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How to Reset the Google Chrome Browser on a Computer

Restore selected Chrome settings to their defaults on a computer without deleting saved bookmarks or passwords. See what the reset changes and how to handle common problems.
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To reset Chrome’s settings on a computer, open More > Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults, then select Reset settings to confirm. This restores selected browser preferences; it does not erase everything in Chrome.

Reset Chrome settings on a computer

  1. Open Google Chrome.
  2. At the top right, select More (the three-dot menu), then select Settings.
  3. Select Reset settings.
  4. Select Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Select Reset settings to confirm.

Google says this can help if an app or extension changed Chrome settings without your knowledge. The reset instructions and menu path apply to Chrome on a computer; the cited guidance does not establish the same sequence for Android or iPhone/iPad. See Google’s Chrome settings reset instructions.

What the reset changes—and what it does not

Google says the following settings return to their defaults in the Chrome profile:

  • Default search engine
  • Homepage and startup tabs
  • New Tab page
  • Pinned tabs
  • Content settings, including permissions such as pop-ups and microphone access
  • Cookies and site data
  • Extensions and themes

Search-engine behavior can vary by country. Google also states that saved bookmarks and passwords are not deleted or changed. This is not a complete browser wipe: fonts and accessibility settings are examples of settings that remain unchanged. If you want a separate, fresh Chrome environment rather than a settings reset, Google’s guidance is to add a new user in Chrome.

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What happens if you use Chrome on multiple devices?

Google says the listed settings change to defaults on all devices where you are signed in to that Chrome profile. Chrome sync can save items such as bookmarks, passwords, extensions, settings, and preferences to your Google Account for use on signed-in devices. Check Google’s explanation of Chrome data across devices if you need to understand what is synced.

If reset settings is missing or the problem remains

Settings will not open

If Chrome’s Settings menu is missing or will not open, Google advises uninstalling Chrome, downloading it again from google.com/chrome, and reinstalling it. Reinstallation is a separate remedy from resetting settings.

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Changes keep returning

If unwanted changes continue after a reset, Google says an installed program may be changing Chrome’s settings. Follow its guidance on unwanted setting changes to investigate.

Your work or school controls Chrome

A browser managed by an organization may have features restricted, extensions installed, activity monitored, or browser use controlled by an administrator. A settings reset does not guarantee that organization policies will be removed or overridden. If you believe Chrome should not be managed, contact your Google Account or device administrator. See Google’s guide to checking whether Chrome is managed.

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You are troubleshooting a connection or loading error

Resetting settings is only one possible troubleshooting step. Google’s computer guide also covers updating and restarting Chrome, deleting browsing data, checking firewall or antivirus software, freeing device memory, and potentially uninstalling and reinstalling Chrome. Choose the step that matches the problem rather than treating a reset as a universal fix: Fix connection and loading errors in Chrome.

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Choose the right kind of reset

  • Restore settings: Use the steps above to return selected Chrome preferences and related settings to defaults.
  • Delete browsing data: A separate action for removing selected browsing data; it is not the same as restoring settings.
  • Add a Chrome user: Use this when you need a separate profile rather than changing the current one.
  • Uninstall and reinstall Chrome: Google suggests this when Settings will not open; it is distinct from a settings reset.

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