Fix Shockwave Flash Crashes in Chrome

According to several users, Shockwave Flash routinely crashes in Chrome under Windows 10 independent of the page or type of content being watched. While some users claim that the problem is limited to the Chrome browser, others claim that Shockwave Flash Crashes in Chrome is a system-wide problem affecting Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer. This article will help you with efficient troubleshooting procedures if you’re presently experiencing this Shockwave Flash Crashes problem.

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How to Fix Shockwave Flash Crashes in Chrome

Shockwave Flash is a different multimedia system from Adobe Flash that allows you to play audio and video files in your browser. The Shockwave Flash Crashes problem is a typical occurrence on Google Chrome while trying to play video material in the browser. Below are some reasons that cause Shockwave flash crashing issue.

Crashes like these would occur because two Flash versions were operating simultaneously on previous Windows versions.
There are occurrences where the cause of flash-related crashes is a conflict between installed Flash plug-ins.
However, since Google Chrome became clever enough to deactivate itself on detecting a system-wide Flash installation, this should no longer be an issue. But you may face this issue if you have an outdated version of Google.
Chrome Extensions, browser cache, and outdated Windows version are also other reasons.

Method 1: Update Chrome

Updating Google Chrome to the most recent version can resolve any issues with the browser and enhance speed. If Google Chrome finds any flash installation for the operating system, it will automatically disable the built-in flash version. This would result in crashes, periods of inactivity, and overall browser instability. Here’s how to update Chrome to the newest version quickly:

Note: Google Chrome will normally update itself when a new update is available, but a manual setting or third-party software might modify this behavior.

1. Press the Windows key, type Chrome and hit the Enter key.

2. Now, click on the three-dotted icon and select the Help option as shown below.

3. Then, select the About Google Chrome option.

Note: You can also type chrome://settings/help and hit the Enter key to launch the About Chrome page directly.

4A. If Google Chrome is updated to its latest version, it will show Chrome is up to date.

4B. If a new update is available, the browser will automatically update the browser to the latest version. Click on Relaunch to complete the update process.

5. Finally, relaunch the Chrome browser with its latest version.

Method 2: Disable Hardware Acceleration (If Applicable)

Hardware acceleration is a browser feature that assigns all visuals and text rendering to the GPU, resulting in a superior video watching and playing experience. However, it can also be the cause of the Shockwave Flash has crashed/is not responding issue. So, we’ll turn off the functionality to see if the problem goes away:

1. Launch Google Chrome and click on the three-dotted icon at the top right corner.

2. Now, click on Settings.

3. Now, expand the Advanced tab by clicking on the down arrow next to it and then click on System.

4. Now, turn off the toggle for the Use hardware acceleration when available option.

5. Click on Relaunch.

Also Read: Fix Chrome Blocking Download Issue

Method 3: Disable All Extensions (If Applicable)

There are chances that one of your active extensions is interfering with Flash, depending on what extensions you’re using. If Google Chrome does not crash or become unresponsive when your extensions are deactivated, you can assume that one of them is to blame. Here’s a step-by-step instruction on how to accomplish it to fix Shockwave Flash crashes in Chrome issue.

1. Launch the Google Chrome browser.

2. Now, click on the vertical three dots at the top right corner.

3. Here, select the More tools option and then Extensions.

Note: You can also easily visit the Extensions page by typing chrome://extensions/ in the search bar and hitting Enter.

4. Finally, turn off the toggle for the extension you want to disable. Here, Google Meet Grid View is chosen as an example.

Note: If the error has been resolved after disabling any particular extension, click on the Remove option to delete it from your browser.

5. Finally, refresh Chrome.

Method 4: Clear Browsing Data

Although browser cache increases Internet browsing experience, it may bulge in size over days and cause this error. Follow the steps below to clear the cache in the browser. Read our guide on How to Clear Cache & Cookies in Google Chrome and clear the browsing data.

Also Read: What is Google Chrome Elevation Service

Method 5: Enable JavaScript

Few programs in Chrome might require JavaScript to work properly. Therefore, it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Follow the below steps.

