Quick Answer
Powerwash is ChromeOS’s built-in factory reset. It erases all local data, accounts, downloads, and settings, then reinstalls a clean copy of ChromeOS. Go to Settings > Advanced > Reset settings > Powerwash, or press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+R at the sign-in screen. It takes about 10-15 minutes and requires you to sign back in with a Google account afterward.
When You Might Need This
Powerwash is the last resort for problems that survive a restart, cache clear, or account removal: a Chromebook that’s become unusably slow, a system that’s misbehaving after a bad extension or policy change, or a device you’re about to sell, return, or hand off to someone else. It’s also the standard fix Google support asks for before escalating a hardware claim.
Fix Steps
Step 1: Back up anything you need
Powerwash deletes all local files in the Downloads folder. Anything saved in Google Drive is untouched since it lives in the cloud, but move local files there first, or to a USB drive, before starting.
Step 2: Sign out of your account
Powerwash only appears as an option after you sign out, or it can be launched directly from the sign-in screen with a keyboard shortcut.
Step 3: Start Powerwash from Settings
If you’re signed in, open Settings, click Advanced in the left sidebar, then Reset settings, then Powerwash, and confirm Restart.
Step 4: Or use the keyboard shortcut from the sign-in screen
At the login screen, press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+R, then click Restart in the dialog that appears. This works even if you can’t sign in at all, which makes it useful for a Chromebook that’s stuck or misbehaving before login.
Step 5: Complete setup as if it’s a new device
After the reset finishes, the Chromebook boots into the same out-of-box setup screen you saw on day one. Connect to Wi-Fi and sign in with a Google account to finish.
Still Not Fixed?
If problems persist immediately after a Powerwash, with no extensions or accounts added back yet, the issue is likely hardware rather than software. At that point, a full recovery reinstall is worth trying before assuming it’s a component failure.
FAQ
Does Powerwash delete Google Drive files?
No. Powerwash only erases local storage on the device itself. Files saved to Drive remain in your Google account and redownload once you sign back in.
Will Powerwash remove a school or work management policy?
No. If the device is enrolled in a Google Admin domain, it will re-enroll and re-apply those policies automatically after setup, since enrollment is tied to the device’s hardware ID, not local data.
How long does a Powerwash take?
Usually 10-15 minutes total, including the restart and setup wizard, though it can take longer on older or slower models.
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