Sometimes, users no longer need their Chrome OS device, or would like to upgrade to a computer with an operating system that utilizes full software programs. If you want to sell your Chromebook or Chromebox, give it to someone else, or need to fix substantial errors, a factory reset is quite helpful.

How to restore factory settings

  • Turn on your Chromebook and log in to your Google Account.

  • In the lower-right corner of the screen, click the notification area.

  • Click the settings icon from the pop-up menu.

  • In the window that appears, on the left side, click the Advanced button to expand the menu, and then click the Developers selector.

  • In the center of the Developers section, under Reset settings, click the Reset button next to Powerwash.

  • Click the button on the prompt that appears.

  • When your Chromebook restarts, select Powerwash and then Continue.

Alternative way to reset a Chromebook

If the above steps did not help or you cannot access the above settings try the following steps.

  • If logged in to the Chromebook log out or restart the computer to get to the log in screen.
  • At the log in screen press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+R
  • Pressing these keys should open the Reset this Chromebook window. In this window, click Powerwash open and continue with the resetting process.
  • How to set the desktop background on Chrome OS.
  • How to add and remove shortcuts on the Chrome OS shelf.
  • How to shut down a computer.
  • See our Chromebook and powerwash definition for further information and related links.
  • Chrome OS help and support.