DIY Tech Help

1. On your computer, open Chrome.

2. At the top right, click More(three vertical dots) > New Incognito Window.

3. A new window appears. In the top corner, check for the Incognito icon .

You can also use a keyboard shortcut to open an Incognito window:

• Windows, Linux, or Chrome OS: Press Ctrl + Shift + n.

• Mac: Press ⌘ + Shift + n.

You can switch between Incognito windows and regular Chrome windows. You'll only browse in private when you're using an Incognito window.

You can also choose to block third-party cookies when you open a new incognito window. Learn more about cookies.

To remove an app or extension from your Chromebook, follow the steps below.

Uninstall an app

1. In the corner of your screen, select the Launcher (circle in lower right corner) > and press the up arrow .

2. Right-click the app you want to remove.

   • Tip: Right-click the app you want to remove.

3. Select Uninstall or Remove from Chrome.

4. Select Remove.

Uninstall an extension

1. Open Chrome.

2. Select More (three vertical dots)> More tools > Extensions.

3. Next to the extension you want to remove, select Remove.

4. To confirm, select Remove.

Tip: To remove an extension that's a button on the browser toolbar, right-click the button and select Remove from Chrome.

Disable an extension

To temporarily stop using an extension:

1. Open Chrome.

2. Select More (three vertical dots) > More tools > Extensions.

3. Turn off the extension you want to disable.

Your Chromebook automatically checks for and downloads updates when connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

Finish an update

1. When your Chromebook downloads a software update, look for the "Update available" notification.

2. Select Restart to Update.

3. Your Chromebook will restart and update.

Note: To learn more about the newest Chromebook features, in the "Update available" notification, select Learn more about the latest Chrome OS update.

If you use your Chromebook at work or school:

1. When your Chromebook downloads a software update, the notification will be colored:

   • Blue: An update is recommended.

   • Orange: An update is required.

2. Select Restart to update.

3. Your Chromebook will restart and update.

Check for updates yourself

1. Turn on your Chromebook.

2. Connect your Chromebook to Wi-Fi.

3. At the bottom right, select the time.

4. Select Settings .

5. At the bottom of the left panel, select About Chrome OS.

6. Under "Google Chrome OS," you'll find which version of the Chrome operating system your Chromebook uses.

7. Select Check for updates.

8. If your Chromebook finds a software update, it will start to download automatically.

Note: If your Chromebook uses your phone's internet connection or its own mobile data, you'll get an alert about how much mobile data it needs to update. You can then stop or continue with the update.

What information goes to Google when you update

When your Chromebook checks for updates, it sends some information to Google, like the computer’s version number and language. This information isn't associated with you or your Google Account.

Fix problems with updates

If your system update won’t download, try the steps below. Test your Chromebook after each step to see if the problem is fixed.

1. Turn off your Chromebook, then turn it back on.

2. If you have trouble with your phone or Chromebook's mobile data to update your system, disconnect from the phone or mobile data. Connect to Wi-Fi or Ethernet instead.

   • Learn how to fix connection problems.

3. Reset your Chromebook.

If you use your Chromebook at work or school, contact your administrator for more help.

1. On your computer, open Chrome.

2. At the top right, click More (three vertical dots).

3. Click More tools > Clear browsing data.

4. Choose a time range, like Last hour or All time.

5. Select the types of information you want to remove.

6. Click Clear data.

To perform a quick restart of your Chromebook you can:

1. Hold the power button for 5 seconds.

2. Press the "Refresh" key (top row, circular arrow) and power button.

Removing yourself as a user is similar to resetting your Chromebook but is quicker than going through a complete reset.

1. On the Chromebook sign-in screen, select the profile you want to remove.

2. Next to the profile name, select the Down arrow .

3. Select Remove this user.

4. In the box that appears, select Remove this user.

When you remove an account, it’s only removed from the Chromebook. The Google Account itself, including its data and settings, will still exist.

You can make your Chromebook run like new again by doing a factory reset. If you will no longer be using your device, you may want to do a factory reset.

A factory reset erases all the information on your Chromebook's hard drive, including all the files in the Downloads folder.

Before you reset, make sure to back up your files on Google Drive or an external hard drive. The factory reset won't delete any of your files on Google Drive or external storage device.

Note: If you're using your Chromebook at work or school, you can't reset it. Ask your administrator to wipe the data on your Chromebook and re-enroll the device on your work or school network.

Before you factory reset your Chromebook

Step 1: Make sure you should reset

You might want to reset your Chromebook if:

• You see the message "Reset this Chrome device"

• You've tried restarting your Chromebook and it's still not working normally

Step 2: Try these other steps first

1. Turn off your Chrome extensions one at a time, checking each time if your Chromebook is working again. Learn how to turn off extensions

2. Try resetting your Chromebook's hardware.

If neither of these steps fix the problem, continue to step 3.

Step 3: Back up your files and info (important)

Factory reset erases all the information on your Chromebook's hard drive, including your settings, apps, and files. Before you reset, make sure to:

• Sync your information and settings to your Google Account. Learn how to sync your information

• Back up your files on Google Drive or an external storage device. Learn how to back up your files

The factory reset won't delete any of your files on Google Drive or external hard drive.

Factory reset your Chromebook

1. Sign out of your Chromebook.

2. Press and hold Ctrl + Alt + Shift + r.

3. Select Restart.

4. In the box that appears, select Powerwash > Continue.

5. Follow the steps that appear and sign in with your Google Account.Note: The account you sign in with after you reset your Chromebook will be the owner account.

6. Once you've reset your Chromebook:

   • Follow the onscreen instructions to set up your Chromebook

   • Check if the problem is fixed