Google's ChromeOS is an intuitively simple interface to navigate, but even the best operating systems experience an occasional hiccup. One particularly concerning issue is the ChromeOS is Missing or Damaged error, but thankfully, it's a relatively easy issue to troubleshoot.

The message ChromeOS is Missing or Damaged will appear when your device encounters a problem loading the operating system. You usually encounter this during startup, but the message can also appear at random while you're using the computer. The error screen looks slightly different depending on the device model, but the potential solutions are the same for all modern Chromebooks.

This message will also appear if you decide to enable Developer Mode on your Chromebook or Chromebox. Keep in mind if you're attempting to enable Developer Mode, this is completely normal and actually part of the required process. However, if you encounter this message unintentionally, there are some steps you can take to troubleshoot it.

How to fix "ChromeOS is Missing or Damaged"

Fixing the ChromeOS is Missing or Damaged error might be as simple as restarting your Chromebook. If that doesn't work, a factory reset — what Google calls a Powerwash — could get the job done. And if those fixes don't remove the error, you can always try completely reinstalling ChromeOS.

Let's start with the easiest method and work our way into more involved efforts to help you solve this issue on your Chromebook.

1. Restart your Chromebook

ChromeOS might trigger the dreaded "Missing or Damaged" error due to a minor glitch while loading, and a simple restart might put everything back in place. If you're stuck on the error, just hold the Power button on your Chromebook until it turns off. Give it a few seconds, then hit the Power button again to turn it back on.

This option will likely only fix the issue if there is a small glitch or bug, but it's very much worth trying as it takes up the least amount of time and doesn't require any involved steps.

2. Powerwash your Chromebook

Google refers to factory resetting your Chromebook as "Powerwashing," and it might be necessary if restarting your Chromebook doesn't get rid of the error.

Powerwashing your Chromebook will erase all local data. Be sure, if at all possible, to back up any files to the cloud or an external storage solution before continuing.

You can find the Powerwash option within the Chromebook's regular Settings menu.

1. Launch the Settings app on your Chromebook.
2. Click Advanced.
3. Click Reset settings.

   

4. Click Reset.
5. Click Restart to confirm the process.

In some cases, your Chromebook might be locked to the point where you can't access the Settings menu. There's a quick workaround that allows you to nevertheless Powerwash your device. Follow these steps from the ChromeOS lock screen.

1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R simultaneously to bring up an options menu.
2. Click Restart.
3. Click Powerwash.
4. Click Continue.
5. Follow any prompts that appear to work through the process.

The Powerwashing process itself can take longer if you have a lot of data stored on your device locally. If you store most information in the cloud, this shouldn't take more than 10 minutes to complete. Powerwashing fixes most issues, and it will hopefully take care of the ChromeOS is Missing or Damaged error.

3. Reinstall ChromeOS

If a simple reboot or Powerwash doesn't work, you may need to reinstall ChromeOS entirely. This option should be attempted only if the first two suggestions don't work. Reinstalling ChromeOS requires access to a secondary Chromebook, Mac, or Windows PC. You'll also need a spare USB flash drive or SD card with around 8GB of free space on it. Note that this process will remove any existing data on your removable storage.

If you're ready to take the plunge and reinstall ChromeOS from scratch, here's how to do it.

1. Navigate to the Chromebook Recovery Utility page using the Chrome browser on a separate device.
2. Click Add to Chrome.
3. Launch the Recovery Utility from the Chrome browser's Extensions list.
4. Click Get started.
5. Choose your Chromebook's make and model.

   

6. Plug your USB drive or SD card into the secondary device.
7. Select the media (USB drive or SD card) from the dropdown list.

   

8. Click Continue.
9. Click Create now. ChromeOS will be downloaded onto your removable storage.
10. Eject the USB drive or SD card when the process is complete.

You can now move the USB drive or SD card over to the Chromebook showing the error. To enter Recovery mode, press Esc + Refresh simultaneously, then press the Power button on your Chromebook. You should see a new prompt to insert your USB drive or SD card. Once inserted, the installation process should take over automatically.

This process should restore your Chromebook to a like-new condition, just as it came out of the box. If you continue to get any error messages, it's likely you have a hardware issue that needs repairing by the OEM you bought from. Most OEMs like Acer offer some type of warranty coverage, so reach out and find out what options you have. If you are beyond warranty coverage, it might be worth taking the Chromebook to a private repair shop to see if a professional can fix the issue.

Wrapping up

Hopefully, you feel a bit better now about getting your Chromebook back in working condition. The ChromeOS is Missing or Damaged message is not the end of the world. Most of the time, the issue is easily repaired via a quick reboot or Powerwash. Make sure that before you attempt any options, you back up all of your personal data to prevent loss. Once your Chromebook is fixed, if you're looking to take your Chromebook to the next level, check out our guide on Linux apps for ChromeOS.