Chromebook acting weird? Try Google’s new ChromeOS ‘Sanitize’ tool – a lighter, friendlier fix than the full-wipe ‘Powerwash‘ feature

Clean up your Chromebook without the hassle of a full reset

News By Kristina Terech published 17 September 2024

Google has introduced a new ‘Sanitize’ feature for its operating system for Chromebooks. The feature is part of ChromeOS 128, the most recent version of Google’s operating system that started rolling out earlier this month, and it’s a kind of softer alternative to the existing ‘Powerwash’ ability.

Powerwash works similarly to factory reset functions on other devices. It wipes all user data such as files, any custom settings you’ve applied, and any apps you’ve installed, resulting in the Chromebook being returned to an essentially ‘blank’ state, ready for you to start fresh. 

If you want to clean up your Chromebook without wiping out absolutely everything, that’s what the new Sanitize option is for. Chrome Unboxed spotted the freshly introduced functionality but noted that you won’t find Sanitize by searching in your Chromebook’s settings because it’s that new.

So how do you find it? Just search for the Powerwash option, which will show up, and you’ll see the Sanitize button directly underneath it.

Google hasn’t provided any extensive documentation about this feature yet, but Chrome Unboxed provides a screenshot of a notification that tells us what Sanitize does in a nutshell. It reads:

"Getting unwanted pop-ups, or other unexpected behavior? Sometimes, apps and extensions that you install can change your ChromeOS settings without you knowing.

"This will disable extensions and reset your settings to safe defaults. Tabs, files, and cookies will be preserved."

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