A Powerwash is a Factory Reset for a chromebook. Performing a Powerwash will resolve most software issues and does not require the creation of Recovery Media.
You might want to reset your Chromebook if:
- You see the message "Reset this Chrome device"
- You're having problems with your user profile or settings
- You've tried restarting your Chromebook and it's still not working normally
- You want to change the owner of the Chromebook
Try these other steps first
- Turn off your Chrome extensions one at a time, checking each time if your Chromebook is working again. Learn how to turn off extensions
- Try resetting your Chromebook's hardware.
Backup your files and information
Powerwashing erases all the information on your Chromebook's hard drive, including your settings, apps, and files. Before you reset, make sure to:
- Sync your information and settings to your Google Account. Learn how to sync your information
- Back up your files on Google Drive or an external storage device. Learn how to back up your files
The factory reset won't delete any of your files on Google Drive or external hard drive.
Powerwash your Chromebook
- Turn off the Chromebook.
- Press Esc+
+Power.
A yellow exclamation point (!) or "Please insert a recovery USB stick" is displayed. - Press Ctrl+D to begin Developer mode, then press Enter.
- Press Space, then press Enter.
Note: Forced re-enrollment is enabled for the device, you'll see a note that Developer mode is blocked. This shortens the wipe process, and still allows for re-enrollment when the device automatically restarts in Verified mode. - When the transition completes, press the space bar, then press Enter to return to Verified mode.
- You will be required to enroll the chromebook the first time you go to use it.
- There is no step 7 :) Happy learning.