If your Pixelbook seems to be running slow or having other software issues, and you’ve attempted all other troubleshooting options, it may help to reset it.
Hard reset
Performing a hard reset can help resolve certain issues, like a slow-running device. Once you initiate the hard reset, your device will fully shut down before restarting. All programs will be closed, any unsaved data will be lost, and your operating system (OS) will go through the full startup process.
A hard reset will not remove your accounts or personal data from your device, although it is possible that some local files (or changes to those files) might be lost if not properly saved. See Related articles for more information on saving and backing up your information before proceeding.
Hard reset your device
- Turn off your device by holding down the Power
, or selecting the time in the bottom right and choosing Power
- Wait 1 minute.
- While pressing and holding the Refresh key
, tap the Power
, or selecting the time in the bottom right and choosing Power 
, tap the PowerFactory reset ("Powerwash")
Perform a factory reset when you want to make your device run like new again. For instance, you may want to factory reset if you are transferring ownership of the device to another person.
Performing a factory reset erases all the information on your device 's hard drive, and gives Chrome OS a fresh start. This will remove all accounts, settings, apps, personal information, and locally saved files, including all the files in your Downloads folder.
Before you reset, make sure to back up your files on Google Drive or an external hard drive. The factory reset won't delete any of your files on Google Drive or external storage device. For more information on saving files, see Related articles.
Note: If you're using your device at work or school, you can't reset it on your own. Ask your administrator to wipe the data on your device and re-enroll the device on your work or school network.
Before you factory reset your device
You might want to reset your device if:
- You see the message "Reset this Chrome device"
- You're having problems with your user profile or settings
- You've tried restarting your device and it's still not working normally
- You want to change the owner of the device. For more information on changing device owners, see Related articles.
- Turn off your Chrome extensions one at a time, checking each time if your device is working again. Learn how to turn off extensions.
- Try resetting your device's hardware. See Related articles for more information.
If neither of these steps fix the problem, continue to step 3.
Factory reset erases all the information on your device's hard drive, including your settings, apps, and files. Before you reset, make sure to:
- Sync your information and settings to your Google Account.
- Back up your files on Google Drive or an external storage device.
For more information on syncing account settings and backing up files, see Related articles.
The factory reset won't delete any of your files on Google Drive or external hard drive.
Factory reset your device
- Sign out of your device.
- Press and hold Ctrl + Alt + Shift + r.
- Select Restart.
- In the box that appears, select Powerwash
Continue.
- Follow the steps that appear and sign in with your Google Account.
Note: The account you sign in with after you reset your device will be the owner account. See Related articles for more information on finding the owner account - Once you've reset your device:
- Follow the onscreen instructions to set up your device
- Check whether the problem is fixed
Continue.Get more help
If you've reset your device, but it's still having problems, try these steps:
If your device is crashing or having other problems, you might be using an experimental version of the operating system (OS).
Check which channel you're using. If your device is using the beta or dev channel, try switching to a more stable channel. For more information on checking and switching channels, see Related articles.
If you're having serious problems with your device, you can remove and reinstall the Chrome operating system (OS). See Related articles for more information.