How to Factory Reset (Powerwash) a Chromebook

To factory reset a Chromebook, you run a Powerwash, which wipes all local data and returns the device to how it came out of the box. Back up anything important first, then trigger it from Settings or with a keyboard shortcut on the sign-in screen. Here is the safe way to do it.

Back up your files first

A Powerwash deletes everything in your local storage, including the Downloads folder. Your Google account data (Gmail, Drive, bookmarks) is safe in the cloud, but anything saved only on the device is not.

• Move important files to Google Drive or an SD card.
• Note any apps or settings you will need to set up again.

Powerwash from Settings

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System > Reset settings (sometimes under Advanced).
3. Click Powerwash, then Restart.
4. After it restarts, click Powerwash again and follow the prompts.

Powerwash with the keyboard shortcut

If you are stuck at the sign-in screen, this is faster.

1. Sign out so you are at the sign-in screen.
2. Press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R.
3. Click Restart, then Powerwash and confirm.

If your Chromebook will not boot

When the device is too broken to reach Settings, you need to recover it with a fresh ChromeOS image.

1. On another computer, install the Chromebook Recovery Utility Chrome extension.
2. Follow it to write a recovery image to a USB drive (8 GB or larger).
3. On the Chromebook, enter recovery mode by holding Esc + Refresh + Power, then insert the USB drive and follow the steps.

When should you Powerwash?

Powerwash when you are selling the device, when it is badly misbehaving, or as a last resort for speed. If you are only chasing performance, try the lighter fixes first in our guide on why your Chromebook is slow. If it will not turn on at all, start with why your Chromebook will not turn on.

Recap

Back up first, then Powerwash from System > Reset settings or with Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R at the sign-in screen. If it will not boot, recover from a USB image.