Chromebook acting weird? Try Googles new ChromeOS Sanitize tool a lighter, friendlier fix than the full-wipe Powerwash feature

Date:
Tue, 17 Sep 2024 16:31:50 +0000

Description:
Sanitize offers a quick way to reset settings and disable extensions without losing all your files and apps.

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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 Googles operating system that started rolling out earlier this month, and its 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 youve applied, and any apps youve 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, thats what the new Sanitize option is for. Chrome Unboxed spotted the freshly introduced functionality but noted that you wont find Sanitize by searching in your Chromebooks settings because its that new.

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

Google hasnt 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."

It sounds pretty straightforward, and will just reset certain settings, leaving your files and installed apps in place. If your Chromebook is acting up, Sanitize will neutralize elements such as browser extensions and any settings that have been modified that might be causing trouble. Hopefully, this will cure your Chromebook of any odd behavior and have it running smoothly again, without needing to do a full reset (where you lose everything). (Image credit: Unsplash) How Sanitize works in practice

Chrome Unboxed tried out the feature and found that after running Sanitize, a summary window is presented informing the user of whats been changed. You can then revert any changes youre not happy with, and also peruse suggestions of other settings to check out should you wish to dive deeper into other possibilities.

For those who dont customize their Chromebook much, or dont use a ton of Chrome extensions, this might not be all that big a deal - but its still
handy to know about.

Its certainly a useful way to untangle things that might be causing serious problems without doing anything too drastic that affects your device and
data. Sanitize is not the most difficult troubleshooting or clean-up process to try, and its a handy measure to employ if youre having issues with your Chromebook, and dont want to go to Powerwashing extremes. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE... How to use a Chromebook Great news for Chromebook users: one of Windows 11s best features just landed in ChromeOS Google Chrome is making it simpler to access passwords across all your devices



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/chromebooks/chromebook-acting-weird-try-go ogles-new-chromeos-sanitize-tool-a-lighter-friendlier-fix-than-the-full-wipe-p owerwash-feature


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