How to Powerwash Your Chromebook: A Simple Guide for Beginners

It's not what you think - we're not hosing laptops down with power washers here! 

If your Chromebook is running slow, acting glitchy, strangely, or you just want to reset it to factory settings, performing a Powerwash can help. A Powerwash is a built-in feature that completely resets your Chromebook, making it feel brand new again. It'll remove all settings, accounts and stored information taking your device back to how it was when you first opened the box.

This guide will walk you through the process step by step. >>

Why Powerwash Your Chromebook?

A Powerwash can fix several common issues, including:

  • Slow performance
  • Random glitches or errors
  • Problems with user accounts or settings
  • The need to remove personal data before selling or giving away your Chromebook

Important Note Before You Begin

Powerwashing your Chromebook erases everything on the device, including files, apps, and settings. However, anything stored in your Google Drive will remain safe. Before proceeding, back up important files by saving them to Google Drive or an external storage device.

How to Powerwash Your Chromebook

Follow these five simple steps to reset (Powerwash) your Chromebook:

1) Sign Out of Your Chromebook

  • Click on the time in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
  • Select Sign out from the menu.

2) Access the Reset Option

  • Press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R on your keyboard.
  • A box will appear on the screen. Click Restart.

3) Start the Powerwash Process

  • After your Chromebook restarts, you’ll see a new screen.
  • Click Powerwash, then select Continue.

4) Wait for the Reset to Complete

  • Your Chromebook will take a few minutes to erase everything and reset itself.
  • Once finished, it will restart and display the initial setup screen.

5) Set Up Your Chromebook Again

  • Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to Wi-Fi and sign in with your Google Account.
  • Your settings and apps will be restored from your account, if applicable.

Did it work for you?

Powerwashing your Chromebook is a great way to fix software issues and start fresh. It’s a simple process that can make your device run smoother and feel like new. Just remember to back up important files before you begin!

Have you tried Powerwashing your Chromebook? Let us know how it worked for you in the comments below!