ChromeOS 131 Makes It Easier to Reset Your Chromebook (Without Erasing All Your Data)
With the latest ChromeOS 131 update, Google is introducing a new feature called Secure Reset which, as the name suggests, will allow you to reset your Chromebook to a stable state. This option is for when you need to get rid of unwanted pop-ups or when you have problems with your network connection, for example.
Prior to this new update, Chromebook users who wanted to reset their device needed to perform a Powerwash, which would restore the Chromebook to factory defaults and erase all user data. Ideally, this can be used when selling or giving away the Chromebook to someone else.
However, if you don’t want to wipe all your data, this new secure reset option in ChromeOS 131 may be a better option. Using a secure reset will reset Chrome settings and Chrome shortcuts, disable extensions, and delete cookies and other temporary site data. User data such as bookmarks, history, and saved passwords will not be affected when using secure reset.
You can find the Secure Reset option under Settings > Security & Privacy . It can also be accessed using the keyboard shortcut CTRL + Shift + Search + R.
Besides the secure reset, ChromeOS 131 has several other new features, including a new design for quick replies, which is the GenAI-powered reading assistant in ChromeOS, as well as a new accessibility feature that will flash on the screen when there is a new notification. appears.
ChromeOS 131 will be released in the coming days; Chromebook users should see it on their devices soon.