STATUS_INVALID_IMAGE_HASH Error in Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome: Causes and Fixes

Users of Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome may encounter the STATUS_INVALID_IMAGE_HASH error when attempting to load a webpage or open an image. This frustrating issue can interfere with normal browsing. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of this error and suggest several ways to resolve it.

What is the STATUS_INVALID_IMAGE_HASH Error?

The STATUS_INVALID_IMAGE_HASH error occurs when the browser is unable to properly process or load images from a webpage due to a corrupted or incorrect image hash. A hash is a cryptographic identifier that the browser uses to verify the integrity of the data. If an image is altered or corrupted during transmission, the browser may not recognize its hash and display an error.

Causes of the STATUS_INVALID_IMAGE_HASH Error

  • Corrupted browser cache. Sometimes files in the browser cache may become damaged or outdated, leading to errors when loading images.
  • Server issues. If the problem occurs only on a particular website, it may be related to the server or its settings.
  • Browser extension conflicts. Some extensions can interfere with the image loading process, causing the error.
  • Browser updates. Sometimes, a new browser version can cause compatibility issues with certain websites.

How to Fix the STATUS_INVALID_IMAGE_HASH Error?

There are several ways to fix this issue. Here are some steps that can help restore normal browser operation.

1. Clear the Browser Cache

A corrupted cache is one of the most common causes of this error. To fix it, you need to clear your browser’s cache:

  • For Google Chrome: open the settings menu, go to "Advanced" > "Clear browsing data", select a time range, and check the box for "Cached images and files".
  • For Microsoft Edge: click the three dots in the top-right corner, select "Settings", then "Privacy, search, and services", and clear the cache in the "Clear browsing data" section.

2. Disable Browser Extensions

Sometimes the error is caused by an extension conflict. Try disabling them one by one to find the culprit:

  • In Google Chrome, go to "More Tools" > "Extensions" and temporarily disable all extensions.
  • In Microsoft Edge, open the settings menu, go to "Extensions", and disable all extensions.

3. Update Your Browser

If the error appeared after updating the browser, you may want to revert to a more stable version. To do this, check for available updates and install them:

  • In Google Chrome, go to the menu, select "Help" > "About Google Chrome", and install any available updates.
  • In Microsoft Edge, go to "Help" > "About Microsoft Edge", and install any available updates.

4. Check DNS Settings

Sometimes, the problem can be related to the DNS server. Try switching to public DNS servers, such as Google DNS or OpenDNS. To do this:

  • Go to your network settings and manually enter the DNS addresses.

5. Clear the Hosts File

In some cases, the error may be caused by incorrect entries in the hosts file. Open it (located at C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts) and remove any unnecessary entries, if present.