General Maintenance for Your Chromebook

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

How-To Perform General Maintenance on Your Chromebook

Chromebooks are known for their simplicity and ease of use, but like any electronic device, they require regular maintenance to ensure they run smoothly and efficiently. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps for performing general maintenance on your Chromebook, helping you keep it in top-notch condition.

1. Cleaning Your Chromebook:

Power off your Chromebook before cleaning.

Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the screen and keyboard.

Dampen a cloth with water or a 50-50 mix of water and isopropyl alcohol for stubborn stains.

Avoid using abrasive materials or excessive moisture.

Clean the touchpad and ports with compressed air.

2. Software Updates:

Regularly check for system updates by clicking the clock in the bottom-right corner, then the settings gear, and "About Chrome OS."

Click "Check for Updates" and follow the on-screen instructions to install any available updates.

3. Managing Chrome Extensions:

Open Chrome and click the three dots (menu) in the top-right corner.

Select "More tools" > "Extensions."

Review and disable unnecessary or outdated extensions by toggling them off.

Remove extensions you no longer use.

4. Clearing Browser Cache and Cookies:

In Chrome, click the three dots, go to "Settings," and select "Privacy and security."

Click "Clear browsing data" and choose the time range.

Select "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files."

Click "Clear data" to remove them.

5. Disk Cleanup:

Press "Shift + Esc" to open the Task Manager.

Identify and close any unnecessary running processes.

Delete files you no longer need from your Downloads folder.

Empty the trash to free up disk space.

6. Checking for Malware and Viruses:

Chromebooks are relatively secure, but you can install apps like "Malwarebytes" from the Play Store for added security.

Regularly scan your system for malware and viruses.

7. Powerwash (Factory Reset):

As a last resort, consider a Powerwash to reset your Chromebook to its original state.

Click the clock, select "Settings," scroll down, and click "Advanced."

Under "Reset settings," choose "Powerwash" and follow the on-screen instructions.

8. Handling Hardware Issues:

If you experience hardware problems, contact your manufacturer's support or consult the user manual.

Avoid opening your Chromebook unless you have the necessary skills and tools.

Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your Chromebook running smoothly. By following these steps, you can ensure your device remains efficient and reliable for years to come. Remember to back up your important data before performing any major actions like a Powerwash, and always handle your Chromebook with care.

Contact Support.Com

If you are still having trouble, refer to the Step-By-Step Guide below, or Contact Support.Com for Personalized Assistance.

1. Introduction: Chromebook: Maintenance

Your Chromebook requires very little, if any maintenance. By design, it will take care of most common maintenance tasks for you. There are a few things you can do to make sure your Chromebook is in great shape. This guide will take you through them.

2. Chrome Browser: Clear Cache

1. Open Google Chrome.
   

1. Select the Menu icon in the top-right corner.
   

1. Select Settings.
   

1. Scroll down, and select Clear browsing data.
   

1. For Time range, select All time. Place a check ✔ next to each box. Then, select Clear Data.
   

3. Chrome Browser: Check Extensions

1. Open Google Chrome.
   

1. Select the Menu icon in the top-right corner.
   

1. Select More tools > Extensions.
   

1. Look through the extensions listed, make sure you recognize and use them. If you see any you do not use or want, select the Trash Can to remove it.
   

4. Chromebook: Check Downloads Folder

1. Select the Apps menu in the bottom-left corner.
   

1. Select All Apps > Files.
   

1. Select Downloads on the left. These are the only files stored on your Chromebook.
   

1. You can open a file by double-clicking on it.
2. You can copy files to your Google Drive by dragging them to My Drive on the left.
3. You can copy files to external storage by dragging them to the icon for that external storage on the left.
4. You can delete them by highlighting a file, then pushing the Delete key on your keyboard, or selecting the Trash icon at the top.

5. Chromebook: Restart

There are 2 main ways to restart your Chromebook. The first method is preferred.

Shut Down From Menus

1. Select the User menu by clicking your profile picture in the bottom-right corner.
   

1. Select the Power symbol. Your Chromebook will turn off.
   

1. Wait 10 seconds.
2. Push the Power Button on your Chromebook to turn it back on.

Shut Down With Hardware

1. Push and hold the Power Button on your keyboard for 10 seconds.
2. Wait 10 seconds.
3. Push the Power Button on your Chromebook to turn it back on.