Fix Chrome OS is Missing or Damaged Issue on Chromebook

The advancements in technology have made the vast majority of our daily tasks easier and faster. 

This has become possible through the introduction of arrays of technological products. With these products, you can perform your daily tasks effortlessly. As of today, one of the most exciting devices introduced into the tech world is the Chromebook. Since its release, it is widely cherished because of the huge variety of features you can enjoy from using it. You can use Chromebook in any location. Chromebook can perform a dual function, that is, you can use it as a laptop or Android device. When you use Chromebook, there are some challenges you may encounter. Notably among these challenges is the Chrome OS is missing or damaged. This issue is similar to the blue screen error on a Windows laptop. If your Chromebook is displaying the Chrome OS is missing or damaged, you won't have access to your data on the device. Hence, there are extreme chances of losing your data. Therefore, it is important to explore the best method to fix the issue when it is displayed on your Chromebook. Nowadays, there are tested and trusted methods through which you can fix the Chrome OS is missing or damaged issue. With that said, today, I will be telling you the best methods to solve the Chrome OS is missing or damaged issues on your Chromebook.

About the Chrome OS is Missing or Damaged Issue

Chromebook is an excellent and well-designed lightweight device that enhances its mobility from one place to another. The device offers smooth and fast computing services to its users. Chromebook can run like a tablet or laptop. The laptop feature of Chromebook runs on the Linux operating system. The device also runs on Android. Therefore, you can access both the Linux and Android apps on your Chromebook. That said, your pleasant experience can turn sour when you encounter some error issues. One of the most frustrating errors on Chromebook is the Chrome OS is missing or damaged. The frustrating issue appears on the Chromebook due to its inability to load the OS (operating system) installed on it. The error occurs when you are starting the device. It also occurs due to its inability to complete simple tasks. When the error occurs, you will not have access to your data on the device. This may result in the loss of your data. To protect your data, you need to fix the issue.

Causes of the Chrome OS is Damaged or Missing Issue

The Chrome OS is damaged or missing occurs due to different reasons. You can encounter the error message when you have missing or corrupt system files in your Chromebook. You can also encounter the error message when you have malware or virus on the device. As a Chromebook user, you can encounter the Chrome OS is missing or damaged issue when the system settings of your device are not correctly configured. Before fixing the Chrome OS is damaged or missing issue, it is important to identify the cause. When you identify the cause of the error, you will have the chance of choosing the best solution you can employ to fix it.

Summary of How to Fix Chrome OS is Missing or Damaged on Chromebook

The table below summarizes the steps involved in fixing the Chrome OS is missing or damaged issue.

How You Can Fix the Chrome OS is Missing or Damaged Issue

As a Chromebook user, there is a high possibility of encountering the Chrome OS is missing or damaged issue. When this issue appears on your device, you can employ different solutions to fix it. In this section, I will be discussing the best solutions to fixing the error messages without any damage to your Chromebook.

1. Try the Quick Restart Option

One of the most reliable methods of fixing the problem is to try the quick restart option. You can perform a quick restart on your Chromebook by following the simple and easy steps below.

• Turn off the Chromebook by long-pressing the power button for some seconds.

• Patiently wait for about 15 seconds without any action on it.
• Now, turn on the Chromebook by pressing the power button again.

Once the steps are completed, the problem will be fixed. In case the error message persists, you can try the next method.

2. Restore Your Chromebook to Factory Settings

With this method, you can restore the factory settings on your Chromebook without any hassle. To do this, you need to use the Powerwash tool which is built-in in the device. When you restore the device to factory settings, it will appear in its original state. The restore factory settings method removes all settings configurations, customizations, and other locally stored data from the Chromebook. Hence, you need to backup your data and other valuable information on your Chromebook before you restore the device to factory settings. The steps to restoring factory settings on your device are discussed below.

• Switch on the Chromebook and hit the "System Clock" icon that appears on the pop-up menu. Next, hit the "Cog" icon.
• Go to the "Settings" panel. Then hit the "Advanced" icon that is located on the left side of the menu bar.
• Now tap the Reset Settings icon present below the "Advanced" icon.
• Next, hit the Reset icon located next to Powerwash.

• Now, tap the Restart icon located at the pop-up menu.

• Once you have completed the procedure, you will get a message that will inform you that all your settings and data will be lost. Next, hit the Powerwash icon.

• Then a final confirmation notice will appear. Hit the Continue icon to accept the factory settings restore of your Chromebook.
• It should be noted that you can use a shortcut to access the Powerwash functionality on your Chromebook. All you need to do is to press the CTRL+ALT+SHIFT+R Keys simultaneously.

Now that the process is completed, your Chromebook will reboot and turn on again. Then you will need to re-do the setup. You will also need to sign in to your Google account to customize the device.

3. Reinstall Chrome OS

When you reset your Chromebook, it solves the vast majority of issues you can have with the device. That said, in case your Chromebook still displays the Chrome OS is missing or damaged, you can adopt the method of re-installing a fresh Chrome OS. Before installing a fresh OS, you need to get an SD Card (8GB or more) or USB flash drive and a functioning computer. Then follow the simple steps discussed below.

• Launch Google Chrome on your functioning PC. Now, install a browser extension called Chromebook Recovery Utility on the PC. Just hit the "Add to Chrome" icon to install it.
• Next, open the program and enter your Chromebook model number. Then select the device from the list provided or enter it manually.
• Then, connect your SD Card or USB Flash Drive to your computer. Then grant the operating system (OS) permission to make necessary changes to the memory stick by tapping the "Allow or Yes" icon. Next, follow the instructions displayed on the screen to download the Chrome OS into your removable storage device.
• Now, remove the SD card or USB flash drive from your PC.
• Then long-press the ESC+Refresh keys on your Chromebook's keyboard. Next, tap the power button to reboot the device in recovery mode.
• Immediately the error message appears, insert the SD card or USB flash drive that contains the downloaded Chrome OS. Then follow the simple installation procedure.

Conclusion

Chromebook is an excellent device that offers unlimited solutions to different computing needs. When using the device, it can develop the Chrome OS's missing or damaged issue. Many a time, the error makes the device useless because you will be denied access to its services. Today, I have discussed the best methods to fix the problem. Please read and share it with your friends, family, and other Chromebook users.