What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
To create a Chromebook recovery USB, use a second Chromebook or a Windows or Mac computer with Chrome and Chromebook Recovery Utility, plus a USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of capacity. The utility erases the USB drive while preparing it. Recovery later permanently erases files stored locally on the Chromebook, so back them up first if possible.
Before you create recovery media
Recovery removes and reinstalls ChromeOS. Use it if the Chromebook displays “ChromeOS is missing or damaged,” earlier troubleshooting has not worked, or support recommends recovery. If the Chromebook still starts, Google recommends restarting it first and then trying a factory reset before recovery.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Google warns that recovery permanently erases everything on the Chromebook’s hard drive, including downloaded files. Back up local files first if you can. Creating the USB also erases the selected drive, so save its contents or use an empty one. See Google’s Chromebook recovery instructions.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →What you need
- The Chromebook you plan to recover.
- A second Chromebook, or a Windows or Mac computer with Chrome installed.
- A USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of capacity that you can erase. Google does not require a particular brand or speed, and notes that some drives may not work well.
A Google support-community answer describes using an SD card when the Chromebook has an SD card slot. The main recovery instructions specify a USB flash drive, so check support for your particular model before relying on an SD card: Google support-community discussion.
#1 Best Overall
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
Create the recovery USB
- On the working computer, open Chromebook Recovery Utility. On Windows or Mac, install Chrome first, then install and open the Recovery Utility extension.
- Choose Get started.
- Choose Select a model from a list, or enter the model number of the Chromebook you are repairing. Google says the model number may be shown at the bottom of the error screen.
- Choose Continue.
- Insert the USB flash drive into the working computer and select it from the utility’s list. Check carefully that you selected the intended drive; its contents will be erased.
- Choose Continue, then Create now.
- When the utility reports that the recovery media is ready, remove the USB drive.
Select the model of the Chromebook being repaired, not the model of the computer used to prepare the drive. Google’s step-by-step instructions are in Recover your Chromebook.
Use the USB to recover the Chromebook
- Disconnect accessories such as a mouse or external hard drive from the affected Chromebook.
- Enter recovery mode using the key sequence for your device:
- Most Chromebooks: Hold Esc + Refresh, press Power, then release Power. Release the other keys when the recovery message appears.
- Some Chromebook models: Hold Esc + Maximize and press Power.
- Chromebook tablet: Hold Volume Up + Volume Down + Power for at least 10 seconds, then release.
- Chromebox or Chromebit: Follow Google’s recovery-button sequence for the device; it may require a paper clip or similar object.
- When prompted, select Recover using external disk and follow the on-screen instructions.
Choose USB recovery or internet recovery
Newer Chromebooks may offer recovery over an internet connection, which avoids preparing a USB drive. Availability depends on the Chromebook model and its support status; older devices may not offer internet recovery, and Google says recovery may not be possible for some older Chromebooks that are no longer supported for updates or recovery.
Rank #2
- High-speed USB 3.0 performance of up to 150MB/s(1) [(1) Write to drive up to 15x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); varies by drive capacity. Up to 150MB/s read speed. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors; 1MB=1,000,000 bytes]
- Transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds(2) [(2) Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfer with USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors]
- Transfer to drive up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(1)
- Sleek, durable metal casing
- Easy-to-use password protection for your private files(3) [(3)Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.9 plus; Software download required for Mac, visit the SanDisk SecureAccess support page]
If internet recovery is unavailable or you cannot use it, use the USB method above. Google also documents a Linux-script method for preparing recovery media in its recovery instructions. For a Chromebook managed by a school or workplace, ask the administrator for help.
Fix common recovery-media problems
The Recovery Utility reports an unexpected error
Google recommends erasing the storage device and trying again, or using a different USB flash drive. Some drives do not work well for recovery.
Rank #3
- What You Get - 2 pack 64GB genuine USB 2.0 flash drives, 12-month warranty and lifetime friendly customer service
- Great for All Ages and Purposes – the thumb drives are suitable for storing digital data for school, business or daily usage. Apply to data storage of music, photos, movies and other files
- Easy to Use - Plug and play USB memory stick, no need to install any software. Support Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports
- Convenient Design - 360°metal swivel cap with matt surface and ring designed zip drive can protect USB connector, avoid to leave your fingerprint and easily attach to your key chain to avoid from losing and for easy carrying
- Brand Yourself - Brand the flash drive with your company's name and provide company's overview, policies, etc. to the newly joined employees or your customers
The Chromebook says the device does not contain ChromeOS
Confirm that the inserted drive is the same one used to create the recovery media. If it is, Google’s suggested next steps are to erase the drive and try again or use another USB drive.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Erase the recovery media when you want to reuse the USB
The USB remains recovery media until you erase it. To make it available for ordinary files again, open Chromebook Recovery Utility, choose its settings, select Erase recovery media, select the correct drive, and confirm. This erases the selected USB drive; use your computer’s operating-system formatting tool afterward if needed.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【16GB Flash Drive】USB flash drives with 16GB capacity, meet your needs of daily use on work, school, home and travelling for photos, music, videos, files storage and transfer. IMEASON thumb drives can be used to store different files, easy to data backup.
- 【Metal Swivel Cap Design】USB thumb drive is metal swivel cover provides extra protection for the usb thumbdrive connector, no usb drive cap to lose; keychain design makes it easier to carry without worrying lose it.
- 【Wide Compatibility】USB drive supports Windows 7/8/10/11 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, also Supports USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports. USB Stick support TV, desktop, notebook computer, car, audio and other device. The USB Memory Stick is your great data storage and transfer companion with traveling and working.
- 【Easy to use】usb memory stick is plug and play without any software installation. Just simply plug the Flashdrive into the port of your USB-compatible devices such as computer, laptop to start data storage or transmission.
- 【What You Get】16 GB USB Flash Drive Thumb Drive, The default format of the usb storage flash drive is FAT32.
Rank #4
- GOOD VALUE PACKAGE - 1 Pack 32GB Memory Stick USB 2.0 Flash Drives with great cost performance and high quality.
- BIG CAPACITY - The available capacity: 29.10GB-29.8GB, You can save the data of movies, music, photos, designs, programs, manuals, handouts in a high speed.Good performance in digital data storing, transferring and sharing with families, friends, workmates, clients and machines.
- EASY TO USE & PLUG AND WORK - Support windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, Compatible with USB2.0 and below.
- TWISTTURN DESIGN & EASY CARRY - The metal clip rotates 360° round the ABS plastic body which with rubber oil skin feeling finish. The capless design can avoid lossing of cap, and providing efficient protection to the USB port.
- WARRANTY & SUPPORT - SIMMAX logo is laser printed on the USB connector surface, our products are of good quality and we promise that any problem about the product within one year since you buy.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
