How Do I Wipe My Google Chromebook?
Completely wiping your Google Chromebook, also known as a factory reset or powerwash, restores it to its original factory settings, removing all your personal data and settings. This is useful if you're selling, giving away, or troubleshooting your Chromebook.
Follow these steps to perform a factory reset:
-
Sign out of your Chromebook: Click your profile picture in the bottom right corner and select "Sign out." This ensures you're not accidentally locked out of your account during the process.
-
Access the reset menu: Press and hold Ctrl + Alt + Shift + r simultaneously. This keyboard shortcut initiates the powerwash process.
-
Select Restart: A prompt will appear. Choose "Restart" to begin the powerwash procedure.
-
Select Powerwash: After restarting, a box will appear giving you the option to "Powerwash." Select this option to proceed with the factory reset.
-
Follow on-screen instructions: The Chromebook will guide you through the remaining steps. Once the process is complete, your Chromebook will be reset to its factory settings. You will then need to sign in with your Google account.
Important Note: Powerwashing your Chromebook will permanently delete all your personal data, including files, settings, apps, and extensions. Ensure you have backed up any important information before proceeding.
Alternative Hard Reset Method (If Powerwash Fails)
If the above method doesn't work, you can try a hard reset:
- Turn off your Chromebook completely.
- Press and hold the Refresh button (usually a circular arrow) and the Power button simultaneously.
- When your Chromebook starts up, release the Refresh button. This should initiate a hard reset.
Understanding Powerwash vs. Factory Reset
The terms "Powerwash" and "factory reset" are often used interchangeably in the context of Chromebooks. Both terms refer to the process of restoring your Chromebook to its original factory settings, completely erasing all user data.
