All browsers open then close upon fresh run after restart and randomly

Hi,

Really weird issue I am having with a clients PC. Its running Windows 10 20h2 btw.

Basically he reported issues with all browsers including Firefox, chrome, edge and internet explorer after a reboot whereby the browser when clicked will open and then crash/close. The second attempt stays open but will often close randomly whilst being used. Again this is happening with all browsers not just chrome etc so its not an extension causing this or an app specific issue.

Things I have tried...
- SFC scan which repaired items (ran twice until it said no problems found)
- Reset Internet options to defaults
- Remove Malwarebytes antivirus
- Removed any apps that could interfere such as VPN's etc
- Ensuring Windows is up to date
- Checked event logs but nothing obvious at the time of these events

I have yet to try...
- Starting Windows without third party start-up items/services

Does anyone have any more suggestions? I am nearly at the point of completing a fresh install but I don't want to if poss.

HI All,

So we stopped all start-up programs and services apart from Microsoft own and the issue seemed to go away but just today its started again with no reason. Apps are still disabled and nothing has changed.

Anyone have any suggestions?

selden said:

Have you checked its network hardware connections?

Unplug and then fully reseat all of its network cables at both ends. (computer to switch, switch to router, etc)
Sometimes intermittent network problems happen when an ethernet cable looks like it's plugged in but isn't fully seated.

Thanks for the reply,

They are using a wireless connection as it’s a laptop but he did mention it seemed to only happen at home so we will need to dig some more into the networking side of things I think.