ChromeOS Is Missing or Damaged? Recovery Steps

What the missing or damaged ChromeOS error means

When you see 'ChromeOS is missing or damaged' on your screen, the Chromebook could not find or verify its operating system at startup. Google describes ChromeOS as an operating system with verification at boot and a read-only OS that blocks executables. At every startup, the Chromebook runs a self-check, and if it detects that the system has been tampered with or corrupted, it normally repairs itself by reverting to its original state. When that repair is not possible, the device enters recovery mode and shows this message.

The error is not always a hardware failure. It can happen after an interrupted update, a failed reset, or corruption in the storage where ChromeOS lives. If the screen also tells you to connect a USB drive, the Chromebook is already waiting for recovery media. Before erasing the device, try the restart and update steps in the next section. For a general introduction to ChromeOS hardware, see what is a Chromebook.

Try the restart and update steps first

If your Chromebook still starts far enough to show the sign-in screen, treat the problem like an update failure. Google's recommended steps for an update that will not download are to restart the Chromebook, turn it off and on, and connect to Wi-Fi or Ethernet instead of mobile data. You can then open Settings, go to About ChromeOS, and select Check for updates. If an update is available, let it finish and restart the Chromebook.

These steps will not help if the device is stuck on the recovery screen, but they are worth trying before you make a recovery drive. For the normal update process, see check and install ChromeOS updates.

• Restart the Chromebook and try again.
• If it still will not start, turn it off, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on.
• Reach Settings if you can, then check for updates under About ChromeOS.
• Back up files you can access before recovering. See back up Chromebook files.

What recovery does to your Chromebook

Recovery installs a clean copy of ChromeOS from a USB drive. Google's documentation states that recovery permanently erases everything on your Chromebook's hard drive, including downloaded files. If you can still start the Chromebook, back up files first. Files already saved to Google Drive are usually synced, but confirm on another device before you assume they are safe. See manage Google Drive storage for what is stored in the cloud.

Recovery is different from a Powerwash. A Powerwash resets the Chromebook to its factory condition and removes local data, but it does not replace ChromeOS from external media. If the device can reach Settings, a Powerwash can clear up software problems without a USB drive. For the key differences, see Powerwash vs recovery.

How to create a recovery USB drive

The standard fix is to create a recovery USB drive on another computer. You need a spare USB drive with enough room for the ChromeOS image, plus Google's ChromeOS Recovery tool. The tool downloads the recovery image for your Chromebook model and writes it to the drive. Do not use a drive that you need for anything else, because the recovery process rewrites it. Full step-by-step instructions are in create a Chromebook recovery USB.

Choosing the correct model matters. If the wrong recovery image is written to the drive, the Chromebook can show the same missing or damaged message. The recovery tool asks you to identify the device before it starts the download. If the recovery screen will not respond to your keyboard, see Chromebook recovery mode not working.

Recover the Chromebook and finish setup

With the recovery USB drive ready, put the Chromebook into recovery mode, connect the drive, and follow the on-screen prompts. The recovery image is written to internal storage, so give the process time. Keep the Chromebook plugged into power and do not remove the USB drive until the write finishes.

After recovery, the Chromebook restarts into first-time setup. Sign in with your Google Account so synced settings, extensions, and Google Drive files can return. If you made a manual backup before recovery, restore those files after setup. Our first-time setup guide explains what to expect.

Once setup is complete, check for updates in Settings under About ChromeOS to confirm that the recovered system is current. The recovered image may be older than the latest version, and the Chromebook normally downloads the newest ChromeOS once it is connected to the internet.

If the error comes back after recovery

A successful recovery should let the Chromebook start normally. If the message returns, try again with a different USB drive and download the recovery image again. A damaged USB drive is one of the common causes of a repeated failure.

Repeated failures can also point to failing internal storage. If the Chromebook is under warranty, contact the manufacturer for service. If the device is old, the cost of repair may be hard to justify. Read Chromebook warranty and repairs and compare your options with refurbished vs new Chromebooks.

Google states that ChromeOS devices receive 10 years of updates, and the update schedule for each platform is published after release. Older Chromebooks eventually stop receiving new software updates when the hardware can no longer support the latest versions. Even after that point, the Chromebook still runs a startup security check, but a device that repeatedly loses ChromeOS is probably ready for replacement. A current Chromebook Plus model is a useful reference: Google positions those models with 8GB or more of RAM and 128GB or more of storage. See Chromebook Plus models and Core-powered Chromebooks for buying ideas.

What to pick for your use

Questions

What does 'ChromeOS is missing or damaged' mean?

It means the startup check could not find or verify ChromeOS on the internal drive. ChromeOS checks the system at every startup and normally repairs itself if it detects corruption. When that repair is not possible, the device shows the recovery message.

Will recovery delete my files?

Yes. Google's documentation says recovery permanently erases everything on your Chromebook's hard drive, including downloaded files. If you can still start the Chromebook, back up files first. Files synced to Google Drive are usually safe.

Can a Powerwash fix the missing or damaged error?

A Powerwash resets the Chromebook to factory settings and removes local data, but it does not replace ChromeOS from a USB drive. It is worth trying if the device can reach Settings. If the OS will not start, use recovery instead.

Do I need another computer to create a recovery USB drive?

Yes. You normally create the recovery USB drive on a separate computer with the ChromeOS Recovery tool. The full process is covered in the recovery USB guide on this site.

How long does Chromebook recovery take?

Time varies. The recovery image must download and then be written to internal storage. Keep the Chromebook plugged into power and leave the USB drive connected until the process completes.

Why does my Chromebook keep showing this error after recovery?

Try a different USB drive and download the recovery image again. If the error still returns, the internal storage may be failing. Contact the manufacturer if the device is under warranty, and consider replacing a model that is past its update window.