While selling your old Chromebook to a stranger or giving it to the kids, it is necessary to clear out all the data for security purposes. Now the good thing about Chromebook is that it doesn’t take much effort and time to clear out its data. Just like factory resetting a smartphone, users can factory reset their Chromebook as well, and it’s pretty simple. So here’s the guide to factory reset the Chromebook.
What Is Powerwash, and the Right Time to Do It
Setting up the Chromebook in factory reset condition is Powerwash. Wiping out complete apps and data turns the Chromebook into a new one. It comes into use when a user is willing to wipe Chromebook for selling. If a user is facing trouble and reboot doesn’t solve it, then powerwash is a reliable option to choose. Even if the Chromebook’s system corrupts, the recovery process powerwash the device and sets the device back to working condition.
Most of the Chromebook users don’t keep their data locally in Chromebook and prefer to use Google Drive. But still, there are a few things that Chromebook doesn’t automatically backup. Users must double-check their Chromebook’s local drive and make sure to back up the data before Powerwash.
Play Files: In Chromebook, users can download the apps from Play Store, and some of the apps save media files locally in folders like the digital sketch, edited photos, or local MP3s. Downloading the media files for the first time will show its download path. So make sure to drag all those files in Google Drive, and wait at least 30 minutes to let the files sync properly before powerwash.
Downloads: The Download folder is a common folder that has all downloaded files and apps in the Files app. So users will have to pick every file from this folder and drag it in Google Drive before wiping the Chromebook.
How to Powerwash a Chromebook
- Click on the time and battery icon on the bottom right corner of the display.
- Now tap on the Settings icon to open settings.
- Slide down to the bottom and click on the Advanced tab.
- Now slide down and click on Reset over the Powerwash column.
- A small pop display will appear that will tell the user to reboot the Chromebook before the powerwash process. Click Restart.
- Now Chromebook will begin to reboot and will ask the final time to delete all the local data. Press Confirm, and Chromebook will enter the factory reset process.
The factory reset process will wipe out the data and restart the Chromebook itself. All personal stored data in Chromebook will be removed, and the device will appear just like a new one.
Conclusion
The process of wiping Chromebook’s data is pretty simple, but before entering the process, users must remember a few major things. Personal data is really important for everyone, so make sure to drag every file in Google Drive before powerwash. Once dragged the files in Google Chrome, wait for at least 30 minutes to let the files upload to the cloud. If the size of the files is big, then it can take some extra time. So powerwash the Chromebook when the backup is done.
