A factory reset erases all user data on your Chromebook's hard drive, including all the files in the Downloads folder. It also erases most non-user-related device information, but preserves a few diagnostic and operational pieces of data.
Before you reset, make sure to back up your files on Google Drive or an external hard drive. The factory reset won't delete any of your files on Google Drive or external storage device.
Note: If you're using your Chromebook at work or school, you can't reset it. Ask your administrator to wipe the data on your Chromebook and re-enroll the device on your work or school network.
Before you factory reset your Chromebook
Step 1: Make sure you should reset
You might want to reset your Chromebook if:
- You get the message "Reset this Chrome device"
- You're having problems with your user profile or settings
- You've tried restarting your Chromebook and it's still not working normally
- You want to change the owner of the Chromebook
Step 2: Try these other steps first
- Turn off your Chrome extensions one at a time, checking each time if your Chromebook is working again. Learn how to turn off extensions
- Try resetting your Chromebook's hardware.
If neither of these steps fix the problem, continue to step 3.
Step 3: Back up your files and info (important)
Factory reset erases all the information on your Chromebook's hard drive, including your settings, apps, and files. Before you reset, make sure to:
- Sync your information and settings to your Google Account. Learn how to sync your information
- Back up your files on Google Drive or an external storage device. Learn how to back up your files
The factory reset won't delete any of your files on Google Drive or external hard drive.
Factory reset your Chromebook
- Sign out of your Chromebook.
- Press and hold Ctrl + Alt + Shift + r.
- Select Restart.
- In the box that appears, select Powerwash
Continue. - Follow the steps that appear and sign in with your Google Account.
Note: The account you sign in with after you reset your Chromebook will be the owner account. - Once you've reset your Chromebook:
- Follow the onscreen instructions to set up your Chromebook
- Check if the problem is fixed
Continue.Get more help
If you've reset your Chromebook, but it's still having problems, try these steps:
Switch to a different version of the operating system (OS)
If your Chromebook is crashing or having other problems, you might be using an experimental version of the operating system (OS).
Check which channel you're using. If your Chromebook is using the beta or dev channel, try switching to a more stable channel.
If you're having serious problems with your Chromebook, you can remove and reinstall the Chrome operating system (OS).
Follow the steps to recover your Chromebook.
Was this helpful?
How can we improve it?
