Warning: ChromeOS recovery permanently erases the Chromebook’s local drive, including downloaded files. Back up anything you can still access before continuing. Recovery removes and reinstalls ChromeOS; if the Chromebook is still usable, restart it first and consider a factory reset if the problem persists.
When to use a USB recovery drive
Use recovery if the Chromebook displays “ChromeOS is missing or damaged,” if serious problems continue after other troubleshooting, or if Chromebook Help recommends it. Google distinguishes recovery from a factory reset: recovery reinstalls ChromeOS and erases the local drive. If you can still sign in, restart first; if that does not solve the problem, Google suggests a factory reset before recovery. See Google’s Recover your Chromebook guide.
Some newer supported Chromebooks offer recovery over an internet connection. If that option does not appear, or the Chromebook has no internet access, use a USB recovery drive. Google notes that recovery may no longer be supported on some older Chromebooks, so check the options shown on your device.
What you need
- The affected Chromebook.
- A separate Chromebook or a Windows or Mac computer with Chrome installed.
- An erasable USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of capacity, as specified in Google’s consumer recovery guide. Creating recovery media erases the drive, so use one without files you need. Google’s separate Enterprise and Education quick-start says 4 GB or larger USB 2.0 drives; it does not explain the difference. For this consumer procedure, follow the dedicated guide’s 8 GB minimum.
Some USB drives may not work reliably with recovery, so meeting the capacity requirement does not guarantee success. For a work- or school-managed Chromebook, contact the administrator before proceeding.
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Prepare the USB recovery drive
- On the separate computer, install Chrome if needed, then install and open the Chromebook Recovery Utility.
- Select Get started.
- Select the affected Chromebook’s model from the list, or enter its model number. Google says the model number appears at the bottom of the Chromebook’s error message.
- Insert the USB flash drive, select it in the utility, and choose Continue, then Create now.
- When the utility says the recovery media is ready, remove the USB drive.
Start the Chromebook in recovery mode
Disconnect accessories and external storage from the affected Chromebook before starting. The key sequence varies by device type and, on some models, by model.
Most Chromebooks
- Hold Esc + Refresh.
- While holding those keys, press Power.
- Release Power, then release the other keys when the recovery message appears.
Some Chromebook models use Esc + Maximize instead of Esc + Refresh.
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Chromeboxes and Chromebits
Use the device’s recovery button. You may need a paper clip or similar object to press it.
Chromebook tablets
Hold Volume Up, Volume Down, and Power together for at least 10 seconds.
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Recover ChromeOS from the USB drive
- With the Chromebook in recovery mode, choose Recover using external disk.
- Insert the recovery USB drive if prompted, then follow the on-screen instructions.
- Allow the process to finish. Recovery removes the existing ChromeOS installation and local files.
If the device offers internet recovery, you can use that instead of USB recovery. If you need to switch methods after starting, Google says to restart the recovery key sequence with Esc + Refresh and Power, then select the available method.
Fix common recovery errors
“An unexpected error has occurred”
Erase the USB storage device and recreate the recovery media, or try another USB flash drive. Google warns that some drives do not work well with recovery.
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- What You Get: 1 x 128GB USB Flash Drive Thumb Drive, All of usb drives have been rigorously tested and formatted before leaving the factory; The default format of the USB stick is exFAT
“Please remove all connected devices and start recovery”
Disconnect accessories such as a mouse or external hard drive, then re-enter recovery mode and try again.
“The device you inserted doesn’t contain ChromeOS”
Confirm that you inserted the USB drive created with the Chromebook Recovery Utility. If it is the correct drive, erase it and retry or create the media on another USB drive.
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Security-module error or recovery still fails
For a security-module error, Google directs users to the Chromebook Help forum and, if necessary, the manufacturer for repair. If recovery continues to fail for another reason, contact the Chromebook manufacturer. Users of managed devices should contact their administrator.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Erase and reuse the recovery USB drive
After recovery, use the Chromebook Recovery Utility’s erase option to remove the recovery media and make the USB drive available for other files. Erasing the recovery media removes its contents; do not assume files that were on the drive before it was created will still be there.
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