Although Chrome is fantastic for extensions, there are occasionally challenges with installing them on Windows.
When adding an extension through the Chrome web store, are you seeing the message “Image decoding failed”? Are you having problems installing extensions because there was a problem uploading the item to Chrome?
In this article, we’ll go into more depth about the error, including what causes it, how to resolve it, and other options you have for installing extensions if the problem persists.
What Causes the Chrome “Image Decode Failed” Error?
While you attempt to download an extension from the Chrome web store while using a VPN or when your device’s date and time settings are off, the “Image decode failed” warning frequently appears. A build-up of browser cache, interference from already installed extensions, and accidentally adding the extension page to the Windows hosts file are some more potential causes.
After learning the reasons for this problem, let’s talk about fixes you may take to make it go away and download the extension you want.
But first, a few initial checks
First, perform the following preliminary examinations:
- Try downloading it once more after reopening the extension page where the issue first appeared.
- After closing the browser, open it again to make sure the problem is not being caused by a transient bug.
- If you are trying to download more than one extension, cancel one and only allow yourself to download one at a time.
- Ensure a strong internet connection for your device. Restart your router and reconnect your device to the internet to make sure it’s not your router that’s the problem.
- Sign in with a different profile to rule out difficulties that are particular to that profile. Change to your new profile permanently if changing profiles solves the issue.
It’s time for some serious fixes if the fixes are unable to resolve the issue.
1.VPN can be turned on or off.
One of the most frequent causes of the “Image decode failed” error is IP address problems. VPNs, especially shared ones, are more prone to this issue. Disable any VPNs that are currently active on your browser or device to see if that resolves the issue.
Similarly, if you do not already use a VPN, try turning one on and seeing if that resolves the issue.
2.Modify the time and date settings.
Your device’s date and time settings may be off, which will interfere with your computer’s ability to connect to the Google servers. This means that obtaining extensions from the Chrome Web Store can be difficult. The date and time settings on your device must be accurate.
3.Look for issues specific to extensions.
Verify that the problem isn’t unique to one extension. Install any other extension in your browser to test whether the issue still exists to validate that. If the other extensions install without issue, the issue is isolated to that one extension. As a result, you can manually install it on Chrome or try one of its substitutes.
Have you never manually installed an extension? If so, take these actions:
From the Chrome web store, download the CRX Extractor/Downloader extension.
1. The CRX file for the extension we will manually add will be downloaded with its assistance.
- Visit the extension page where the error appears in the Chrome online store.
- By right-clicking on the CRX Extractor/Downloader extension icon, select Download as CRX.
- Once the CRX file has been downloaded, move it to a secure spot on your device where you won’t delete or move it.
- Go to More Tools > Extensions by clicking on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
- Activate Developer Mode in the top-right corner of the Extensions tab.
7.Drag the downloaded CRX file to your device’s Extensions page.
- Permit the extension to be installed in Chrome.
4.Remove the Windows host file’s restrictions.
A hosts file, which is plain text, is used to map host names to IP addresses.Administrators of Windows can include a website’s server address in this file to prevent connections to it. This problem might have been caused by you accidentally adding a Google server to the file. It is essential to make sure that this is not the case and to change the “hosts” file if it is.
To do that, adhere to the following steps:
1.starting File Explorer
- Copy and paste the following path into the File Explorer navigation bar:
- “Open with” is the option after right-clicking on the hosts file.
- Open Notepad and the file.
- Delete any Google server-related entries.
- Save the modified document.
5.Delete Your Browser’s Cache and Data
Caches of data can potentially prevent the extension from being installed. You must therefore exclude this possibility. See our guide on clearing Chrome’s cache and cookies if you’re not familiar with the procedure. Clearing the cache typically resolves browser difficulties, but occasionally it does not. Continue implementing the subsequent fixes if this one is ineffective.
6.Check for Potential Conflicts with Other Extensions
The “Image decoding failed” problem could potentially be brought on by another extension interfering with the installation of a new extension. Disable other browser extensions momentarily to rule out this possibility. If you have incognito mode set to disable all extensions upon launch, you may accomplish this quickly.
If doing so resolves the issue, one of the browser extensions you have enabled is to blame. Begin turning on each extension one by one right now.Disable the problematic extension whenever the issue returns.
7.Use a different device to help.
Try a different method of installing the extension if the problem still exists after you’ve tried all the preceding fixes. Pick up any other home device, get into Chrome with your account, and download the extension to do this. When you’re done, log out, go back to your main device, log into your account, and then use the extension. Be careful to activate sync before you proceed.
Fix the Chrome “Image Decode Failed” error.
It can be very unpleasant to receive an “image decoding failed” error when installing an extension. The solutions in the post should enable you to resolve the problem and download your favorite extension. If nothing functions, you still have the choice to manually add the extension, add it using a different device, or use a different browser.
