Factory reset wipes your Chromebook and removes the password requirement

A factory reset erases everything on your Chromebook — all files, accounts, and settings — and returns it to the state it came in. When you restart after a reset, the Chromebook will ask you to sign in with a Google account, but it will not ask for the old password. This is the most direct way forward if you have forgotten your password and cannot recover it through Google's account recovery process.

The reset itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will need to be at the Chromebook itself, not controlling it remotely. After the reset completes, you will lose access to any files stored only on that device — files saved to Google Drive or other cloud storage will still be there once you sign in with your Google account.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset removes the password and all local files, but does not affect files stored in Google Drive or other cloud accounts.
  • You can start a factory reset from the sign-in screen without knowing the password, using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Alt+Shift+R.
  • After reset, you will sign in with a Google account and create a new password if you choose to set one.
  • If the Chromebook is managed by a school or workplace, a factory reset may not work and you will need to contact that organization instead.

Starting a factory reset from the sign-in screen

If you are locked out and cannot sign in, you can begin the reset process directly from the sign-in screen. Press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+R all at once. A dialog box will appear asking whether you want to "Powerwash" the device — that is the Chromebook term for factory reset.

Click or tap Restart to confirm. The Chromebook will restart and begin erasing the drive. Do not turn off the device or close the lid during this process. The screen will show a progress indicator. When the reset finishes, the Chromebook will restart again and show the initial setup screen, as if it were brand new.

Resetting a Chromebook you can sign into

If you remember your password or have already signed in, you can also reset through the settings menu. Click the time in the bottom right corner, then click the gear icon to open Settings.

Scroll down and click Advanced on the left side. Then click Reset settings. A window will open with the option to Powerwash. Click that button, then click Restart to confirm. The same process follows: the device will erase and restart to the setup screen.

What happens after the reset completes

When your Chromebook restarts, it will show the language and network setup screens, just like a new device. You will be asked to sign in with a Google account. Use the Google account you want to use going forward — this can be the same account that was on the device before, or a different one.

After you sign in, the Chromebook will read your Google account settings, including any bookmarks and extensions you had saved to that account. Files you stored in Google Drive will be there. Files that were only on the local drive are gone and cannot be recovered.

You will have the option to set a new password for your Google account during setup, or you can skip that step and sign in without a password (using your phone or a security key instead, if you have set those up). The choice is yours.

When a factory reset will not work

If your Chromebook is managed by a school, workplace, or organization, a factory reset may be blocked. Managed Chromebooks have enrollment — a setting that ties the device to that organization's account. When you try to reset, you may see a message saying the device is managed and asking for an enrollment password.

If this happens, contact the school or organization that manages the device. They can remove the enrollment or provide the enrollment password. There is no way around this without their help — it is a security feature designed to prevent unauthorized access to school and work devices.

Recovering files before you reset

If you can sign in with a different account or use guest mode, you may be able to back up important files before resetting. Click the time in the bottom right, then click the gear icon. Go to Advanced and look for Files. Open the Files app and check whether any documents or photos are stored locally on the device.

If files are there and you can access them, you can copy them to a USB drive or email them to yourself. After the reset, you can retrieve them from the USB drive or your email. This step is optional — if you have no files to save or they are already backed up, you can proceed directly to the reset.

Protecting your new password after reset

Once you have signed in with your Google account after the reset, you will have a chance to set a new password. If you choose to set one, write it down somewhere safe — a physical notebook, a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, or a find note in your phone. Do not rely on your memory alone.

You can also set up alternative sign-in methods so you are not locked out again. Google offers phone sign-in (where you approve sign-in from your phone instead of typing a password), security keys (physical devices that unlock your account), and two-step verification (a code sent to your phone). Any of these can help you regain access if you forget your password in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my Google Drive files if I factory reset?

No. Google Drive files are stored in the cloud, not on your Chromebook. After you sign back in with your Google account, all your Drive files will be there. Only files stored directly on the Chromebook's local drive will be erased.

Can I factory reset a Chromebook that is not mine?

Technically yes, but you should not. A factory reset removes all data and accounts from the device. If the Chromebook belongs to someone else, they will lose access to their files and accounts. If it is a school or work device, resetting it may violate your organization's policies.

What if I forget my password again after the reset?

You can use Google's account recovery process to regain access. Go to the Google Account Recovery page, enter your email address, and follow the steps to verify your identity. You can also set up a recovery phone number or backup email address in your Google Account settings to make recovery faster next time.

Does factory reset remove viruses or malware?

Yes. A factory reset erases the entire drive, including any malicious software. However, if malware is on your Google account itself (not just the Chromebook), signing back in with that account may reinfect the device. If you suspect account compromise, change your Google password before signing back in.

How long does a factory reset take?

The reset process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. The time depends on how much data is on the drive and how fast your Chromebook's processor is. Do not interrupt the process — let it run to completion even if the screen appears frozen.