What is what to do when chromebook freezes?

When your Chromebook freezes, here's what you can try:

  • Wait it out: Sometimes, a freeze is temporary, especially if you're doing something resource-intensive. Give it a few moments to see if it recovers on its own.

  • Close unresponsive tabs or apps: If only a specific tab or app seems to be frozen, try closing it. You can usually do this by right-clicking on the tab or app in the shelf and selecting "Close". If that doesn't work, try using the task manager (see below).

  • Use the Task Manager: Press <kbd>Shift</kbd> + <kbd>Esc</kbd> to open the Chromebook's built-in task manager. This will show you which processes are using the most resources. Select the unresponsive process and click "End process". This is similar to <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Force%20Quit">Force Quit</a> on other operating systems.

  • Restart the Chromebook: This is often the quickest and most effective solution. Hold down the power button until the Chromebook turns off. Then, press the power button again to turn it back on. This is essentially performing a <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Hard%20Restart">Hard Restart</a>.

  • Perform a Hard Reset: If a regular restart doesn't work, try a hard reset. A hard reset can sometimes fix persistent freezing issues. To perform a hard reset, press and hold the <kbd>Refresh</kbd> key (the circular arrow) and the power button simultaneously. Release both buttons when the Chromebook starts up. Note that a hard reset can clear some data, such as downloaded files in your Downloads folder, so use it as a last resort before more drastic measures. Backing up important files to Google Drive is always a good idea.

  • Check for Chrome OS Updates: An outdated operating system can sometimes cause instability. Go to Settings > About Chrome OS and check for updates. Install any available updates.

  • Powerwash (Factory Reset): If none of the above steps work, you might need to perform a Powerwash, which is a <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Factory%20Reset">Factory Reset</a>. This will erase all data on your Chromebook and restore it to its original factory settings. Back up any important files to Google Drive or an external drive before performing a Powerwash! To Powerwash, go to Settings > Advanced > Reset > Powerwash.

  • Hardware issues: If the freezing persists after trying all of the above solutions, it's possible that there's a hardware problem with your Chromebook. In this case, you may need to contact the manufacturer or a qualified technician for repair.