If Google Chrome refuses to open and Windows shows a “side-by-side configuration is incorrect” error, the problem is usually tied to missing or damaged Visual C++ runtime files, a corrupted Chrome install, or broken Windows components. The good news is that you can often fix it without reinstalling your whole PC.
This guide walks through the most effective fixes first, starting with the most common causes and moving to deeper repairs if Chrome still will not launch.
What the Error Usually Means
A side-by-side configuration error appears when Windows cannot load the application dependencies it needs to start Chrome correctly. In many cases, this points to a Visual C++ runtime problem, but it can also happen if Chrome’s installation files are damaged or if Windows system files are not working as expected.
1. Reinstall Google Chrome
If only Chrome is affected, the browser installation itself may be corrupted. Reinstalling Chrome replaces its program files and often resolves the issue quickly.
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps in Windows.
- Find Google Chrome and uninstall it.
- Download a fresh copy of Chrome from Google’s official website using another browser.
- Install Chrome again and try opening it.
2. Repair or Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables
Chrome depends on Microsoft runtime components, and a damaged or missing Visual C++ package is one of the most common reasons for this error. Repairing or reinstalling the correct redistributable version can restore the missing files Chrome needs.
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Look for Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable entries.
- Select the relevant entries and choose Modify or Change if that option is available.
- Run the repair option, then test Chrome again.
- If repair does not help, uninstall the affected redistributable and install the latest supported version from Microsoft.
3. Run Windows Update
Missing Windows updates can leave system components and runtime libraries out of sync. Installing pending updates may repair broken dependencies that Chrome needs.
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates.
- Install all available updates, including optional updates if they are clearly related to system components.
- Restart if Windows asks you to, then open Chrome again.
4. Check for Corrupted System Files
If the error is caused by damaged Windows files, Chrome may fail even after reinstalling the browser. Windows includes built-in repair tools that can scan and restore system components.
- Open the Start menu, type cmd, and run Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Run the System File Checker command: sfc /scannow
- Wait for the scan to finish and follow any repair prompts.
- If the problem continues, run DISM with: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Restart the PC and test Chrome again.
5. Install the Latest Windows and Chrome Versions
Older versions of Windows or Chrome can sometimes conflict with newer dependencies. Updating both ensures the browser and operating system are using compatible components.
- Update Windows fully through Windows Update.
- Open another browser and download the latest Chrome installer.
- Install Chrome again if needed, or use Chrome’s built-in update mechanism once it opens.
- Check whether the error still appears when launching the browser.
6. Create a New Windows User Profile or Test Another App Profile
If the error only happens in one Windows account, the problem may be tied to that user profile rather than Chrome or Windows itself. A new user profile can help confirm whether the issue is local to the account.
- Create a new local Windows user account.
- Sign in to the new account.
- Install or launch Chrome there and see whether the error appears.
- If Chrome works in the new account, your original profile may be damaged.
Extra Checks if Chrome Still Will Not Open
If none of the six fixes solve the problem, check these related causes before assuming the browser is beyond repair.
- Temporarily disable third-party antivirus or endpoint protection that may be blocking Chrome’s startup files.
- Check whether a recent software install added conflicting runtime libraries or system hooks.
- Make sure Chrome is not being launched from a broken shortcut; try opening the EXE directly from the program folder.
- Review Event Viewer if you need more detail about which DLL or dependency failed to load.
How to Tell Which Fix Is Most Likely to Work
If Chrome stopped working right after a reinstall or software change, start with Chrome itself and the Visual C++ runtime. If multiple apps are failing, focus on Windows file repair and updates instead. If the error happens only under one Windows account, the user profile is a strong suspect.
What to Do Next
For most users, reinstalling Chrome or repairing the Microsoft Visual C++ redistributables fixes the side-by-side configuration error. If those do not work, move on to Windows file repair and account testing so you can narrow down whether the problem is in Chrome, Windows, or the user profile.
