How to Fix: Aw, Snap! STATUS_INVALID_IMAGE_HASH error?

Learn how to fix the issue in Chrome or Edge: Aw, Snap! STATUS_INVALID_IMAGE_HASH error code which is caused due to unsecured executable file image hash key.

Whether it is Google Chrome or Microsoft, Edge in Windows, the Aw, Snap! STATUS_INVALID_IMAGE_HASH error shows up whenever there is any configuration issue. Also, the error can be due to your Antivirus, which conflicts with your current Chromium-based browsers such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

I have encountered the same error and it is somehow connected to the unsecured websites. But do not worry as you can fix the issue without having much technical knowledge.

This error could happen when the chromium browser is unable to run an EXECUTABLE FILES image (not the photos, pictures, or images) due to an invalid hash security key. However, this is an issue with the web browser and can be resolved by disabling the system protection.

Alert: Disabling the antivirus or firewall protection is not recommended. This can compromise the system, and the computer may get hacked. Please proceed with caution.

We can manually add the registry key, disable the anti-virus protection, and also disable the code integrity feature to avoid STATUS_INVALID_IMAGE_HASH error.

What is Aw, Snap! STATUS_INVALID_IMAGE_HASH?

Aw, Snap! STATUS_INVALID_IMAGE_HASH is a browser error due to an invalid executable file image security hash that you would normally see while browsing the internet or on video streaming websites. You can fix this minor issue with the registry editor and few other troubleshooting ways.

Note: Before trying these methods, make sure to restart your Chrome browser, as most of these errors pop away automatically after a simple restart.

Make sure that you have updated your browser to the latest version, whether it is Chrome or Edge since the error can be due to an outdated browser sometimes.

Adding a Registry Key via Command Prompt

You can edit a key in the Registry Editor for Chrome, or you can disable the code integrity feature. For Microsoft  Edge, you can update it and rename the Edge application and update the antivirus.

Though it can add the key using the Registry Editor, it is better and an easy process in command prompt rather than in Registry Editor. However, before that, ensure that Google Chrome is not running in the background. You can launch the Task Manager and cross-check for the same.

Here are the steps to add the registry key in Google Chrome:

1. Windows search bar, type cmd, and search for it.
2. Select the command prompt and click on the Run as Administrator option to run it as an Admin.

1. Type the following command and press the Enter button on your keyboard to enter the Retry Key.

REG ADD “HKLM\Software\Policies\Google\Chrome” /v RendererCodeIntegrityEnabled /t REG_DWORD /d 0

Once the process is complete, close the command prompt and launch Google Chrome and check if the error has been fixed or not.

Similarly, you can also add the registry key to the Microsoft Edge browser. Just replace the path of Google Chrome’s HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE with Microsoft Edge HKLM.