Yes—according to a January 18, 2021 report, opening a particular device path in Chrome could crash some Windows 10 installations with a blue screen. The path was \.globalrootdevicecondrvkernelconnect. That finding was historical: current Chrome and Windows builds were not tested here, and no authoritative record confirms whether this exact behavior was later fixed.
What path was reported to crash Windows 10?
The path identified in the contemporaneous report was:
\.globalrootdevicecondrvkernelconnect
BetaNews reported on January 18, 2021 that visiting it in Google Chrome could trigger a Windows 10 blue screen (BSoD). The report credited security researcher Jonas Lykkegaard and relayed testing by BleepingComputer.
Which Windows 10 versions were reportedly affected?
| Evidence | Scope | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Contemporary BleepingComputer testing reported by BetaNews | Windows 10 versions 1709 through 20H2 | A historical affected range, not a current compatibility or prevalence measurement |
| Browser behavior | Chrome; Chromium-based Microsoft Edge was also reported to show the behavior | The report concerned Chromium-based handling of the path, not Chrome alone |
The version range describes the systems tested in 2021. It does not establish that every installation in those releases crashed, nor that newer Windows or browser builds behave the same way.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
How could merely visiting a path cause a blue screen?
The string begins with Windows device-namespace syntax rather than an ordinary web address or file-system folder. The report indicated that navigating to it through a Chromium browser could reach a Windows component in a way that caused a system-level failure. A blue screen is a kernel-level stop error, so the result was more severe than a normal browser tab crash.
No reproduction was conducted for this article, and the available account does not establish the exact internal fault mechanism beyond the reported interaction with the Windows console driver path.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Was this a real security threat?
BetaNews described several possible consequences at the time:
- An attacker could potentially make a computer unusable by repeatedly triggering the crash.
- The path might be concealed in a shortcut file that a victim opened.
- The crash could help disguise other activity.
Those were contemporary risk assessments. The report did not establish a specific exploited campaign, a confirmed number of victims, or a measured probability of exploitation.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
Did Microsoft fix the Chrome-triggered crash?
Microsoft’s statement, as reproduced by BetaNews, said: “Microsoft has a customer commitment to investigate reported security issues and we will provide updates for impacted devices as soon as possible.” That was a general response to the report, not confirmation of a patch.
No authoritative later record identified here confirms a fix—or confirms that the behavior still occurs—for this exact Chrome-triggered crash. Treat claims that it is definitely patched or definitely still exploitable as unverified unless they cite a specific Microsoft or Chromium change covering this path.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
What should Windows 10 users do now?
Do not test the path on a working computer
There is no practical benefit to deliberately opening the path. Because the historical behavior involved a system crash, testing could cause data loss or interrupt work even if the result is only a forced restart.
Keep recovery protections in place
- Save work frequently and maintain current backups.
- Install security and browser updates offered for your edition and enrollment status.
- If an unexpected BSoD occurs, record the stop code, recently installed drivers or software, and the exact steps immediately before the crash.
Handle suspicious shortcuts carefully
Do not open an unknown shortcut or attachment merely because it appears to point to a local or system location. Verify its source through a separate channel and scan unexpected files with your organization’s security tools.
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
How does Windows 10’s end of support affect this issue?
Microsoft says Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Eligible users may upgrade to Windows 11, while Microsoft’s consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program can protect eligible Windows 10 devices until October 12, 2027. Eligibility, edition, region, and enrollment requirements vary.
Neither an upgrade nor ESU is documented here as a specific remedy for the Chrome path crash. They are lifecycle and security-support options, not proof that this historical defect has been corrected. Check Microsoft’s current requirements before deciding which option applies to a particular device.
Quick Recap
What is known—and still unknown?
- Known from the 2021 report: the path
\.globalrootdevicecondrvkernelconnectwas said to crash Windows 10 when visited in Chrome; versions 1709–20H2 were within the reported test range; Chromium-based Edge reportedly behaved similarly. - Not established: whether current Chrome or Windows builds reproduce the crash, whether Microsoft or Chromium shipped a targeted fix, how many systems were affected, or whether attackers used it in a confirmed campaign.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
