Resetting (re-imaging) A Chromebook

Keywords: Chromebook, reset, re-image, resetting

Aliases: Powerwash, Wipe, Clear

With Chromebook Turned Off (Preferred Method)

1. Press and hold Esc + Refresh ↺ and tap the Power button

2. Hold Esc + Refresh ↺ until the screen goes white and you see a message saying 'Please insert a recovery USB stick or SD card'

3. Press Ctrl + D

4. Press Enter

5. At the 'OS verification is off' screen, press Enter, then the Spacebar

6. The Chromebook will then reboot itself

7. Proceed through the steps that are presented until you see the Peninsula login screen again

With Chromebook Turned On

1. Sign out of your Chromebook
2. Press and hold Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R
3. In the box that appears, select Powerwash
4. The Chromebook will then reboot itself
5. Proceed through the steps that are presented until you see the Peninsula login screen again

Following the reset, you should check to see if the Chromebook requires a new update.

Check for updates

After logging in, click the box with you clock and wifi icons on the bottom right of the screen.
Click Settings
Click Menu About Chrome OS.
Under "Google Chrome OS," click Check for Updates.
If your Chromebook finds a software update, it will start to download automatically.
When updates are ready, restart when prompted.

For New Dell 3110 Chromebooks

1. Press and hold Esc + Refresh ↺ and tap the Power button for the "Let's step through the recovery process" screen

2. Down arrow to "Advanced options" and enter

3. Select "Enable developer mode"

4. Select "Confirm" at the "You are attempting to enable developer mode" screen.

5. Select "Confirm" again and Confirm returning to secure mode.

6. The Chromebook will then reboot itself

7. Proceed through the steps that are presented until you see the Peninsula login screen again