If you are someone who uses the chromebook, then you might know that the Chrome Os is extremely simple, as well as easy to use. Hence, a lot of people prefer using chromebooks. Another essential feature of the Chrome OS is that it is relatively affordable when compared to the other available options. But, in spite of these amazing features, there could be situations where you might wonder how to powerwash a chromebook. There is no doubt in the fact that the chromebooks are extremely convenient to use, and during most times, the users will not have to face any sort of complexities while using the Chrome OS. But still, sometimes the users might run into several stubborn issues. For instance, the system might freeze all of a sudden, and might take quite a long time to get back to normal. In order to fix such issues, performing a powerwash is indeed very important. By doing the powerwash, we will be restoring the vital features of the chromebook to its factory state. You might also wish to perform a powerwash when you are giving your device to a new owner. Carrying out the powerwash process will help you to ensure that all the personal information is removed before handing over the chromebook.
See how to powerwash a chromebook from chrome browser
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If you are looking forward to performing a powerwash through the Chrome browser, then the first thing that you have to do is to open the Chrome browser.
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After clicking on the chrome browser, the chrome window will open. Here, you need to click on the Menu button. If you are not sure where to find this button, then you must keep in mind that this button is represented by three dots that are vertically-aligned. The users will be able to locate this button on the upper right-side corner of the screen.
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After clicking on the button, the drop-down menu will appear. The drop-down menu will display several options, and the users will have to look for the Settings option. Once they find it, they need to click on this option.
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This will showcase the Settings interface of Chrome. Here, you need to scroll to the bottom, and then select Advanced.
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As the Advanced Settings open, you have to scroll down till you are able to locate the Reset settings. Once this section opens, you have to choose the Powerwash option.
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Once you do so, you will be able to see a message which states, Restart your device. Here, you have to simply click on the Restart option.
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This will restart your chromebook, and by now the Powerwash process will be finished. Thereafter, you need to sign in with your proper Google Account credentials.
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Then, simply follow the on-screen prompts in order to set up the Chromebook in a fresh manner.
Learn how to powerwash a chromebook from the login screen
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You can also accomplish this task from the login screen. In order to do so, you must press the keyboard shortcut, Shift+Ctrl+Alt+R, when you are on the Chrome OS login page. However, keep in mind that this shortcut must be used before authenticating.
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Once you do so, a new window will be appearing. This window will be labeled Reset this Chrome device, and here you need to click on the Restart option.
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After clicking on this option, the Chromebook will be restarted. Thereafter, as you come back to the login screen, you will be able to see a new version of this window. Here, you must click on the option Powerwash.
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As you click on it, a dialog box will appear asking you to confirm the action. So, you need to confirm the Powerwash, and then select Continue.
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Within a short period of time, the powerwash process will be completed, and you will be able to sign in using the Google account credentials.
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If you are facing any kind of difficulties, then you can simply try following the on-screen prompts. This will help you to set up the newly-restored Chromebook.
Points to be noted
Now that we know how to powerwash a chromebook using the chrome browser, as well as the login screen, let’s take a look at some important points that must be kept in mind while performing the Powerwash process.
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Now, as we all know, the majority of the Chrome OS files, as well as user-specific settings are normally stored in the cloud. This drive could be associated with the concerned Google Account. Sometimes, these files might also be stored in the server-side Google Drive repository. But in spite of this, you are going to lose some files that are locally stored. These files will be permanently deleted as you perform the Powerwash process.
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It must be noted that the files which are saved in the Chromebook’s local hard drive are mostly stored in the Downloads folder. The users must always back up the contents of this folder to an external device. They can also back up the contents to their Google Drive. So, make sure you are doing this before beginning a Powerwash.
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When you perform a Powerwash, you will be removing all the Google Accounts that have been previously used on that particular Chromebook. Along with that, you will also be removing different settings associated with those accounts. It is highly advisable that you store the usernames, and passwords of these accounts somewhere else. This will enable you to restore these accounts on the Chromebook, if you want.
Conclusion
We have seen how to powerwash a chromebook using two methods. In case you are using a school, or otherwise managed Chromebook, then it is highly recommended that you ask for the necessary permissions before Powerwashing the chromebook. It must be kept in mind that the School-owned Chromebooks, and business Chromebooks are usually set up in such a manner that they are able to re-enroll in the manager’s domain while they boot back up.Then, they will automatically connect to the Wi-Fi, once the Powerwash process is over.
