Reset your Chromebook to factory settings

You can make your Chromebook run like new again by doing a factory reset. If you will no longer be using your device, you may want to do 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 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 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
Step 2: Try these other steps first
  1. Turn off your Chrome extensions one at a time, checking each time if your Chromebook is working again. Learn how to turn off extensions
  2. 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:

The factory reset won't delete any of your files on Google Drive or external hard drive.

Factory reset your Chromebook

Option 1: Reset using shortcut keys
  1. Sign out of your Chromebook.
  2. Press and hold Ctrl + Alt + Shift + r.
  3. Select Restart.
  4. In the box that appears, select Powerwash and then Continue.
  5. 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.
  6. Once you've reset your Chromebook:
Option 2: Reset using the Settings menu
  1. Sign in to your Chromebook.
  2. At the bottom right, select the time.
  3. Select Settings Settings.
  4. At the bottom, select Advanced.
  5. In the "Powerwash" section, select Powerwash and then Restart.
  6. In the box that appears, select Powerwash and then Continue.
  7. 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.
  8. Once you've reset your Chromebook:

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.

Recover your Chromebook

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.

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