How to Factory Reset Your Chromebook

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction: Chromebook: Factory Reset

Factory resetting your Chromebook can help clear many issues you may be having, as well as allowing you to safely sell or give away your Chromebook. This guide will walk you through the process.

2. Chromebook: Sync Account Settings

1. Select the User menu by clicking your profile picture in the bottom-right corner.
   

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2. Select Settings.
   

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2. Scroll down. Under People, select Sync.
   

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2. Make sure the toggle-switch on the right for Sync everything is turned on.
   

3. Chromebook: Backup to Google Drive

Your Chromebook does not save files locally in most cases. The only exception to this is any files you've downloaded that you may wish to save. This step will guide you through checking your Downloads, and saving them to Google's servers to keep them safe.

1. Select the Apps menu in the bottom-left corner.
   

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2. Select All Apps > Files.
   

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2. Select Downloads on the left. These are the only files stored on your Chromebook.
   

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2. You can open a file by double-clicking on it.
3. You can copy files to your Google Drive by dragging them to My Drive on the left. Copying a file to Google Drive places them on Google's servers, so they won't be lost if your Chromebook is restored.

4. Chromebook: Factory Reset

1. Select the User menu by clicking your profile picture in the bottom-right corner.
   

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2. Select Settings.
   

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2. Select the Menu in the top-left.
   

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2. Select Advanced.
   

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2. Select Reset.
   

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2. Select Powerwash.
   

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2. Select Restart.
   

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2. Your Chromebook will reboot.
3. You will be asked if you wish to reset your device. Select Powerwash.
   

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2. Select Continue to confirm.
   

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2. Your Chromebook will perform the factory reset, then reboot, just like new.