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How do I Create a Recovery USB for Chromebook?

Published in Chromebook Recovery 3 mins read

Creating a recovery USB for your Chromebook is essential for reinstalling the ChromeOS if you encounter issues. Here's how to do it:

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Install the Chromebook Recovery Utility:

    • This is a Chrome extension. Open the Chrome Web Store and search for "Chromebook Recovery Utility." Install the official app. You can also find it by searching "Chromebook Recovery Utility" in the Chrome Web Store.

  2. Identify Your Chromebook Model:

    • You'll need the exact model name or number. This is usually found on a sticker on the bottom of your Chromebook or in the ChromeOS settings. Knowing this will ensure you download the correct recovery image.

  3. Insert a USB Flash Drive or SD Card:

    • You will need a USB flash drive or SD card with at least 8GB of storage. Important: All data on the drive will be erased during the recovery image creation process. Back up any important files before proceeding.

  4. Create the Recovery Image:

    a. Open the Chromebook Recovery Utility app.

    b. Click "Get Started."

    c. You'll be prompted to identify your Chromebook. You can either select your model from a list, or enter the model number if you know it. Double-check you selected the correct model, because choosing the wrong model will cause problems.

    d. Select the USB drive or SD card you inserted.

    e. Confirm that you want to erase the drive and create the recovery image. This process might take a while, depending on your internet speed.

    f. Once the image is created, you'll get a confirmation message.

  5. Recover Your Chromebook (When Needed):

    • If your Chromebook is experiencing issues, you can use the recovery USB to reinstall ChromeOS. The exact steps vary slightly depending on the Chromebook model, but the general process is:

      a. Power off your Chromebook.

      b. Insert the recovery USB drive.

      c. Enter recovery mode. This usually involves pressing and holding a combination of keys (like Esc + Refresh + Power) while powering on the device. Consult your Chromebook's documentation for the exact key combination.

      d. Follow the on-screen prompts to reinstall ChromeOS.

  6. Erase Recovery Media (Optional):

    • After successfully recovering your Chromebook, you can erase the recovery media to reuse it. Use the Chromebook Recovery Utility app and select the option to erase the drive. Or, you can use any disk formatting tool on another computer.

Troubleshooting

  • Incorrect Model: Selecting the wrong Chromebook model is a common mistake. Double-check the model number before proceeding.
  • Insufficient Storage: Make sure your USB drive or SD card has at least 8GB of storage.
  • Write Protection: Some USB drives have a physical write-protection switch. Ensure it's disabled.
  • Corrupted Download: If the recovery image creation fails, try downloading it again.

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