How to Recover and Reset the ChromeOS on a Dell Chromebook

Summary: The following article provides information about how to use the ChromeOS recovery tool. Step-by-Step instructions to recover and reset the ChromeOS on a Dell Chromebook.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Instructions

Table of Contents:

  1. The Chrome Operating System
  2. Resetting your Dell Chromebook
  3. Recovering your Dell Chromebook
  4. Troubleshooting Steps

The Chrome Operating System

The Google Chrome operating system powers Dell Chromebooks. It is based on Google's popular Chrome Browser. It has been developed to provide a fast, simple, and more secure computing experience for users who spend most of their time online.

The key benefits are:

Fast:

A custom BIOS boots in five seconds and resumes in less than one second

Simple:

It updates automatically in the background, and the user data stays in the cloud

Secure:

A file system and firmware that is verified against modifications at boot and during run time and the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) provides added protection

Resetting your Dell Chromebook

All local data that is stored on your Dell Chromebook can be cleared by resetting it to its original factory settings. This is also known as a PowerWash. This is of most use resolving user profile difficulties on your device. Most troubleshooting guides recommend trying a reset before attempting to recover a Chromebook.

Warning: Do not use this guide with a managed Chrome device. (It is not possible to re-enroll the device after PowerWashing it.)

  1. Sign out of the Chromebook:

    • Method One:

      1. Press and hold down the CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + R keys.

      2. Select Restart.

      3. Select Powerwash > Continue from the box that appears.

    • Method Two:

      1. Click the status area in the bottom right-hand side corner - where your account image appears.

        Chrome Status Area

      2. Select Settings and click Show Advanced settings at the bottom of the page.

        Chrome Status Area Opened

        Chrome Settings page

      3. Find the PowerWash section and click Restart.

        Powerwash button on the Settings Page

  2. In the window that opens, select Restart.

This takes it back to how it came fresh from the factory. Running through the setup again for the device is required.

Note: The sign in account used after resetting the Chromebook becomes the owner account.
Note: Once the device is set up, check the following link for further instructions. It explains how to ensure that the Chromebook is up to date with the most recent updates available. Learn: How to check for Chromebook Software Updates

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Recovering your Dell Chromebook

This means installing a new version of the ChromeOS on your Dell Chromebook by going through the recovery process. This is important after a major part replacement. (Motherboard or Storage Drive.) Alternatively, if there are problems updating the Chromebook or if it stops working.

Warning: All account information and data that is stored on the Chromebook, such as photos, downloaded files, and saved networks, are deleted. Owner privileges for the primary account are reset. The recovery process does not affect the Google Accounts and any data that is synced to those accounts. After the recovery process is completed, it guides through the initial setup again.
Note: Dell is not responsible for backing up the data, creating backup media and reloading the operating system. Dell is not responsible for the data on the Chromebook and keeping any backups and media up to date.

Is there a ChromeOS is missing or damaged message? If so, try a hard reset of the Chromebook first. Hold Down Refresh + Power together. If the message continues, carry on with this guide.

Is there a ChromeOS verification is turned off message instead? Pressing Ctrl + D together enables entering developer mode. However, pressing the Space Bar instead - the screen asks to recover the device.

Enter Recover Mode

  1. Disconnect any peripheral devices from the faulty Chromebook.

  2. Press down and hold the ESC + Refresh keys and press the power button.

  3. Release the power button.

Recover using the Internet

  1. Select Recover using Internet connection.

  2. The on-screen instructions go through the recovery process.

  3. The Chromebook restarts to complete the recovery process.

Switch to the following method if the device does not have the Internet recovery option or there is no access to an Internet connection.

Recover using external removable media

Note:

Requirements:

  • A Chrome device with Administrator rights or a Windows, Mac, or Linux device with Administrator privileges
  • An 8 GB or larger USB flash drive card that can be wiped, and that works on the faulty Chromebook
Create a Recovery USB flash drive
Note: When recovering your Chromebook, ensure that a recovery flash drive is created for the correct model. The recovery tool can be created on a Chrome, Windows, Mac, or Linux device. (Previously this was a tool like Image Burner)
Note: Access to a working laptop or desktop is required to recover the Chromebook.
Create a recovery drive in ChromeOS
Note: When creating a recovery flash drive, be aware the tool may not be available in all languages.
Note: Ensure that removable media is used on the working Chromebook device.

  1. On a working Chromebook, go to the Chrome Web Store and install the Chromebook Recovery Utility extension.

  2. Open the recovery extension:

    1. Click Extensions at the upper right corner of the browser.

    2. Click the Chromebook Recovery Utility extension. If the extension window does not automatically appear on your screen, ensure it is turned on.

  3. Click Get started.

  4. Click Select a model from a list. (Alternatively, type in the model number of the Chromebook to recover. The bottom of the error message on the faulty Chromebook screen gives the number.)

  5. Click Continue.

  6. Connect your USB flash drive to the laptop or desktop.

  7. In the dropdown menu, select the USB flash drive that is connected.

  8. Click Continue.

  9. Click Create now.

  10. Remove the USB flash drive from the laptop or desktop, When a message on-screen saying that the recovery media is ready.

Create a recovery drive in Windows
Note: When creating a recovery flash drive, be aware the tool may not be available in all languages.

  1. Install the Chrome Browser: (If it is not already installed on the laptop or desktop)

  2. Go to the Chrome Web Store and install the Chromebook Recovery Utility browser extension.

  3. Open the recovery extension:

    1. Click Extensions at the upper right corner of the browser.

    2. Click the Chromebook Recovery Utility extension. If the extension window does not automatically appear on your screen, ensure it is turned on.

