System

Now, you’ll see the option: “Use hardware acceleration when available”

Toggle it off, then Restart Brave

Caution: Update your graphics driver using official tools from Intel, AMD, or NVIDIA to avoid GPU issues

Method 1 of 4
Step 2 of 2
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Clear Brave Cache & Cookies

2 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

2/4

METHOD
Method 2
Overview

Wipe temporary files that might be stuck – often fixes launch hangs in seconds.

Method 2 of 4
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Open Brave user data folder 

Press Win + R

Type: %localappdata%\BraveSoftware\Brave-Browser

Method 2 of 4
Step 1 of 2

Delete cache-related folders 

Remove the following:

Default\Cache

Default\Code Cache

Default\Cookies

Restart Brave and check if it launches properly

Caution: Don’t delete the full User Data folder unless you’re okay losing bookmarks/passwords

Method 2 of 4
Step 2 of 2
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Use a New User Profile

1 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

3/4

METHOD
Method 3
Overview

Test if the problem’s tied to your settings by starting fresh with a clean profile.

Method 3 of 4
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Step 1

Launch Brave with new profile 

Open Brave Browser

Click the Profile icon (top-right corner, next to the menu button)

Click + Add

Choose a name and icon for the new profile

Decide whether to create a Brave Sync chain (optional)

Click Done

Warning: Use this clean user environment to test if Brave launches correctly

Method 3 of 4
Step 1 of 1
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Fully Reinstall Brave

3 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

4/4

METHOD
Method 4
Overview

Reset everything: Uninstall completely, scrub leftover files, and grab a fresh copy from Brave’s site.

Method 4 of 4
Step 1

Uninstall Brave 

Press Windows + I to open Settings

Go to Apps → Installed apps

Scroll down or search for Brave

Click the three dots next to Brave → Uninstall

Confirm again and follow the on-screen instructions

Method 4 of 4
Step 1 of 3

Delete leftover folder 

Press Win + R

Run: %localappdata%\BraveSoftware then delete it

Method 4 of 4
Step 2 of 3

Reinstall Brave

Reinstall Brave from the official site: https://brave.com

Remember: Avoid third-party download sites — use only brave.com for safe installers

Method 4 of 4
Step 3 of 3

Pro Tips

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Run as Administrator: Right-click on Brave and select "Run as administrator".

Whitelist Brave in Antivirus: Some overprotective AVs can block Brave from launching.

Turn Off VPN Temporarily: VPNs can interfere with network-dependent processes in Brave.

Methods (4)

Disable GPU Acceler...
2 Steps
Clear Brave Cache &...
2 Steps
Use a New User Prof...
1 Steps
Fully Reinstall Bra...
3 Steps