Chrome Software Reporter installs with the Chrome browser. It reports on tab crashes, modified tab pages, unwanted advertisement in the browser etc. It can also remove programs that it finds malicious to the browser. Many times this uses too much RAM when scanning. As it reports to Google, it is also a privacy concern. Ideally, don’t use the Chrome browser. Sometimes, for example at work, you have to make do with what is available. Unfortunately privacy and security aren’t always a concern of businesses or employees. Too often, functions stop working when you opt for the hardened browser. At least we can mitigate some of the impact on privacy and security. This guide explains how to block the Chrome Software Reporter tool from sending details to Google.

How To

Open File Explorer. Either navigate via the menus or press Windows key + E. Navigate to this address. Replace “USER” with your username. If you can’t see the “AppData” folder, enable hidden folders to show.

C:\Users\USER\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\SwReporter

The folder at that location is named after the version number of the Reporter tool. If you delete this folder, the tool also gets deleted. This solves the problem, but only temporarily. When Chrome updates, it install the tool again. We have to revoke the tools permissions to block it completely from reporting to Google. At least without the administrative burden of deleting the tool every time it installs. To do this, enter the version number folder and right click on the .exe file inside, namely software_reporter_tool.exe. In the popup menu, click on Properties.

Select the Security tab and then click on the Advanced button.

The Advanced Security Settings window appears. Click on the “Disable inheritance” button at the bottom left side.

Confirm by clicking on the “Remove all inherited permissions from this object.” button.

Confirm the previous windows by clicking the OK buttons until the Properties window closes.

The Chrome Software Reporter tool is now blocked. However, a fair note, now it no longer reports about potentially malicious programs. If you do all the necessary browser and system hardening, this won’t be an issue. Antivirus, malware removers, security suits, isolation, compartmentalization and conscious browsing habits are all part of a privacy and security conscious device.