  4. Click Get started.

  5. Click Select a model from a list. (Alternatively, type in the model number of the Chromebook to be recovered. The bottom of the error message on the faulty Chromebook screen gives the number.)

  6. Click Continue.

  7. Connect your USB flash drive to the laptop or desktop.

  8. In the dropdown menu, select the USB flash drive that is connected.

  9. Click Continue.

  10. Click Create now.

  11. Remove the USB flash drive from the laptop or desktop, when a message is on-screen saying that the recovery media is ready.

Create a recovery drive in Linux
Note: The tool may not be available in all languages when creating a recovery flash drive.

  1. Use the following link to download the recovery tool:

  2. Modify the script permissions to allow the file to run with the following terminal command:

    $ sudo chmod 755 linux_recovery.sh

  3. Run the script with root privileges using the following terminal command:

    $ sudo bash linux-recovery.sh

  4. Follow the prompts from the tool to complete building the recovery image.

Create a recovery drive in macOS
Note: When creating a recovery flash drive, be aware the tool may not be available in all languages.

  1. Install the Chrome Browser: (If it is not already installed on the Mac)

  2. Go to the Chrome Web Store and install the Chromebook Recovery Utility browser extension.

  3. Open the recovery extension:

    1. Click Extensions at the upper right corner of the browser.

    2. Click the Chromebook Recovery Utility extension. If the extension window does not automatically appear on your screen, ensure it is turned on.

  4. Click Get started.

  5. Click Select a model from a list. (Alternatively, type in the model number of the Chromebook to be recovered. The bottom of the error message on the faulty Chromebook screen gives the number.)

  6. Click Continue.

  7. Connect your USB flash drive to the Mac.

  8. In the dropdown menu, select the USB flash drive that is connected.

  9. Click Continue.

  10. Click Create now.

  11. Remove the USB flash drive from the Mac, when a message is on-screen saying that the recovery media is ready.

Reinstall the Chrome Operating System

  1. Ensure that the faulty Chromebook is in Recovery Mode.

  2. Insert the USB flash drive when the device displays either the ChromeOS is missing or damaged or insert the recovery USB stick on-screen message.

  3. Wait for the faulty Dell Chromebook to boot from the flash drive.

  4. Follow the on-screen instructions that appear.

  5. On successful installation of the ChromeOS, it prompts to remove the USB flash drive.

  6. Your Chromebook automatically restarts and boots.

Note: Because the data on the Chromebook has been cleared, the initial setup must be run again. Ensure to sign in to the Primary Google account if this is set as the Owner account.
Note: Before trying to reuse the USB Flash drive or Secure Digital (SD) Card, run it through the Recovery extension tool again. Select Erase Recovery Media and follow the on-screen instructions. Once it is complete, format the removable drive using the operating laptop or desktops formatting application.

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Troubleshooting Steps

The following table has some helpful tips on resolving any trouble seen while carrying out any of the steps above. Contact us to take this further if the faults continue.

Question Solution
I am unable to recover my Chromebook. It is recommended to create the recovery media with the latest version of ChromeOS. Avoid using recovery media that may contain an older version of the operating system. It helps to ensure that the latest version of ChromeOS is running once the Chromebook is recovered.
An error message - An unexpected error has occurred.

Try the following steps:

  1. Confirm that all instructions are completed exactly as specified in the Create a recovery USB flash drive or SD card section.
  2. Use the Erase the storage drive function and try creating the recovery drive again.
  3. Try using a different USB stick or SD card.
  4. If the problem persists, contact the Google Chrome support team.
An error message - The device inserted does not contain a ChromeOS.

Try the following steps:

  1. Confirm that all instructions are completed exactly as specified in the Create a recovery USB flash drive or SD card section.
  2. Use the Erase the storage drive function and try creating the recovery drive again.
  3. Try using a different USB stick or SD card.
  4. If the problem persists, contact the Google Chrome support team.
An error message - The security module on this device is not working.

Contact the Google Chrome support team.
An error message - The ChromeOS recovery image is out-of-date. Download an up-to-date recovery image. Follow all the instructions exactly as specified in the Create a recovery USB flash drive or SD card.
The Chromebook is successfully recovered, but now the USB or SD card cannot be used with Windows. After completing recovery, format the USB or SD card using the recovery tool.
The Chromebook is successfully recovered, but now Windows does not recognize the whole size of the USB or SD card that is used for recovery. After completing recovery, format the USB or SD card using the recovery tool.
Note: For more information about how to recover your Chromebook, go to Recover your Chromebook. This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies..

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Additional Information

Out of Warranty support Out of warranty? Browse to the Dell.com/support website and enter your Dell Service Tag and view our offers.

Note: Offers are only available for US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, China, and Japan personal computer customers. Servers and Storage products are not applicable.

Affected Products

Chromebox, Chromebook, Chromebook, Chromebook, Chromebook 11, Chromebook 3100 2-in-1., ChromeBook 3100, Chromebook 3110 2-in-1, Chromebook 3110, Chromebook 3120, Chromebook 11 3180, Chromebook 11 3189, Chromebook 5190 2-in-1, Chromebook 5190 , Chromebook 13 3380, Chromebook 7310, ChromeBook 3400, Dell Chromebook 11 CC11260, Dell Chromebox 3010, ChromeBox For Meetings, Inspiron Chromebook 11 3181, Inspiron Chromebook 11 3181 2-in-1, Inspiron Chromebook 7486, Latitude 5300 2-in-1 Chromebook, Latitude 3445 Chromebook, Latitude 5400 Chromebook, Latitude 5430 Chromebook, Latitude 7410 Chromebook ...
Article Properties
Article Number: 000132034
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 20 Feb 2026
Version:  13
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