How to reset a Chromebook (Powerwash)

A Powerwash returns a Chromebook to its factory state, which helps when simpler fixes have failed or when you are giving the Chromebook to someone else. Learn what it erases, how to back up first, and how to do it.

Which kind of reset do you need?

People often mix up the resets. A restart and a hard reset do not wipe your data. Only a Powerwash does.

For the hard reset steps, see Chromebook won't turn on.

Lighter steps to try before a reset

A Powerwash fixes problems caused by the software on the Chromebook, such as a bad setting, a faulty extension or a damaged profile. It cannot fix a failing battery, screen or keyboard. Before you reset, it is worth trying these lighter steps, in this order:

1. Restart the Chromebook and check for updates. If the problem is slowness, also try the slow or frozen fixes.
2. Turn off extensions one at a time and see whether the problem goes away. Google suggests this before a reset.
3. Sign in with a different account or in a guest session to see whether the problem is tied to your profile.

If none of these helped, the reset is a reasonable next step, and it leaves the Chromebook clean for a fresh start.

What you need

• The Google Account you want to use as the owner. After the reset, the account you sign in with becomes the owner account, so choose it on purpose.
• The charger plugged in and a working Wi-Fi network name and password.
• About 20 minutes, plus time to restore your files.

Back up first

1. Open the Files app.
2. Look in My files and Downloads for anything you want to keep.
3. Copy it to Google Drive or to an external drive, such as a USB drive.
4. Open the copies from their new location to check that they work.
5. Check that your settings and bookmarks are synced to your Google Account. Google advises syncing before a reset.

Do the Powerwash

1. Sign out of your Chromebook. Select the time at the bottom right, then select Sign out.
2. On the sign-in screen, press and hold Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R.
3. Select Restart.
4. In the box that appears, select Powerwash, then select Continue.
5. Wait while the Chromebook resets. It then shows the welcome screen.
6. Follow the prompts and sign in with your Google Account. That account becomes the owner account.

Check that it worked

• The Chromebook shows the first-time setup screens, as when it was new.
• After you sign in, your Google Drive files and synced settings return.
• Apps you installed need installing again. See installing apps on a Chromebook.
• Check whether the original problem is gone. If it is not, the cause may be hardware, and the manufacturer's support page for your model is the next step.

If you are giving the Chromebook away

Do the Powerwash, then stop at the welcome screen without signing in. Your data is gone from the device, and the new owner can set it up with their own account.

If something goes wrong

• The shortcut does nothing. Make sure you are signed out, and hold all four keys together.
• The Powerwash option is missing or blocked. The Chromebook is probably managed by a school or employer. Ask the administrator.
• The Chromebook will not start properly afterward. It may need recovery with a USB drive. See Chromebook won't turn on.

Frequently asked questions