Reset Chromebook from Factory Settings (Powerwash)

This tutorial is intended for users running Chrome OS only .

One of the most convenient features of the Chrome operating system is called Powerwash, which lets you reset your Chromebook to factory state with just a few mouse clicks. If you want to start fresh in terms of your user account, settings, installed apps, files, etc. There is a reason why you want to do it on your device to do it on your device. No matter the driving power your Chromebook Powerwash is behind your will, the process itself is extremely simple – but can be permanent.

Because a powerwashed Chromebook can’t recover some of its deleted files and settings, it’s important to fully understand how it works before going through it. This tutorial details the ins and outs of Powerwash features.

When most of your Chrome OS files and user-specific settings are stored in the cloud, there are locally stored items, including settings associated with your user account and files stored in your Google Drive, that will be permanently deleted when Powerwash is performed. Whenever you want to confront Google’s servers on your Chromebook’s hard drive, it’s stored in the Downloads folder. Before proceeding with this process, it is advisable to check the contents of the download folder and the important aspects of your Google Drive or an external storage device .

Any user accounts stored on your Chromebook will also be deleted along with the settings associated with them. These accounts and settings can be synced back to your device after you receive wireless, assuming you have the required username (s) and password (s).

If your Chrome browser is already open, click the Chrome menu button – represented by three vertically connected dots and located in the upper right corner of your browser window. When the drop-down menu appears, click Settings . If your Chrome browser isn’t already open, the settings interface can be accessed through Chrome’s taskbar menu, located in the lower right corner of your screen.

The Chrome OS settings interface will now appear. Scroll down and click the Show Advanced Settings link . Next, powerwash section is not visible until the scroll to .

Remember, running a powerwash on your Chromebook deletes all files, settings, and user accounts currently on your device. As mentioned above, this process is not reversible . It is recommended that you back up all important files and other data before performing this procedure.

If you still want to proceed, click the Powerwash button. A dialog will appear showing that a redirect powerwashing process needs to be continued. Click the Restart button and follow the prompts to reset your Chromebook to default.

Please note that you can also start the powerwash process on your Chromebook’s login screen using the following keyboard shortcuts: Shift + Ctrl + Alt + R