Reset your Chromebook to factory settings
You can make your Chromebook run like new again by doing a factory reset.
A factory reset erases all the information on your Chromebook's hard drive, including all the files in the Downloads folder.
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 a Chromebook at work or at school, you can't reset it to factory settings.
Before you factory reset your Chromebook
You might want to reset your Chromebook if:
- You see 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
- 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.
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
Reset a personal Chromebook
- Sign out of your Chromebook.
- Press and hold Ctrl + Alt + Shift + r.
- Click Restart.
- In the box that appears, click Reset and sign in with your Google Account.
Note: The account you sign in with after you reset your Chromebook will be the owner account. - Follow the steps that appear.
- Once you've reset your Chromebook:
- Set up your Chromebook again
- Check if the problem is fixed
- Sign in to your Chromebook.
- Click your account photo.
- Click Settings
.
- At the bottom, click Advanced.
- In the "Powerwash" section, click Powerwash.
- In the box that appears, click Restart and sign in with your Google Account.
Note: The account you sign in with after you reset your Chromebook will be the owner account. - Follow the steps that appear.
- Once you've reset your Chromebook:
- Set up your Chromebook again
- Check if the problem is fixed
.Reset a work or school Chromebook
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.
Get more help
If you've reset your Chromebook, but it's still having problems, try these steps:
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.
Mel is a Chromebook expert and author of this help page. Help her improve this article by leaving feedback below.