How To Reset Google Chromebook To Factory Settings

Chromebook Powerwash — Resetting a Chromebook is a snap.
Josh Goldman/CNET

Chromebooks have a bunch of features to boost your productivity and help with accessibility. But my favorite characteristic is how fast and easy it is to perform a factory reset. That might seem strange, simply it's a simple way to keep your Chromebook running smoothly. Google calls the feature Powerwash and information technology can exist done in under a minute. Information technology'south also one of the features that make Chromebooks so good for sharing. (Only brand sure to bank check your Chromebook's Auto Update Expiration engagement earlier passing it on.) All y'all demand to practice is Powerwash your Chromebook, and someone else can use it. You lot won't need to worry about them accessing your data.

Too, though Chromebooks are inherently secure, that doesn't mean you can't install a malfunctioning extension or a web app that misbehaves. Uninstalling the offending extension or app can typically set up the problem, but if that doesn't work, a reset should do the trick. The aforementioned goes for other wonky beliefs yous may experience.

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A Powerwash is a breeze to practise, besides. I've detailed the steps beneath. Also, though I included how to locate nigh settings by navigating menus, it'south more often than not easier to use the built-in Launcher search feature to find exactly what you're looking for fast. The Launcher can be opened past clicking the radial button at the far left on the shelf at the bottom of your screen; swiping up from the shelf with two fingers; or hit the Search key.

Also see:Best Chromebook 2022

Support your files first

Since you'll be wiping your Chromebook's internal storage, you'll want to support any files yous want to keep to the cloud or an external drive. This isn't every bit painful as you might call up because a lot of what y'all do on a Chromebook is already synced to your Google account -- from apps and extensions to passwords and Wi-Fi networks. (To run into what's gear up to sync, go to the Accounts section of the Settings card. Click on Sync and Google services and select Manage what you sync.)

Support files from your Files folder before you Powerwash your Chromebook.
Josh Goldman/CNET

What doesn't automatically go synced are files saved locally to the Downloads binder. Linux and Play files are also stored locally. To meet and support those and any other files, open the Files app (or search for Files with the Launcher). The left-side navigation panel in Files shows you all your folders.

Y'all'll also see your Google Drive folder (that's what I employ for backups) as well as external storage. If your Chromebook has a microSD carte slot, for example, you can save files to a card or attach an external drive. You can re-create and paste files to Google Drive or external storage or just drag and drop them. The Powerwash only deletes what's on your Chromebook's built-in storage.

Give it a good scrub

One time your files are all backed up, you tin beginning the Powerwash. Get to the Settings menu by clicking on the fourth dimension on the far correct side of the shelf at the lesser of your screen. That volition pop upward the quick settings panel. Click on the cog icon at the top of the panel.

Nether the Avant-garde section at the bottom of the menu (you lot may need to click on Avant-garde to expand the options) you'll discover Reset settings and Powerwash. Click the Reset button and you're on your manner. You lot can besides search for Powerwash with the Launcher or Search primal to access it. And, if yous aren't or tin can't sign in and desire to Powerwash a Chromebook, press and hold Ctrl plus Alt plus Shift plus r to brainstorm the reset.

There are a couple of warnings yous'll demand to click through to confirm that y'all know what you're about to do. After that, the Powerwash begins. And it is fast, too, by and large taking less than a minute to consummate. Also, if Chrome Bone isn't upwardly to date or there's a firmware update available for your Chromebook, it volition ask if you want to install the updates.

Sign in and showtime working

When the Powerwash cycle completes, the Chromebook will restart and you'll exist greeted with the Welcome screen. Just follow the prompts to sign in to your Google account and y'all're done. Annihilation you have set to sync volition do so. That includes installing web and Android apps and browser extensions and any updates. Otherwise, the internal drive should exist clean and your Chromebook running similar new.

For more, check out 8 Chromebook features that'll aid boost your productivity, all the differences between a Chromebook and a laptop and how to check your Chromebook's Auto Update Expiration appointment. Also, are Chromebooks nonetheless worth it? We weighed the pros and cons here.