Qgis can´t initiate, computer crashes (Windows)

[contrerasmelipilla-droid]

What is the bug or the crash?

Any attempt to open Qgis in a Windows computer results in the computer crashing. Mouse moves but no response from icons nor task manager, forcing hard reboot. The problem started about Feb 7, 2026, and had never happened.

Problem happens with versions 3.40.6 and 3.44.7. Version 3.20.1 works correctly. In 3.40.6 crashing happens when loading screen says "loading add-ons", version 3.44.7 crashes when "initiating Python".

Problem also happened in two different computers with the same update.

Can´t create a different Qgis profile because I can´t open the program. Can´t disable add-ons for the same reason.

Steps to reproduce the issue

1. Open Qgis 3.40.6 or 3.44.7
2. System freezes

Versions

3.40.6
3.44.7

Supported QGIS version

• I'm running a supported QGIS version according to the roadmap.

New profile

• I tried with a new QGIS profile

Additional context

Only change in computer settings was a Windows Update security update, (KB5074109), problem started right after its installation; Windows doesn´t allow uninstalling the update.

[gioman]

Can´t create a different Qgis profile because I can´t open the program.

@contrerasmelipilla-droid but you can (backup and) delete manually the profiles folder

C:\Users\yoususername\AppData\Roaming\QGIS\QGIS3\profiles

[contrerasmelipilla-droid]

Deleted the profile folder manually as explained, but the problem persists.

[gioman]

Deleted the profile folder manually as explained, but the problem persists.

@contrerasmelipilla-droid if you are using the .msi installer try with the network one or vice versa, and see if anything changes.

[contrerasmelipilla-droid]

Previous installation was with .msi, now unistalled everything and reinstalled with the OSGeo4W web installing, but the problem persists.

[gioman]

Previous installation was with .msi, now unistalled everything and reinstalled with the OSGeo4W web installing, but the problem persists.

@contrerasmelipilla-droid seems you have a very specific local issue. This is not a general issue, of course.

[contrerasmelipilla-droid]

Ok, thank you.