Recovering the Chromebook
Install a new version of the Chrome operating system on your Chromebook by going through the recovery process. You may want to go through this process if you are having problems updating your Chromebook or if it stops working.
NOTE All account information and data stored on your Chromebook, such as photos, downloaded files, and saved networks, will be deleted. Owner privileges for your primary account will also be reset. However, the actual Google Accounts and any data synced to these accounts are not affected by the recovery process. After the recovery process is complete, you will be guided through the initial setup again.
Prerequisites:
Before starting this process, you need the following:
- A Chrome device, Windows, Mac, or the Linux computer with administrative rights.
- A 4 GB or larger USB flash drive or SD card that you do not mind clearing.
Step 1- Check for the Chrome OS is missing or damaged message
If you see this message, you can first try to perform a hard reset on your Chromebook by pressing Refresh + Power. If you still see this message after performing a hard reset, please proceed to Step 2.
If you see the Chrome OS verification is turned off message, refer to Chrome OS verification is turned off section below.
Step 2- Create the recovery USB flash drive or SD card
Insert a USB flash drive or SD card into your computer and follow the instructions below
| Operating System | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Chrome Device Instructions | Create a recovery flash drive by using the Image Burner. The tool may not be available in all languages.
NOTE When recovering your Chromebook, make sure to create the recovery flash drive on the same model.
|
| Windows Instructions |
|
| Mac Instructions | Create a recovery flash drive by using the Recovery Tool. The tool may not be available in all languages.
After the process is complete, you might see an alert saying your USB drive or SD card is unreadable. If this fails, try removing and reinserting your USB drive or SD card. Your USB drive or SD card should now be ready to use for recovery. |
| Linux Instructions | Create a recovery flash drive by using the Recovery Tool. The tool may not be available in all languages.
|
Reinstall the Chrome Operating System
- Start your Chromebook.
- When the Chrome OS is missing or damaged screen appears, insert the USB flash drive or SD card you created into the USB port or SD card slot on your Chrome device
- Wait for the Chromebook to boot up from the flash drive
- Follow the instructions that appear on the screen.
- On successful installation of the Chrome operating system, you will be prompted to remove the USB flash drive or SD card.
- Remove the USB flash drive or SD card when prompted, and your Chromebook will automatically restart.
You should now be able to start your Chromebook as normal. Because the data stored on your Chromebook has been cleared, you will need to go through the initial setup again. Make sure you sign in with your primary Google Account, because this account will be set as the owner account.
Chrome OS verification is turned off Message
By default, Chromebooks are set to the normal user mode. If you've set the user mode to developer mode instead, you'll see a screen with the message "Chrome OS verification is turned off" when you start up. Use the developer mode if you want to test your own version of the Chrome operating system.
Press Ctrl+D to enter developer mode. If you press the space bar instead, you'll see a screen asking to recover your device.
Troubleshooting Tips
| Question | Solution |
|---|---|
| I am unable to recover my Chromebook | To help ensure that you are running the latest version of Chrome OS once you recover your Chromebook, we recommend creating the recovery media with the latest version of Chrome OS and avoid using recovery media that may contain an older version of the operating system. |
| An error message An unexpected error has occurred. | Try the following steps:
|
| An error message You are using an out-of-date Chrome OS recovery image. | You should download an up-to date recovery image. Simply follow all the instructions exactly as specified in Step 2 above. |
| You successfully recovered your Chromebook but now you can not use your USB or SD card with Windows | After you have completed recovery, you need to format your USB or SD card using the recovery tool. |
| You successfully recovered your Chromebook but now Windows does not recognize the whole size of the USB or SD card used for recover. | After you have completed recovery, you need to format your USB or SD card using the recovery tool. |