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How to factory reset a Chromebook

Give your laptop a fresh new restart…

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Chromebooks are easy to use laptops, built around going online. They use the Chrome operating system, which is based on apps and web services. That means there’s no need to download large programs or lots of software or programs. And with access to the Google Play store, you’ve got ooooh… about 3.5 million Android apps to choose from.

This article’s all about showing you how to factory reset a Chromebook, so let’s get going.

What does a Chromebook factory reset mean?

Performing a factory reset on a Chromebook will erase all previously saved user data, settings, and installed apps. It gives you a completely clean slate, and resets everything to its default settings. You’ll want to do this if you’re selling it, or even giving it away to a friend or family member.

A factory reset can also help solve any problems or technical issues you might be having. For example, if you need to recover your Chromebook…

How to recover a Chromebook

If your Chromebook isn’t booting up or working properly, follow these steps to try and recover it:

1. Restart it. Yep. Sometimes that’s all it takes to fix minor issues.
2. Perform a hard reset. We show you how to do this in our first FAQ below.
3. Sign in with your Google account. It’s worth double-checking that you’re actually signing in with the Google account that’s associated with the Chromebook.
4. Check your ‘net. Make sure your Chromebook is connected to a stable and working internet connection.
5. Update your operating system. Check if there any available updates for Chrome OS. If there are, go ahead and install them.
6. Factory reset the Chromebook. We show you how to do this in the next step below.

How to factory reset a Chromebook when you’re logged in

Follow these steps to factory reset a Chromebook while you're logged in:

1. Click on the clock in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
2. Select the gear icon to open the Settings menu.
3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on ‘Advanced’.
4. Go to the ‘Powerwash" section and click ‘Reset’.
5. Now ‘Restart’.
6. Your Chromebook will restart, and the factory reset process will begin.

Important note. Make sure you back up any important files before proceeding. Remember, a factory reset erases all of your saved data and settings.

Factory reset Chromebook FAQs

How do I perform a hard reset on a Chromebook?

Follow these sets to perform a hard reset on your Chromebook:

1. Press and hold the ‘Refresh’ (circular arrow) key.
2. While you’re holding down the ‘Refresh’ key, press and hold the ‘Power’ button.
3. Keep holding both buttons for about 10-15 seconds or until the Chromebook restarts.

Important note. Performing a hard reset forces the Chromebook to restart abruptly, so make sure to save any work before you do it.

What is power washing a Chromebook?

There’s no difference between ‘power washing’ and ‘factory resetting’ a Chromebook. Both terms mean the same thing, and refer to the process of returning the Chromebook to its initial fresh-from-the-factory state.

How do I factory reset a Chromebook without logging in?

Follow these steps if you need to factory reset a Chromebook without logging in:

1. Turn off the Chromebook completely.
2. Press and hold down the ‘Esc’, ‘Refresh, and ‘Power’ buttons simultaneously.
3. Release the buttons when you see a message saying "Chrome OS is missing or damaged".
4. Press ‘Ctrl + D’ to enter Developer Mode.
5. Press ‘Enter’ to enable Developer Mode.
6. Your Chromebook will now reset itself. This process might take a few minutes.
7. You'll now see a screen with a yellow exclamation mark. Press ‘Ctrl + D’ again to proceed with the factory reset.
8. Your Chromebook will now start the factory reset process.

Important note. Entering Developer Mode might void your warranty, so be sure to check before you go ahead!

How do I factory reset a Chromebook without a password?

Follow these steps if you need to factory reset a Chromebook without a password.

1. Turn off your Chromebook completely.
2. Press and hold the ‘Refresh’ (circular arrow) key.
3. While you’re holding down the ‘Refresh’ key, press and hold the ‘Power’ button.
4. Continue holding the keys until you see a "Chrome OS is missing or damaged" message
5. Release the keys and follow the on-screen instructions to perform a factory reset.

Can I factory reset a school Chromebook?

If your Chromebook is managed by a school or other business organisation, you won’t be able to reset it yourself. You’ll need to ask the system administrator to do it for you.

Need more help?

Looking for more Chromebook tips? Find out how to right click on a Chromebook here. And here’s how to take a screenshot on a Chromebook, if you’re stuck on that.

If you’re on the hunt for a new computer, our laptop buying guide is packed with useful info. We’ve also got handy articles on which laptop to buy.

There are three types of Chromebook to choose from: Chromebooks, Plus Chromebooks and Premium Chromebooks. If you’re interested in making one your next laptop, here’s a handy article on which Chromebook is best for you.

If you’d like to chat to a real-life expert, pop into one of our stores and speak with one of our colleagues. They’ll happily answer all your tech questions.

Tech now, pay later

You can buy now, pay later with a flexible credit account. With flexible credit we make spreading the cost of your tech easy to manage. 24.9% APR representative (variable). And you can choose the term that suits your monthly budget, from 12 to 36 months.

You can apply for a Your Plan credit account in-store or online at any time, then buy the tech you want. You’ll be able to view and manage your account online, and use it to buy more tech in future.

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