Common Chrome OS Problems and How to Troubleshoot Them
Chrome OS Is Very Slow
If your Chromebook is a 2GB model, its light specs might not be able to keep up with your high usage and will run slow when you have too many browsers or apps open at the same time. Close a few tabs and apps and see if this improves the speed. If that doesn’t help, check if there is a problem with your internet connection. Remember that a Chromebook runs apps directly from the web, so a reliable connection matters a lot in maximizing its performance.
Your OS could also be running slow because your Chrome OS hasn’t been updated recently. Check your System Update Icon (the one which looks like an arrow in the status section of your Google account picture or icon). Click the arrow, then select Restart to Update. If the System Update Icon doesn’t appear, then go to Settings > About Chrome OS > Check for and apply updates. Note: This will reboot your device so make sure to do important backups first.
Frequent Chrome OS Crashes
Isn’t it annoying when your Chromebook freezes, mysteriously closes every window, or suddenly shuts down? One main culprit for such problems is your extensions, which you may have unknowingly downloaded. Go to your Chrome menu in the toolbar, choose More Tools > Extensions. Here you can view a list of all your extensions and whether they are enabled or disabled. Try disabling the more recent extensions you’ve downloaded and see if that improves things. If that doesn’t help, then delete the extensions you aren’t using anymore.
Missing or Damaged Chrome OS
When you receive this notification, it could mean that your OS is not working properly. Sometimes, restarting your device is all it takes to solve the problem. But if that doesn’t fix it, then you have to recover your Chromebook. This will permanently delete everything on your hard drive and even downloaded files, so make sure to backup your files on Google Drive before performing a recovery. Here is a step by step guide from Google Support on how to recover your Chromebook.
An Update Messed Up the Operating System
Did you receive an error message when you tried updating your Chrome OS? This could happen when you are using your mobile data when running an update. Aside from causing errors, this will also rake in huge charges or use up your monthly data. So make sure to turn off your mobile data and connect to a strong Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection when performing software updates.
If you’ve connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet and still get an error message, restart your Chromebook. Save what you’re currently working on, then hold the power button to fully shut down your device. Press the power button again to restart.
An Update Won’t Download
Try the two steps in the problem discussed above. If that still doesn’t fix the error, then you need to reset your Chromebook. Make sure to do this only on a personal Chromebook and not one for work or school. Also, remember to save everything to the cloud first because resetting will erase all your settings and everything on your hard drive. When you’re done saving, go to Settings > Advanced Settings > Powerwash > Reset > Restart, then enter your Google Account details.
If you’re still getting error messages, the last recourse is to recover your Chromebook.
Problem Establishing a Strong WiFi Connection
Make sure you’re actually connected to a Wi-Fi network. If there is an X covering your Wi-Fi icon, then you are not connected. Click the icon, choose No Network > Turn Wi-Fi On. This allows your Chromebook to search for and connect to an available Wi-Fi network. If you still can’t connect, restart your laptop.
In rare cases, the cause of this problem is because you are using an old router. Try connecting to a different wireless network, and if it works, it might be time to upgrade your current router.
Unexplainable and Repetitive Off and On Problem
Whether it is your Chromebook or Chrome browser that turns off, then back on repetitively, the most probable cause for this issue is a problem with the operating system. And the solution is to fully recover your Chrome laptop. Again, remember to back up your files on Google Drive, another cloud file, or an external hard drive before beginning the recovery process.
“This webpage is not available”
If you’ve typed in the correct web address and still get this error message, then it is most likely issues with cookies or proxies. It’s best to delete all your cookies. But make sure you’ve saved all your passwords somewhere else secure first before deleting cookies. When you’re ready, go to Settings > Show advanced settings > Privacy > Content Settings > All cookies and site data > Remove All.
As for proxy issues, try to change your proxy settings if you know the correct proxy. Go to Settings > Internet Connection, check the box for Allow proxies for shared networks, then input the correct proxy settings.
Chrome OS Not Working with Bluetooth Devices
The first step is to check if your Chromebook actually works with Bluetooth. Most, but not all, Chrome OS devices have Bluetooth functionality. If the Bluetooth logo is found in your status area, then your laptop is compatible with Bluetooth devices. Make sure it isn’t turned off (indicated by a bar across the logo). If it’s turned off, turn it on by scanning your accessories. Click the Bluetooth icon, then select Enable Bluetooth. It also helps to keep the Bluetooth device close to your Chromebook, properly pair it, and input the correct codes (if any).
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