The “ChromeOS is missing or damaged” error, which some devices still show as “Chrome OS is missing or damaged,” leaves your Chromebook stuck before sign-in. Start with a restart and hardware reset, then move to reinstalling ChromeOS if the error stays. Recovery erases local data, so back up your files first if the Chromebook still lets you sign in.
Try a complete restart first
Give the Chromebook a fresh start before reaching for recovery tools.
- 1.Turn the Chromebook completely off.
- 2.Turn it back on and check whether it reaches sign-in.
- 3.If it starts successfully, back up your local files before further troubleshooting.
If restarting fails, reset the hardware
A hardware reset is the next preliminary check for most Chromebooks. It carries a risk of deleting some files from Downloads, so back those up first if the device still starts.
Turn the Chromebook off.
Hold Refresh and tap Power.
Release Refresh when startup begins.
For a ChromeOS tablet, hold Volume Up + Power for at least 10 seconds.
Release both buttons. This resets the hardware; the recovery shortcut uses three buttons.
For an Acer Chromebox, ASUS Chromebox, LG Chromebase, or Samsung Chromebox, shut down the device.
Disconnect its power cable.
Reconnect the cable to complete the hardware reset.
Powerwash is an option when you can reach sign-in
Powerwash resets local user data on a personal Chromebook; it does not reinstall ChromeOS. Skip to recovery if you're still stuck at the error screen. Otherwise, back up accessible local files before proceeding, because Powerwash deletes them.
Start at the sign-in screen, signing out first if you're already signed in. The reset shortcut is Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R.
Press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R.
Select Restart, followed by Powerwash > Continue, to start the reset. Setup follows the reset and ends with signing in again.
Recover ChromeOS over the internet
Missing or damaged operating-system files require ChromeOS recovery when the preliminary fixes don't resolve the error.
Disconnect peripherals before entering recovery. Opening recovery mode alone does not erase your files, but reinstalling ChromeOS does.
On a Chromebook laptop, hold Esc + Refresh.
Tap and release Power while holding the other keys.
Release the remaining keys when a message appears. Some models use Esc + Maximize + Power instead.
On a ChromeOS tablet, hold Volume Up + Volume Down + Power for at least 10 seconds.
Release all three buttons.
For a Chromebox, shut it down.
Hold its recovery button with a paperclip while powering it on. The button's location varies by model.
Release the recovery button when a message appears.
On a compatible newer Chromebook, select Recover using internet connection. If that option isn't on your screen, use the USB method below.
Connect to your network by following the onscreen prompts. On ASUS's illustrated recovery screens, the sequence starts with Next.
Choose your network under Available Networks.
Type your network password in Enter your password.
Select Next to continue.
Keep power connected until recovery and the restart finish.
Use a USB drive when internet recovery is unavailable
USB recovery needs a working computer running Chrome: a Chromebook on ChromeOS M55 or later, a Windows PC, or a Mac. You'll also need a USB drive of at least 8 GB that you're ready to erase. The recovery image must match the faulty Chromebook; some older devices lack a usable image.
If the helper Windows PC or Mac doesn't have Chrome, install it using Download Chrome on Google's Chrome download page.
On the working computer, install Google's Chromebook Recovery Utility from its official Chrome Web Store listing using Add to Chrome > Add extension.
Open Extensions > Chromebook Recovery Utility > Get started.
Identify the faulty Chromebook through Select a model from a list, or enter the identifier displayed on its recovery screen.
Select Continue after choosing the matching model.
Insert the USB drive you intend to erase.
Select that USB drive carefully. Creating recovery media erases the selected drive.
Select Continue > Create now to create the recovery media.
Remove the USB drive when creation finishes.
Enter recovery on the faulty Chromebook using the button sequence above.
Select Recover using external disk. This recovery process reinstalls ChromeOS and erases local data on the Chromebook.
Follow the onscreen prompts to use your prepared USB drive. ASUS also shows the label Recovery using external storage; older recovery screens start the process when you insert the prepared media.
When recovery does not finish
Rebuilding the recovery drive addresses failed media and wrong or outdated recovery images.
Check that the inserted USB drive is the one you prepared, especially if the screen says it doesn't contain ChromeOS.
On the working computer, open Chromebook Recovery Utility > Settings > Erase recovery media.
Select the recovery drive you want to erase.
Select Continue.
Select Erase now. This erases the selected removable drive.
Select Done.
Create the recovery media again using the latest image offered for the exact Chromebook model.
Use a different USB drive to create recovery media if the rebuilt drive still fails.
Disconnect peripherals before re-entering recovery if the screen asks you to remove connected devices.
Contact the Chromebook manufacturer if supported recovery attempts keep failing or the device reports a security-module error.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an SD card instead of a USB drive?
Compatible ASUS Chromebooks with an SD slot support SD-card recovery using the same Chromebook Recovery Utility workflow. Support depends on the model; USB is Google's general recommendation. Remove the recovery media when instructed.
Does pressing Ctrl+D fix missing or damaged ChromeOS?
Ctrl+D is used in developer-mode and wipe procedures. It does not repair missing operating-system files by itself and is not a universal fix for this error.
Why won't Chromebook Recovery Utility open?
Check whether the extension is disabled. On the working computer, open Chrome's Extensions > Manage extensions. Turn on Chromebook Recovery Utility. Then launch it from Extensions.
What should I do if this is a work or school Chromebook?
Contact your administrator for reset or recovery assistance. Recovery does not remove organizational ownership or enrollment requirements. After repair, follow automatic enrollment or select Enroll manually when offered.