How to reset Google Chrome?

Learn to reset Google Chrome to solve various browser-related issues

Reset Google Chrome

Google Chrome reset may be needed when dealing with undesirable changes on the Chrome browser. This is one of the easiest ways to remove browser hijackers, adware and similar malware that threaten to diminish your browsing experience by replacing the default homepage, startup page, and search engine.

Using manual instructions for changing the homepage or the startup page does not guarantee a quick fix because most of the malicious hijackers and adware viruses rely on small components (browser helper objects) that can recover them right after you reboot the browser. Thus, you need to restore your Chrome to its factory state to get rid of Google Chrome redirect problem.

The most evident signs suggesting that you need to reset Chrome because of the hijack by a potentially unwanted program are:

  • slowdowns while trying to visit your favorite websites;
  • redirects to unknown/unsafe internet sites;
  • the appearance of bothersome pop-up ads.

However, you should be aware of the fact that Chrome reset will disable all the previously pinned tabs, extensions, and themes that you use. It will also delete your custom startup tabs, New Tab page, browsing history, and cookies. NOTE: passwords and bookmarks will not be affected by Chrome reset.

To reset Google Chrome browser, you can use several methods. The most effective of these techniques are illustrated below:

Method 1. Reset Chrome with the help of the “Reset Settings” option

1. Open your Google Chrome browser and click the menu icon (three vertical dots) in the top-right corner of the screen and select “Settings” in the drop-down menu.

Method 1. Step 1Click three vertical dots in the top-right corner of Chrome browser and select "Settings"

2. At the end of the Settings page choose the option “Show advanced settings…

Method 1. Step 2Select "Show advanced settings.." option when in Settings window
3. In the extended settings list, navigate to “Reset Settings.”

Method 1. Step 3Select "Reset settings" option to restore browser's settings to their original defaults
4. Once you click “Reset settings” a table will pop-up in which you have to click “Reset.”

Method 1. Step 4Click "Reset" to complete the procedure
5. Restart the browser.

Method 2. Quick access to the Chrome reset page

In the Method 1, we have explained how to reset the Chrome browser in six basic steps. Alternatively, you can speed up the process by using the quick access option. All you have to do is copy and paste chrome://settings/resetProfileSettings into your browser’s address bar and hit Enter. You will be automatically placed on the Chrome reset prompt page and may immediately begin the reset operation.

Method 2. Quick reset demonstrationEnter chrome://settings/resetProfileSettings to the address bar and hit Enter

Method 3. Reset Google Chrome by deleting the Default User profile

  1. Click Start and open the Run window by hitting “run” in the search Method 3. Step1To open "Run" program window, enter "run" phrase to the search
  2. Open run window and type %appdata% here. Click OK to enter the “Roaming” folder Method 3. Step2Enter %appdata% to the "Run" program window and go to "Roaming" folder
  3. When in “Roaming,” now go to the “AppData” folder.
    Method 3. Step 3Return to "AppData" folder
  4. Go to Local -> Google -> Chrome -> User Data. (the full address is C:\\Users\\PC1\\AppData\\Local\\Google\\Chrome\\User Data, you can add the name of your computer username instead of PC1. Method 3. Step4Go to "User Data" folder by selecting "Local" -> "Google" -> "Chrome"
  5. You will find yourself in “Default” folder which you need to backup. Now exit Chrome with the help of the right click. Method 3. Step5Backup "Default" folder to save your important information
  6. Delete the Default folder to remove Chrome user data, bookmarks, history, cookies, and cache. Your Chrome will be reset to its default settings. Method 3. Step6Remove "Default" folder with the help of right-click and select "Delete" option

Method 4. Resetting Chrome through Flags panel

Another way of resetting Chrome settings is by accessing the “Flags” control panel. To do that you will have to follow a pattern similar to the one described in the method 2. Instead of pasting the quick link to the Chrome’s reset page, enter Chrome://flags in the address bar and press enter. Then, in the new window select “Reset all to default.” Please note that this is a purely experimental method which may help to recover the browser from certain undesirable changes, but turn out to be ineffective for others. So, use this reset method at your own risk.

Method 4. Reset using Flags panelSelect “Reset all to default" after entering Chrome://flags to the address bar

Method 5. Reinstall Chrome

In case the previous methods did not take effect and you are still experiencing trouble with your Chrome browser, you may be left with the most drastic option — reinstallation. Before you can install the browser anew, you should make sure that all the components of the current browser are properly removed.

To remove Google Chrome from Windows 10:

  1. Terminate all running Chrome windows and tabs.
  2. In the Windows Start menu click the “Settings” icon on the left (you will see it displayed in the form of a gear wheel). Method 5. Step 1Click the "Settings" icon on the left of your Windows screen
  3. Navigate to “System.” Method 5. Step 2When in "Windows Settings", select "System" option
  4. Click the “Apps & features” option on the left. Method 5. Step 3Click the "Apps & features" option on the left
  5. In the list of installed programs find Google Chrome and select it.
  6. Click “Uninstall.” Method 5. Step 4You need to find Google Chrome in the list and select this entry. Click "Uninstall"
  7. Confirm by clicking “Uninstall.”
  8. Delete your profile information by checking “Also delete your browsing data. Method 5. Step 4 (optional)Check "Also delete your browsing data" and click "Uninstall"
  9. Select “Uninstall.

To remove Google Chrome from Windows 8 & Vista:

  1. Terminate all open tabs and windows of Chrome
  2. Navigate to the “Control Panel
  3. Select “Uninstall a program” or “Programs and Features.”
  4. Click the Google Chrome entry.
  5. Mark the “Also delete your browsing data” checkbox.
  6. Click “Uninstall.”

After completing the removal, go to the official Google Chrome website download page and install the program from scratch. Please note: when downloading the application, stay away from unknown third-party websites because the software promoted on unsafe domains may be bundled with shady components which may potentially harm your PC.

About the author
Linas Kiguolis
Linas Kiguolis - Expert in social media

Linas Kiguolis is one of News Editors and also the Social Media Manager of 2spyware project. He is an Applied Computer Science professional whose expertise in cyber security is a valuable addition to the team.

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