It’s a great feeling to upgrade to a new computer, and it’s even better to pass your old device on to a friend or family member who can get more use out of it. Chromebooks are fantastic for their simplicity and seamless connection to your Google Account. But that same convenience means you must properly wipe the device before it leaves your hands.
Think about it: your Chromebook is directly tied to your digital identity. It’s an extension of your Google Account, which likely holds your saved passwords, browsing history, bookmarks, and a huge amount of personal data. If you simply log out and give the device away, you’re taking a huge risk. The new user could potentially access remnants of your information or, in the worst-case scenario, have an easier path to your entire account.
This is why you need to perform a Powerwash—Chrome OS’s official term for a factory reset.
The Data That Needs a Reset
A Chromebook doesn’t store as much information on its local drive as a traditional laptop, but it still holds crucial data you don’t want to hand over. A “Powerwash” is a complete reset that wipes everything clean, including:
- All user accounts, including your own.
- Your browsing history and saved passwords.
- Bookmarks and any extensions you’ve installed.
- All downloaded files and data.
- All app data from the device.
By using this feature, you’re not just deleting a few files; you’re returning the device to its “out-of-the-box” state, as if you just bought it. This gives the new owner a clean, secure slate to start from.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Clean Slate
Ready to get your Chromebook ready for its new home? The process is simple and only takes a few minutes.
- Back Up Your Files: First and foremost, make sure you back up any important files you have stored locally on the Chromebook to Google Drive or an external storage device. A Powerwash will erase everything.
- Go to Settings: Click the status area in the bottom-right corner of your screen (where your Wi-Fi and battery icons are) and then click the “Settings” icon.
- Navigate to Reset Settings: Scroll down to the bottom of the Settings page. Select the section labeled “Advanced”.
- Find the Powerwash Button: In the “Reset settings” section, you’ll see the “Powerwash” option. Press the “Reset” button to get started.
- Confirm and Reset: Your Chromebook will prompt you one last time to confirm that you want to reset the device. Once you confirm, the Powerwash will begin and your Chromebook will be wiped clean.
Taking a few minutes to Powerwash your Chromebook is a simple but powerful security measure. It gives you peace of mind knowing that your personal information is no longer on the device, and it gives the new owner a truly fresh start. It’s a mandatory step for anyone who wants to pass on a device securely.
