In this video we demonstrate how you perform a factory reset, (Powerwash) on a Google Chromebook. As performing this action will return a Chromebook back to its original factory system state. Typically you would perform a factory reset if you intend to decommission, sell or give away your computer.
While factory resetting your Chromebook will delete all Google accounts, user data and the applications that you installed onto the computer. As the accounts and user data will not deleted from Google’s servers. When you sign back into your Chromebook, your Google account and it’s user data will be restored.
Notes: In some instances you might also find that factory resetting your computer, will improve its performance. However usually the main benefit in performing a factory reset, is that it will repair a corrupt instance of ChromeOS.
Quick reference notes:
- From the ChromeOS desktop locate and select Settings
- Now from the sidebar choose Advanced – Reset Settings
- After choosing Reset Settings, you are presented with the option to perform a Powerwash
Note: Powerwash is simply Google’s name for a Factory Reset, so these names are often used interchangeably.
- Select Reset
- When prompted, you need to restart your Chromebook.
- The Chromebook will restart and display the Reset Chromebook page.
Note: If you decide not to perform a factory reset, simply power off and on your Chromebook. Then once the Chromebook reboots you will be returned to the log in screen were you will see your Google account.
- Select Powerwash
- We now need to confirm that we wish to reset our computer
- By choosing Continue we start the Powerwash
- Wait until your computer reboots and you see the Welcome to your Chromebook page. You can now either power down your Chromebook, or sign in with your Google account.
Note: If a Cromebook is being managed by an IT admin for a business or school, you will not be able to perform a factory reset (Powerwash) on your computer. Instead you will need to contact your IT admin and request that they perform the reset for you.
Reference materials:
- Google support article – Reste your Chromebook to factory settings
- Google support article – About ChromeOS device management
- mydoodads article – How to reinstall ChromeOS from bootable recovery media
- mydoodads article – How to create the bootable recovery media for your Chromebook
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