At one point, after many alterations, your Google Chrome is no longer in its optimum state. There is a high chance that you messed up the settings and made some other things broken.
Luckily, the fix of the issue is pretty straightforward; just revert to the default settings.
But if there are plenty of settings already altered before, you might want to revert all settings within the browser to their default state. On Google Chrome, there is a way to do that without clearing browsing data, including history, bookmarks, and saved passwords.
Here’s how to reset Chrome.
Note: This action will retain history, bookmarks, and saved passwords, but cookies and other browsing data will be cleared, meaning you will be logged out from the sites you previously logged in to. Learn more here.
1. Launch Chrome on PC, and click the menu icon on the top right corner of the browser.
2. Next, select Settings.
3. On the left panel, click Advanced.
4. And then hit Reset and clean up.
5. Select Restore settings to their original defaults.
6. Confirm the action by clicking on Reset settings.
The process should only take a few seconds to complete. Now the browser is running on its default settings.
Check out 7 easy steps to make Chrome faster and consume a lot less memory.
Table of Contents
Additional Tips for a Smooth Chrome Reset
Backup Your Data Before Resetting
While resetting Chrome retains bookmarks, history, and saved passwords, it’s always a good idea to back up your data. Use Chrome’s sync feature by signing into your Google account. This ensures that all your important information, like extensions and settings, can be restored after the reset.
Reconfigure Key Settings Post-Reset
Once the reset is complete, you might need to tweak some preferences:
- Set your preferred search engine under Chrome’s settings.
- Reinstall essential extensions from the Chrome Web Store.
- Adjust privacy settings to suit your browsing habits.
Consider Using Extensions for Efficiency
After resetting, you can install helpful tools to improve Chrome’s performance:
FAQ
Will resetting Chrome delete my saved passwords?
No, resetting Chrome will retain your saved passwords as long as they are synced with your Google account. However, cookies and site data will be cleared, so you’ll need to log back into websites.
How do I back up my bookmarks before resetting?
To manually back up bookmarks:
- Go to
chrome://bookmarks/. - Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
- Select “Export bookmarks” and save the file.
What should I do if resetting doesn’t fix my issue?
If problems persist after resetting, consider reinstalling Chrome completely. Uninstall the browser, download the latest version from Google’s official site, and reinstall it.
Can I selectively reset only certain settings?
Yes, Chrome allows you to modify specific settings like clearing cookies or disabling extensions without performing a full reset. Navigate to chrome://settings/ and adjust individual preferences as needed.
These steps will help you maintain a clean and efficient browsing experience while ensuring your important data is safe!
