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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Set browser command-line switches in the args array passed to puppeteer.launch(). Puppeteer still adds its own default switches; use ignoreDefaultArgs to remove one specific default or, more rarely, disable the full default set. The Puppeteer API pages checked on October 3, 2026 identify version 25.12.0; confirm behavior against the version installed in your project.
Add browser arguments
Pass the flags you want as strings in args. These are additional arguments, not a replacement for Puppeteer’s startup arguments.
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import puppeteer from 'puppeteer';
const browser = await puppeteer.launch({
args: ['--start-maximized', '--some-supported-flag'],
});
try {
const page = await browser.newPage();
await page.goto('https://example.com');
// Use the page or browser here.
} finally {
await browser.close();
}Replace the sample switches with flags supported by the browser you launch. The Puppeteer LaunchOptions reference defines args as additional browser command-line arguments.
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Remove a Puppeteer default argument
To omit one Puppeteer-provided default, pass its exact argument string in ignoreDefaultArgs. For example, the launch documentation demonstrates filtering --mute-audio:
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import puppeteer from 'puppeteer';
const browser = await puppeteer.launch({
ignoreDefaultArgs: ['--mute-audio'],
});
try {
const page = await browser.newPage();
await page.goto('https://example.com');
} finally {
await browser.close();
}You can combine a targeted removal with additional arguments:
const browser = await puppeteer.launch({
args: ['--start-maximized'],
ignoreDefaultArgs: ['--mute-audio'],
});Use the precise default argument you intend to omit, not an approximate or partial name. Puppeteer recommends retaining its defaults in most cases; see the launch method documentation.
Disable all Puppeteer default arguments only when necessary
Setting ignoreDefaultArgs: true suppresses the entire Puppeteer default argument set:
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ignoreDefaultArgs: true,
args: ['--your-required-flag'],
});This changes more than a single switch. Puppeteer’s documentation cautions that callers probably want the defaults. If you disable them, you take responsibility for supplying and maintaining the arguments your setup needs; launch behavior may fail or differ. Prefer filtering one named default when that solves the problem.
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Inspect the default argument list
Use puppeteer.defaultArgs() to see the default argument strings:
import puppeteer from 'puppeteer';
const args = await puppeteer.defaultArgs();
console.log(args);The method returns a Promise<string[]>. Review the output in the same installed Puppeteer/browser environment where you intend to launch. The defaultArgs() API reference documents the return type.
Choose the right launch option
| Goal | Option | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Add flags | args: ['--flag'] |
Adds arguments while leaving Puppeteer’s defaults in place. |
| Remove selected defaults | ignoreDefaultArgs: ['--exact-default-flag'] |
Filters the specified default argument or arguments. |
| Omit every default | ignoreDefaultArgs: true |
Suppresses Puppeteer’s complete default argument set; you must manage the needed arguments. |
| See the defaults | await puppeteer.defaultArgs() |
Returns the default arguments as a string array. |
Check which browser Puppeteer will launch
Launch arguments do not select the browser executable. Puppeteer works best with the Chrome for Testing browser it downloads by default, and does not guarantee operation with arbitrary Chrome versions. If you select an installed browser, check compatibility in your own environment.
If you use puppeteer-core, provide executablePath or channel in the launch options. The launch reference documents that requirement. Configuration values such as defaultBrowser and executablePath select or locate a browser; they are not substitutes for launch’s args. See the configuration reference.
Troubleshoot launch argument problems
- A flag seems to have no effect: verify the spelling and confirm the selected browser and version support it. Puppeteer does not guarantee compatibility with arbitrary Chrome versions.
- A default remains enabled: check that
ignoreDefaultArgscontains the exact default argument string. Useawait puppeteer.defaultArgs()to inspect defaults. - Launch behavior changes after setting
ignoreDefaultArgs: true: restore the defaults, then filter only the specific switch you need to remove. Disabling all defaults means you are responsible for the complete argument set your browser setup requires. puppeteer-corecannot determine which browser to start: supply eitherexecutablePathorchannelin the launch options.- An installed Chrome behaves differently from Puppeteer’s downloaded browser: verify that browser’s compatibility in your project’s environment; the documented best fit is the Chrome for Testing browser downloaded by Puppeteer.
Or skip the browser setup
If your goal is to capture a webpage rather than control a local Puppeteer browser, ScreenshotNeo provides a screenshot API. Its one-call request returns an image or PDF:
curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://stripe.com -o shot.webpSee the ScreenshotNeo API documentation for request options. ScreenshotNeo accepts cookie or consent banners and removes more than 60 known consent platforms, newsletter popups, and chat widgets before capture; these steps can be turned off. Bot checks, blank pages, timeouts, failed loads, and cache hits are not billed, and responses identify the page verdict and billing status. Its MCP server offers screenshot tools for AI agents, and the free plan includes 1,000 shots per month with no card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000 shots.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does args replace Puppeteer’s default browser arguments?
No. It adds arguments; use ignoreDefaultArgs if you need to filter defaults.
Can Puppeteer use any installed Chrome version?
Puppeteer does not guarantee compatibility with arbitrary Chrome versions. It works best with the Chrome for Testing browser it downloads by default.
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