Reset Chrome settings to default

You can restore your browser settings in Chrome at any time. You might need to do this if apps or extensions that you installed changed your settings without your knowledge. Your saved bookmarks and passwords won't be cleared or changed.

  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. At the top right, click More More and then Settings.
  3. At the bottom, click Advanced.
    • Chromebook, Linux and Mac: Under 'Reset Settings', click Restore settings to their original defaults and then Reset Settings.
    • Windows: Under 'Reset and cleanup', click Reset Settings and then Reset Settings.

These steps won't provide a full reset. For example, some settings like fonts or accessibility won't be deleted. To create a new user profile, add a new user in Chrome.

What changes when you restore your settings 

On your Chrome profile, the following settings will change to the default on all devices where you're signed in: 

Troubleshoot reset problems

Settings menu missing or won't open

If the settings menu doesn't open or isn't there, Chrome might have a problem. To fix, uninstall Chrome then download Chrome again from google.com/chrome and reinstall it.

If you're still having problems, you might have a program installed that is changing your Google Chrome settings. Learn more about programs that cause unwanted settings changes.

Chrome reset my browser settings

Sometimes, programs that you install can change your Chrome settings without you knowing. For your safety, the browser checks if your settings have been changed every time you launch Chrome. If Chrome notices that something’s not right in your settings, it will automatically go back to the original settings.

Settings that might automatically get reset:

  • Default search engine
  • Homepage
  • Start-up pages
  • Pinned tabs
  • Extensions

Chrome will still reset your settings if you’re not signed in to Chrome. If you’re signed in to Chrome, you’ll still see your usual settings.

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