Chromebook updates, recovery and ChromeOS Flex help in Kingsbridge
What to do when a Chromebook stops updating, says ChromeOS is missing or damaged, will not let you sign in, or says it is managed by someone else, and how ChromeOS Flex can give an old laptop a second life.
Springfield Farm Shop, East Charleton, Kingsbridge · Open Mon–Sat 09:00–17:00 · Sun 10:00–16:00
Most Chromebook problems are not hardware at all. A Chromebook that will not start properly, will not sign in or has slowed down can often be put right with the right recovery steps, and none of them need to cost you your Google files. This page explains the common ones and where we can help.
Automatic update end dates
Google sets an end date for automatic updates on every Chromebook model. Newer models get ten years of updates from the model's release; older models had shorter support. After the date, the Chromebook still works but no longer gets security fixes, and in time some sites and apps stop working on it.
Check it in Settings, About ChromeOS, Additional details, Update schedule. If you are buying a Chromebook, new or second-hand, check the date first: a cheap one with a year of updates left is poor value.
'ChromeOS is missing or damaged'
This screen means the Chromebook needs a fresh copy of ChromeOS. It can be fixed with a recovery USB stick made with Google's Chromebook Recovery Utility on another computer. Recovery wipes the Chromebook, so anything in the Downloads folder is lost, but everything in your Google Account comes back when you sign in.
If recovery fails repeatedly, the internal storage may be failing, which is a hardware repair. We can make the recovery drive and run it for you, and test the storage.
Talk to the team
Tell us the model and what it is doing. We will say honestly what is likely to be involved and the quickest safe way to help.
Powerwash: a fresh start
A Powerwash resets the Chromebook to how it came out of the box. It often cures slow performance, sign-in loops and strange behaviour. Find it in Settings, Advanced, Reset settings, or press Ctrl, Alt, Shift and R together at the sign-in screen. Copy anything in Downloads to Google Drive first.
Locked out, or 'managed by' someone else
Forgotten password
A Chromebook uses your Google Account password. If you have forgotten it, recover the Google Account from another device using Google's account recovery. We can sit with you while you do it, but we cannot and will not get round Google's security for you.
A second-hand Chromebook that belongs to a school or company
If a Chromebook says it is managed by an organisation, it is enrolled in that organisation's system and will keep re-enrolling after a reset. Only the organisation can release it. If you bought it second-hand, contact the seller or the organisation named on the screen. We will not try to remove enrolment, because the device may not have been the seller's to sell.
ChromeOS Flex: new life for an old laptop
ChromeOS Flex is Google's version of ChromeOS for ordinary Windows PCs and older Macs, and Google does not charge for it. On a laptop that is too old for Windows 11, it can give you a quick, secure computer for web browsing, email, video calls and Google Docs.
It suits some people and machines well and others not at all: it does not run Windows programs or Android apps, and Google keeps a list of certified models that work best. We check whether your machine is a good candidate, back up your files, install it and set it up with you. If it is not a good fit, we tell you before we start.
Help remotely or at the workshop
Sign-in, settings and many update problems can be talked through on the phone or over a secure remote session, which starts with a £25 deposit. Recovery drives, storage faults and ChromeOS Flex installs are easier at our workshop near Kingsbridge.
Where we work
The workshop is at Springfield Farm Shop, East Charleton, Kingsbridge TQ7 2AR, just off the A379 with free parking. We help people and businesses in Kingsbridge, Salcombe, Dartmouth, Totnes and across the South Hams. For PCs and laptops of every make, see computer repair in Kingsbridge; for business support, see IT support and cyber security.
More Chromebook repair
- Chromebook repair in KingsbridgeCracked screens, missing keys, dead batteries, charging faults and ChromeOS problems on Acer, ASUS, HP, Lenovo, Samsung and Dell Chromebooks, looked after by a local team near Kingsbridge.
- Chromebooks for families, schools and businessesParental controls, school devices, buying advice and managing several Chromebooks.
Related help
- Computer repair in KingsbridgePCs, laptops, Macs and Chromebooks, diagnosed first.
- Windows PC and laptop repairDell, HP, Lenovo, Surface and gaming PCs.
- Remote supportHelp on your own screen, started by you. Sessions start with a £25 deposit.
- IT recyclingSecure data wiping and responsible disposal of old devices.
- Home IT helpPatient help at home with computers, tablets, WiFi and printers.
- Refurbished laptopsChecked, wiped and set-up laptops for a sensible outlay.
We're located behind Springfield Farm Shop
Find us off the A379 at East Charleton, near Kingsbridge. Turn into Springfield Farm Shop — free on-site parking is available, and you are welcome to drop devices during business hours by arrangement.
Address
Springfield Farm Shop, East Charleton, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 2AR
Free parking at Springfield Farm Shop. Turn off the A379 at East Charleton — we are inside the farm shop premises. Look for the KTechnology sign.
Hours: Mon–Sat 09:00–17:00; Sun 10:00–16:00. Call 01548 600127 before you set off if you need directions.
Chromebook updates, recovery and ChromeOS Flex: your questions
My Chromebook has stopped getting updates. Is it safe?+
It keeps working, but without security fixes it becomes riskier over time, especially for banking and email. Use it for simple jobs, or plan a replacement.
Will a recovery or Powerwash delete my files?+
It deletes what is stored on the Chromebook, such as the Downloads folder. Files in Google Drive, Gmail and Google Photos are safe and come back when you sign in.
Can you remove a school or company enrolment?+
No. Only the organisation that enrolled it can release it. If you bought it second-hand, contact the seller or that organisation.
Can ChromeOS Flex run on my old laptop?+
Many laptops from the last decade or so can run it, and Google lists certified models. It needs a 64-bit processor, 4GB of memory and 16GB of storage as a minimum. We check yours first.
Can ChromeOS Flex run Windows programs?+
No. It runs the Chrome browser and web apps, and suits people who mostly use the web, email and Google or Microsoft 365 online.