1. Open the Google Chrome browser.

2. Click on the three-dotted icon at the top right corner.

3. Now, click on Settings.

4. Click on Privacy and security.

5. Click on Site Settings.

6. Scroll down and click on JavaScript under the Content section.

7. Enable the option Sites can use JavaScript.

Method 6: Reset Chrome Settings

Google has introduced its tool to detect and clean any issues that interfere with the normal functioning of Chrome. To do so, follow the below steps.

1. Navigate to the Google Chrome Settings.

2. Here, click on the Advanced setting in the left pane and select the Reset and clean up option.

3. Now, click on the Restore settings to their original defaults option.

4. Click on the Reset settings button to confirm the prompt.

Also Read: How to Export Saved Passwords from Google Chrome

Method 7: Reinstall Chrome

Any misconfigured files in Google Chrome will lead to the discussed error even if you have disabled the extensions, hardware acceleration, and updated all the pending actions. So, in this case, you have no other option than to reinstall the browser. Follow the below steps to reinstall Chrome and fix Shockwave Flash crashes issue.

1. Hit the Windows key, type apps and features, and click on Open.

2. Search for Chrome in Search this list field.

3. Then, select Chrome and click on the Uninstall button shown highlighted.

4. Again, click on Uninstall to confirm.

5. Now, press the Windows key, type %localappdata%, and click on Open to go to AppData Local folder.

6. Open the Google folder by double-clicking on it.

7. Right-click on the Chrome folder and select the Delete option as depicted below.

8. Again, hit the Windows key, type %appdata%, and click on Open to go to AppData Roaming folder.

9. Again, go to the Google folder and delete the Chrome folder as shown in steps 6 – 7.

10. Finally, restart your PC.

11. Next, download the latest version of Google Chrome as shown.

12. Run the setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to install Chrome.

Also Read: How to Remove Chrome Themes

Method 8: Update Windows

Updating the Windows 10 operating system might help resolve computer issues and enhance performance. If you’re using an insider build, there’s a chance you’re experiencing a bug that’s causing your Shockwave Flash to crash. Many users have reported Flash issues with versions 10130 and 10147. Whether you haven’t yet installed the most recent updates, we strongly advise you to do so and see if the problem goes away. Read our guide on How to Download and Install Windows 10 Latest Update to do so.

Method 9: Update Device Drivers

Some users have observed that a mismatch between a dedicated soundcard and Windows 10 might also create this Flash Shockwave collision. This problem has been observed to occur most frequently with Realtek drivers. Shockwave Flash Has Crashed or other issues in Windows 10 might be caused by outdated or damaged sound device drivers. Read our guide on How to Update Realtek HD Audio Drivers in Windows 10 and implement the same.

Similarly, update your graphics drivers to avoid any more issues.

Also Read: How to Enable DNS over HTTPS in Chrome

Method 10: Change Headphones Settings

If you’re only receiving Flash crashes in your browser while you’re using headphones, you might be able to solve the problem by tweaking the Sound menu settings. If you’re having trouble with this problem when using headphones, make sure that your headphones are set as the default audio device under Sound Settings. Follow the below steps to fix Shockwave Flash crashes issue.

1. Press Windows + R keys simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type mmsys.cpl and press Enter to launch the Sound window.

3. Go to the Playback tab, right-click on your headset, and choose Properties.

Note: If a Dolby Audio tab appears, open it and Enable the option.

4. In the Advanced tab, set the audio quality to 16 bit, 44100 Hz (CD Quality) using the drop-down selection under Default Format.

5. To make the changes take effect, click on Apply and then OK.

6. Finally, reboot the PC.

Note: Use your headset normally on the next start-up to check whether Shockwave Flash crashes issue in Chrome has been rectified.

Method 11: Use Different Web Browser

If you’ve gotten this far with no luck, changing your browser is one last option that will allow you to play Flash material without crashing. However, this is only true if your issue is limited to Google Chrome and not a system-wide issue.

To play flash content, you can use a different web browser like Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Opera are all options. Experiment with these browsers to find which one is the most suitable for your online browsing needs.

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We hope you found this information useful and that you were able to resolve Shockwave Flash crashes in Chrome problem. Please let us know which technique was the most beneficial for you. Please use the form below if you have any queries or comments. Also, let us know what you want to learn next.

Fix Shockwave Flash Crashes in Chrome