How to Powerwash and Factory Reset a Chromebook

What Powerwash does

Powerwash is the built-in factory reset tool in ChromeOS. It erases all local user data, including downloaded files, saved passwords, browser history, Android app data, and Linux container files, then restores ChromeOS to its original out-of-box state. Your Google Account data and anything stored in the cloud remains intact after you sign in again.

Powerwash does not remove the operating system itself. It only clears user profiles and settings. If the system software is damaged or missing, or the device will not start, you need the recovery method described later instead.

Before you reset: back up your files

Powerwash deletes everything stored on the internal drive. Before you start, copy important files to Google Drive, an external USB drive, or a cloud service like Dropbox. Files stored only in the local Downloads folder will be lost.

If you use Linux on your Chromebook, back up your Linux files and apps separately. The Linux container is removed during Powerwash, so any projects, tools, or configuration inside it will disappear. Google's official Chromebook help pages describe how to back up and restore Linux files. For advice on managing Linux and Android apps after a reset, review our app support guide.

If your Chromebook is managed by a school or business, the administrator may block you from resetting the device. Check with your IT department before attempting Powerwash. Managed devices may also have policies that force auto-re-enrollment after a reset.

• Save documents, photos, and downloads to Google Drive or an external drive.
• Export browser bookmarks or rely on Google sync to restore them.
• Note any Android or Linux apps you want to reinstall after the reset.

How to Powerwash a Chromebook

Follow these steps to reset your Chromebook. The entire process takes about 5 to 10 minutes, not counting the time you spend backing up.

Open the Settings app by clicking the clock in the lower-right corner, then the gear icon. Go to Advanced > Reset settings, then click Reset under the Powerwash heading. Confirm that you understand the data loss, then click Restart. The Chromebook will restart and begin the reset process.

If the Chromebook is not responding or you cannot reach the Settings menu, use the keyboard method instead. Turn off the Chromebook, then press and hold Esc + Refresh (F3) and tap the Power button. Keep holding Esc and Refresh until the recovery screen appears, then choose Powerwash. This method does not require you to sign in first.

• Open Settings > Advanced > Reset settings.
• Click Reset and confirm your choice.
• Wait for the Chromebook to restart and re-run the setup flow.

When to use recovery instead

Powerwash is the right choice when you can still boot into ChromeOS and the system is working normally. But if the Chromebook shows a "ChromeOS is missing or damaged" error, will not start at all, or you recently installed a custom firmware, Powerwash will not fix the problem. In these cases, you need the recovery method.

The recovery method reinstalls ChromeOS from a USB recovery image. It permanently erases everything on the internal drive, including the operating system itself before reinstalling it. Google's help pages explicitly warn that recovery erases all data on the hard drive, so back up before you begin.

To create a recovery USB, you need another computer and a USB drive with at least 8GB of space. Download the Chromebook Recovery Utility extension in the Chrome browser, select your Chromebook model, and follow the on-screen instructions to write the image. Then insert the USB into the Chromebook, enter recovery mode (Esc + Refresh + Power), and choose the USB device to start the reinstall.

What to do after a Powerwash

Once the reset finishes, your Chromebook will display the welcome screen. Sign in with the same Google Account you used before, and ChromeOS will reconnect to your cloud data and reinstall any apps that were tied to your account.

Linux is off by default. To turn it on, go to Settings > About ChromeOS > Developers, then next to Linux development environment select Set up. The setup process can take 10 minutes or more, and you will need to reinstall any Linux packages and tools.

Check your Chromebook's update support status while you are in Settings > About ChromeOS. Most models released after 2021 receive automatic updates for 10 years from the platform release date, according to Google's Auto Update policy. If your model is past its end of life, a Powerwash will not bring back security updates, and you may want to consider a newer model with current hardware.

If Powerwash doesn't fix the problem

A factory reset clears software issues, but it will not repair hardware failures such as a dead battery, broken screen, or failed storage. If the Chromebook still misbehaves immediately after a successful Powerwash, the hardware is likely the cause.

Before you shop for a replacement, consider whether the current model still receives software updates. Google's Auto Update policy lists the end-of-life date for each Chromebook model. Once support ends, the device will not get security fixes or new features, so replacing it is the safer option.

If you decide to buy a new Chromebook, review our 2-in-1 options and 15-inch displays to match your needs. A new model with more RAM and storage will also give you a better experience with Android and Linux apps.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Does Powerwash delete my Google Account?

Powerwash removes the local profile from the device, but your Google Account itself remains active. After the reset, you can sign in again and your cloud data, email, and Drive files will still be there.

Will Powerwash remove Linux and Android apps?

Yes. Powerwash deletes the Linux container and all installed Android apps. Your Google Account backups may restore some Android app data, but Linux projects and settings are gone unless you back them up beforehand.

How long does a Powerwash take?

The reset itself usually completes in 5 to 10 minutes. The larger time investment is backing up your files and later reinstalling apps and reconfiguring Linux, which can take an hour or more depending on your setup.

Can I Powerwash without a password?

If you are locked out, you can enter recovery mode by pressing and holding Esc + Refresh + Power. From the recovery screen, choose Powerwash. You may still be asked to confirm that you are the device owner.

What is the difference between Powerwash and recovery mode?

Powerwash resets user data and settings while keeping the installed operating system. Recovery mode completely reinstalls ChromeOS from a USB image, which also erases the system partition and fixes corrupted system files. You can use recovery when the device shows an OS error.

Will a Powerwash stop my Chromebook from receiving updates?

No. Powerwash does not change the device's update eligibility. Models still within their auto-update support window will continue to receive updates automatically. Check Settings > About ChromeOS > Additional details to see the exact end date.