How to Powerwash (Reset) a Chromebook GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Mobile Phones > Android

How to Powerwash (Reset) a Chromebook

Give your computer a fresh start

By Scott Orgera Scott Orgera Writer Scott Orgera is a former Lifewire writer covering tech since 2007. He has 25+ years' experience as a programmer and QA leader, and holds several Microsoft certifications including MCSE, MCP+I, and MOUS. He is also A+ certified. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on May 13, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Android Switching from iOS Google Chromebooks are known for relatively low costs as well as their simplicity and ease of use. Although Chrome OS is not as complex as macOS, Windows or other major operating systems found on laptops, you may still run into the occasional stubborn issue, like your Chromebook freezing up, that can’t seem to be fixed. In cases like this, restoring your Chromebook to its factory state may be necessary. Another reason you may want to apply this break-glass method is if you’re turning your Chromebook over to a new owner and want to make sure that all your personal information is removed beforehand. In either scenario, the Powerwash feature can be used to return Chrome OS to its original condition.

What to Know Before You Powerwash a Chromebook

Local files and settings cannot be recovered once a Chromebook has been Powerwashed, so read the following points carefully before proceeding. Although most of Chrome OS files and user-specific settings are stored in the cloud, either associated with your Google Account or located in a server-side Google Drive repository, there are still some locally-stored items that are permanently deleted with Powerwash. Files that are saved to your Chromebook’s local hard drive are often stored in the Downloads folder. The contents of this folder should always be backed up to an external device or to your Google Drive prior to initiating a Powerwash. All Google Accounts previously used on your Chromebook are removed during a Powerwash, as well as any settings associated with said accounts. As long as you have the respective usernames and passwords stored elsewhere beforehand, these accounts can be restored on your Chromebook at a later time.

Start a Powerwash Through the Chrome Browser

Restore your Chromebook to its default factory state: If you are planning to turn your Chromebook over to a new owner, do not enter your account credentials once the Powerwash is complete. Doing so will re-add your account to the device, which is not something you want to do if it will no longer be in your possession. Open the Chrome browser. Click the menu button, represented by three vertically-aligned dots and located in the upper right-hand corner of your browser window. When the drop-down menu appears, select Settings. Chrome’s Settings interface can also be accessed via the Chromebook Taskbar menu, located in the lower right-hand corner of your screen. Chrome’s Settings interface should now be displayed. Scroll to the bottom and click Advanced. Chrome’s Advanced Settings appear. Scroll down again until you locate the Reset settings section and select the Powerwash option. A dialog labeled Restart your device should be displayed, overlaying the Settings interface. Click on Restart. Your Chromebook will now be restarted and the Powerwash process will complete. When prompted, sign in with your Google Account credentials and follow the on-screen prompts to set up your newly-restored Chromebook.

How to Reset Chromebook From the Login Screen

Instead of initiating the Powerwash process via Chrome’s Settings interface, you can also reset your Chromebook from the login screen by taking the following steps. While on the Chrome OS login screen and prior to authenticating, press the following keyboard shortcut: Shift+Ctrl+Alt+R A window will appear labeled Reset this Chrome device. Click Restart to begin. Your Chromebook will be restarted. After returning to the login screen, a new version of this window should be displayed. Click Powerwash. We recommend placing a check mark next to the Update firmware for added security option before continuing with the Powerwash process, as it provides better security protection for your device. The Confirm Powerwash dialog will now appear. Click Continue. Once complete, you can sign in with your Google Account and follow the on-screen prompts to set up your newly-restored Chromebook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you Powerwash a Chromebook without a password? You can reset a Chromebook from the login screen without logging in. Press Shift+Ctrl+Alt+R and click Restart > Powerwash > Continue.Can you Powerwash a managed Chromebook? If you have a school or otherwise managed Chromebook, you should ask for permission before Powerwashing the device. Typically, school-owned or business Chromebooks are configured to re-enroll in the manager's domain when they boot back up and then connect to Wi-Fi after the Powerwash process. How do you perform a hard reset on a Chromebook? Turn off the Chromebook. While pressing and holding Refresh, continually tap Power until the Chromebook starts back up. Release Refresh to complete the hard reset. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Fix a Chromebook Touchscreen That's Not Working How to Use Skype for Chromebook How to Fix it When Chromebook Won't Connect to Wi-Fi Can You Use a Chromebook as Your Main Computer? How to Speed up a Chromebook How to Use a Chromebook Offline Chrome OS Is Missing or Damaged: How to Fix This Error How to Fix it When Your Chromebook Won't Turn On How to Take a Photo on a Chromebook How to Use Find My Chromebook to Locate Your Computer How to Block YouTube on Chromebook Can Chromebooks Get Viruses? How to Add a User to a Chromebook How to Connect Chromebook to Your TV How to Fix It When Your Chromebook Touchpad Is Not Working How to Get Fortnite on a Chromebook Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies