To create a Chromebook recovery USB, use Chromebook Recovery Utility on another Chromebook or on a Windows or Mac computer with Chrome. You’ll need a USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of storage; creating the recovery media erases the drive. Then start the affected Chromebook in recovery mode and choose the external disk option. Google’s recovery instructions cover the process.
Before you make recovery media
Recovery removes and reinstalls ChromeOS, and it permanently erases files stored on the Chromebook’s internal drive, including downloads. Back up anything you can access before continuing. The USB drive you use to create the recovery media will also be erased, so back up its contents or choose an empty drive. Google Chromebook Help recommends restarting a Chromebook that still works, then trying a factory reset before recovery.
Recovery is intended for cases such as a “ChromeOS is missing or damaged” message, unresolved problems, or a recommendation from support. Some newer Chromebooks may offer recovery over the internet; older models may not have that option, and Google says recovery may not be possible on some older devices that are no longer supported. If your Chromebook is managed by a school or employer, ask its administrator for help.
What you need
- The Chromebook you need to recover.
- A second Chromebook, or a Windows or Mac computer with Chrome installed.
- A USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of storage that you can erase. Google does not require a particular brand or speed, and notes that some USB drives do not work well for recovery.
A Google community response says an SD card may work if the affected Chromebook has an SD card slot, but Google’s main recovery instructions specify a USB flash drive. Check support for your exact model before relying on an SD card: Google Chromebook Help Community.
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Create the recovery USB
- On the working computer, open Chromebook Recovery Utility. On a Windows or Mac computer, install Chrome if needed, then install and open the recovery utility.
- Select Get started.
- Choose Select a model from a list, or enter the model number of the Chromebook you are repairing. Google says the model number may appear at the bottom of the error screen.
- Select Continue.
- Insert the USB flash drive, select it in the utility, and choose Continue.
- Select Create now. Wait until the utility says the recovery media is ready, then remove the USB drive.
Choose the model of the Chromebook being repaired—not the computer used to prepare the drive. The selected USB’s contents are erased during creation.
Run recovery on the Chromebook
- Disconnect accessories such as a mouse or external hard drive from the affected Chromebook.
- Enter recovery mode using the sequence for your device:
- Most Chromebooks: Hold Esc + Refresh, press Power, release Power, then release the other keys when the recovery message appears.
- Some Chromebook models: Hold Esc + Maximize, press Power, and follow the on-screen prompt.
- Chromebook tablets: Hold Volume Up + Volume Down + Power for at least 10 seconds, then release.
- Chromebox and Chromebit: Use Google’s documented recovery-button sequence; it may require a paper clip or similar object.
When prompted, select Recover using external disk and follow the on-screen instructions. The device will reinstall ChromeOS, erasing its local data.
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Choose between USB and internet recovery
Internet recovery may be available on newer Chromebooks, but availability depends on the model. Use it if the recovery screen offers it and you have a working internet connection. If it is not offered, or you cannot use the internet recovery option, prepare a USB drive using the steps above. Google also documents a Linux-script method for creating recovery media in its recovery guide.
Fix common recovery USB problems
The recovery utility reports an error
Erase the USB storage device and try creating the media again. If that fails, try a different flash drive; Google notes that some drives do not work well for recovery.
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The Chromebook says the device does not contain ChromeOS
Check that you inserted the same drive used to create the recovery media. If it is the correct drive, erase it and retry, or create the media on a different USB flash drive.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Erase recovery media when you want to reuse the USB
After recovery, the USB remains recovery media until you erase it. In Chromebook Recovery Utility, open its settings, choose Erase recovery media, select the correct drive, and confirm. This erases that USB’s contents. If you want to use it for ordinary files, format it with your computer’s operating-system formatting tool if necessary.
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