Resetting a school-issued chromebook back to factory settings can be necessary when you’re leaving the school or if your device is acting up. A factory reset erases all locally stored files and resets all settings, so it’s like having a brand new device again.
If you just need a quick answer: you can reset a school chromebook by entering developer mode, opening the chrome terminal, and running the command chromeos_factory_reset. But for more details, keep reading!
Back Up Your Personal Files
Before resetting your school Chromebook to factory settings, it is essential to back up your personal files to ensure that you don’t lose any important data. Here are a couple of ways to do this:
Copy files to external drive or cloud storage
One option is to copy your files to an external drive or cloud storage. This allows you to access your files from any device and ensures their safety. You can use popular cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to store your files securely.
Simply upload your files to the cloud storage platform of your choice, and they will be safely stored until you need them again.
Remove SD cards or other external media
If you have any SD cards or other external media connected to your Chromebook, it is important to remove them before resetting the device. This ensures that you don’t accidentally erase or lose any files stored on these external devices.
Take a moment to check all the ports on your Chromebook and detach any external media before proceeding with the reset.
By taking the time to back up your personal files, you can have peace of mind knowing that your important data is safe and secure, even after resetting your school Chromebook.
Enter Developer Mode
Access developer mode in device settings
In order to reset a school Chromebook to factory settings, you first need to enter developer mode. This will allow you to make changes to the system that are not typically available to regular users. To access developer mode, follow these steps:
- Turn on your Chromebook and sign in to your account.
- Click on the clock in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Select the gear icon to open the settings menu.
- Scroll down and click on “Advanced” to expand the options.
- Under the “System” section, click on “Developer mode”.
Note: Entering developer mode will erase all the data on your Chromebook, so make sure to back up any important files before proceeding.
Confirm you want to turn it on
Once you have accessed the developer mode in the device settings, you will be prompted to confirm that you want to turn it on. This is an important step, as it serves as a safety precaution to prevent accidental changes to the system.
When prompted to confirm, simply follow the on-screen instructions to proceed. Keep in mind that turning on developer mode may void any warranties or support agreements with the manufacturer, so proceed with caution.
Expert tip: If you’re unsure about entering developer mode or need assistance, it’s always a good idea to consult the official documentation provided by Google for your specific Chromebook model. You can find detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips on the Google Chromebook Support website.
Open the Chrome Terminal
To reset a school Chromebook to factory settings, you will need to access the Chrome Terminal. The Terminal is a command line interface that allows you to execute various commands on your Chromebook. Here’s how you can open it:
Press Ctrl+Alt+T
To open the Chrome Terminal, simply press the Ctrl, Alt, and T keys simultaneously on your keyboard. This keyboard shortcut will bring up a new tab in your Chrome browser, specifically for the Terminal.
It’s important to note that this shortcut works only when you are on the desktop or in a Chrome browser window.
Type ‘shell’ and hit Enter
Once you have the Chrome Terminal open, you will see a command prompt. To continue with the factory reset process, type the word ‘shell’ (without the quotes) and hit Enter on your keyboard. This command will switch you from the default Chrome OS shell to the Linux shell, giving you access to additional commands and functionalities.
If you are not familiar with using the command line interface, don’t worry! The process is straightforward, and you’ll be guided through each step. However, it’s always a good idea to follow instructions carefully to avoid any potential issues or data loss.
Run the Factory Reset Command
If you need to reset your school Chromebook to its factory settings, you can do so by running a simple command. To begin, make sure you are logged in to your Chromebook with your school account. Then, follow these steps:
Type ‘chromeos_factory_reset’
Open a new tab in your Chrome browser and type ‘chromeos_factory_reset’ into the address bar. Hit Enter or Return on your keyboard. This will launch the factory reset command.
Confirm reset when prompted
Once you enter the command, a prompt will appear asking you to confirm the reset. This is an important step, as the reset will erase all data on your Chromebook and restore it to its original state. Make sure you have backed up any important files or documents before proceeding.
To confirm the reset, simply click on the “Reset” or “Confirm” button.
It’s worth noting that the factory reset process may take some time to complete. Your Chromebook will restart and go through a series of steps to restore itself to factory settings. Once the process is finished, you will be prompted to set up your Chromebook as if it were brand new.
For more detailed instructions on how to reset a school Chromebook, you can visit the official Chromebook support page at https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/183084?hl=en.
Reboot Back to Normal Mode
Resetting a school Chromebook to factory settings can help resolve various issues and ensure that it is running smoothly. Here are the steps to reboot your Chromebook back to normal mode:
Wait for reset to complete
Once you initiate the reset process, your Chromebook will start erasing all the data and settings. This may take a few minutes, so be patient and allow the process to complete. It’s important not to interrupt the reset, as it could lead to data corruption or other issues.
Reboot and exit developer mode
After the reset is complete, you will need to reboot your Chromebook. Simply click on the power button and select the “Restart” option. Once the Chromebook restarts, it will prompt you to exit developer mode.
To exit developer mode, you will need to press a specific key combination. This combination may vary depending on the model of your Chromebook. It’s best to consult the manufacturer’s website or user manual for the exact key combination.
Alternatively, you can search online for your specific Chromebook model and “exit developer mode” to find the necessary steps.
Exiting developer mode will ensure that your Chromebook is back to its default settings and is no longer in a mode that allows for advanced customization or debugging.
Remember to back up any important data before resetting your Chromebook, as the process will erase all your files and settings. It’s always a good idea to regularly back up your data to avoid any potential loss.
By following these steps, you can easily reset your school Chromebook to factory settings and get it back to its original state.
Conclusion
Resetting a school chromebook to factory settings ensures none of your personal data remains on the device. Just be sure to back up your files first! With a few steps in developer mode and the chrome terminal, you can wipe the chromebook completely clean before turning it back in to your school.
Doing a factory reset is like getting a brand new chromebook again. Just follow the steps outlined here when you’re ready to reset your school chromebook.
