A factory reset can be a useful way to get your Chromebook back to a more functional state if something went wrong, like your profile or settings are messed up and a restart didn't fix the problem, or for providing security if you plan on selling your computer.
Sometimes, you might even see a message telling you to reset your Chromebook. Here's what you'll need to do to get it done:
How to factory reset a Chromebook computer
Before you get started, be aware that a factory reset will erase all of the information on your hard drive. That includes settings and apps as well as files.
So to make sure a factory reset is the right move, try restarting your computer, turning off your extensions, and resetting the hardware before moving on to a full factory reset.
Backing up your data is also a good idea, if possible, before moving forward. If you're still having issues after troubleshooting, here's how to do a factory reset:
1. Sign out of your account by clicking open the menu in the bottom-right corner of the screen and clicking "Sign Out."
2. Press "Ctrl" "Alt" "Shift" and "R" on your keyboard, and then select "Restart" — a box will appear on the screen.
3. Select "Powerwash" and then "Continue."
4. Follow the prompts and sign back into your account, then follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Chromebook again.
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