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.
- On your computer, open Chrome.
- At the top-right, click More
Settings.
- At the bottom, click Advanced.
- Under the section 'Reset', click Reset.
- Confirm by clicking 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
The following settings will change back to the default:
- Default search engine, which is changed back to Google. Learn how to set your default search engine.
- Homepage and tabs. Learn how to set your Chrome homepage and set default start-up tabs.
- The new tab page. Learn how to set the page that a new tab opens to.
- Tabs that you have pinned. Learn how to pin tabs.
- Content settings, like letting a site show you pop-ups or use your microphone. Learn how to change your content settings.
- Cookies and site data, such as items in an online shopping basket. Learn more about cookies and site data.
- Extensions and themes. Learn more about extensions and themes.
Only the settings for the Chrome profile that you're signed in to will be reset. Your new settings will apply across all computers or devices where you’re signed in to your active profile.
Troubleshoot reset problems
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.
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.
Megan is a Google Chrome expert and the author of this help page. Help her improve this article by leaving feedback below.
