This question is slightly ambiguous. It likely refers to one of two things: clearing browsing data or resetting Chrome to its default settings. Let's address both:
1. Clearing Browsing Data (Cache, Cookies, History)
Clearing your browsing data in Google Chrome removes your browsing history, cookies, and cached files. This can resolve some loading or display issues. It does not reset Chrome's settings to default.
To clear your browsing data:
- Open Chrome.
- At the top right, select More (three vertical dots). Then select Settings.
- Select Privacy and security, then Clear browsing data.
- Choose a time range (Last hour, Last 24 hours, etc.) or select "All time."
- Check the boxes for what you want to clear (Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, Cached images and files, etc.).
- Click Clear data.
2. Resetting Chrome Settings to Default
Resetting Chrome settings to their original defaults restores Chrome to its initial state after installation, removing extensions, themes, and customized settings, but preserving your bookmarks and saved passwords.
To reset Chrome settings to default:
- Open Chrome.
- At the top right, select More (three vertical dots). Then select Settings.
- Scroll to the bottom and select Reset and clean up.
- Select Restore settings to their original defaults. A confirmation window will appear.
- Click Reset settings.
Important Note about a "Complete" Reset
Some users might be looking for a more complete reset, essentially a "factory reset". This would require deleting the Chrome user data folder, which isn't done through the Chrome settings menu. This will delete all your profile data, including bookmarks, passwords, and extensions. This should only be done as a last resort and after backing up any important data. The exact location of this folder varies by operating system.
