Google Chrome ERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND: How to Fix It

Easy 5-20 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
ERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND
Brand
Google Chrome
Product Type
browser
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
5-20 minutes
The Google Chrome ERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND error means Chrome tried to load a local file from your computer — such as an HTML file, extension resource, or a saved page — but could not locate it at the expected path. This usually happens because the file was moved, deleted, renamed, or a browser extension is pointing to a missing resource. The good news is that this is almost always fixable on your own without any technical expertise.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code ERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND

  1. Check the URL in the Address Bar

  2. Reload the Page

  3. Identify and Disable Suspect Extensions

  4. Clear Chrome's Browser Cache and Cookies

  5. Check and Fix a Corrupted Chrome Shortcut

    Be careful editing shortcut properties — only remove text that appears after the closing quotation mark following chrome.exe. Do not alter the path to chrome.exe itself.

  6. Reset Chrome's Startup Pages

  7. Run Chrome's Cleanup Tool (Windows Only)

  8. Reset Chrome to Default Settings

    Resetting Chrome will log you out of websites and clear session cookies. Make sure you know your login credentials for important sites before proceeding.
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When to Call a Professional

You should seek professional help if you suspect your computer has been infected with malware that keeps modifying Chrome's settings even after you reset them, or if the Chrome cleanup tool finds threats it cannot remove. In that case, contact a local computer repair technician or IT professional to run a full malware removal scan using dedicated security software. You should also contact Google Chrome support if the error persists across a fresh Chrome installation with no extensions installed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND mean in Chrome?
ERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND means Chrome attempted to open a file stored on your local computer using a 'file:///' URL, but the file does not exist at that location. The file may have been deleted, moved, or renamed, or an extension or startup setting is pointing Chrome to a path that no longer exists.
Why does Chrome keep showing ERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND every time I open it?
If you see this error every time Chrome launches, it is almost always caused by either a startup page set to a missing local file or a modified Chrome shortcut that includes a file path after chrome.exe. Check your Chrome startup settings at chrome://settings/onStartup and inspect your Chrome desktop shortcut's Target field for any extra text after chrome.exe.
Can an extension cause ERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND?
Yes, extensions are one of the most common causes. Some extensions — especially custom new tab page or theme extensions — reference local files on your computer. If those files are removed or moved, the extension triggers ERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND. Open Chrome in Incognito mode (where extensions are disabled) to test whether an extension is responsible, then disable them one by one to find the culprit.
Will resetting Chrome fix ERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND?
In most cases, yes. Resetting Chrome clears all startup pages, disables extensions, and restores default settings, which removes the most common causes of this error. Your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords are not affected by a reset, but you will be logged out of websites and your pinned tabs will be cleared.
Is ERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND a sign of a virus?
Not always, but it can be. Some types of adware or browser hijackers modify the Chrome shortcut or startup settings to load a local HTML file — often a fake search or ad page. If the error returns after you fix it, or if Chrome's cleanup tool finds harmful software, run a full antivirus or anti-malware scan on your computer to rule out infection.

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