Forgot your Chromebook password? Don't panic! While having your password is ideal, you can still factory reset your Chromebook and regain access. This process, also known as a Powerwash, wipes all local data, returning it to its original, out-of-the-box state.
Here's the key: a Powerwash doesn't require your old password. You'll need to perform a hard reset using a specific key combination. First, turn off your Chromebook. Then, press and hold the 'Refresh' key (the circular arrow) and the 'Power' button simultaneously. Keep holding them until the Chromebook starts up.
When the Chromebook restarts, you'll see an on-screen prompt to recover. Follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the factory reset. This will wipe all local data, including downloaded files and installed apps. After the reset, you'll be prompted to sign in with a Google account. You can use your original Google account or create a new one.
Remember, this process deletes everything locally. If you had important files stored only on your Chromebook (not in Google Drive or another cloud service), they will be lost. Consider preventative steps like setting up recovery options or regularly backing up important data to avoid future lockouts.
