How to restart Chromebook when frozen?
Do you have a Chromebook that’s frozen and won’t respond? Restarting your Chromebook is an easy way to get it back up and running. In this article, we will go over how to restart your Chromebook when the computer is frozen.
We will talk about what causes a Chromebook to freeze in the first place, as well as discuss different methods for restarting your device if it stops responding.
We will also highlight some tips on avoiding future freezes and keeping your system running smoothly. By following our simple instructions, you can get your Chromebook working again without any hassle or major technical knowledge.
What Causes Chromebook Freezing?
Chromebooks are known for their lightning-fast, smooth performance. But sometimes the device can get frozen due to certain technical issues. Here are some common causes of Chromebook freezing:

1. Overheating – Like many electronic devices, a Chromebook may become sluggish or freeze if it overheats due to prolonged use or inadequate ventilation. Keeping the Chromebook on a flat surface and away from direct sunlight or heat can help prevent overheating.
2. Low RAM or Storage – Chromebooks are notorious for having limited storage, so if you’re running out of space in your device it could be causing freezing issues. Try clearing some photos, videos, and other files you don’t need to free up space.
3. Outdated Software – Is your Chromebook running an outdated version of the Chrome OS? If so, it could be causing freezing issues. To ensure that your device is always running the latest version of the software, turn on auto-update in your settings menu.
4. Too Many Extensions – Since most of us rely heavily on the internet for work and leisure, chances are you have quite a few browser extensions installed in your Chromebook. While these can be incredibly helpful tools, having too many can slow down your device or even cause it to freeze occasionally. Try disabling any unnecessary extensions and see if that helps!
5. Malware Infection – A malware infection can cause all sorts of issues, including freezing. If you suspect that your Chromebook is infected with a virus or other malicious software, it’s best to get it checked out by an expert right away.
Steps to restart a Chromebook when frozen
If your Chromebook is frozen, there are several steps you can take to restart it:

1. Push The Refresh Key + Power Button Simultaneously
The first step is to press the Refresh key and the power button at the same time for five seconds. This will force a reboot of your Chromebook and should resolve any issues it was experiencing. If this doesn’t work, try the next steps.
2. Unplug Your Chromebook And Plug It Back In
If pressing the Refresh key and power button didn’t work, unplug your Chromebook from its power source and then plug it back in again after a few minutes. This will allow it to reset itself and should help clear up any frozen issues you may have been experiencing.
3. Turn Off The Chromebook Entirely
If neither of the above steps worked, try turning off your Chromebook entirely. To do this, press and hold the power button until it shuts down. Once it is off, wait a few minutes before powering it back on again. This should help reset any issues you were experiencing with freezing.
4. Reset Your Chromebook To Factory Settings
If none of the above steps worked, then try resetting your Chromebook to its factory settings. You can do this by going into your system’s settings and selecting “Reset to Factory Settings” from the available options. This will delete all data on your device, so make sure to back up any important files or documents before proceeding with this step.
Benefits of Restarting Your Chromebook
Restarting your Chromebook can help resolve a variety of issues, including freezing. It clears all running programs and apps from memory, allowing you to start fresh with a clean slate.
It can help improve performance and stability by reducing the amount of background processes running at once. Additionally, it can also help protect your device from malicious software by deleting any potential threats that may have been installed on the system without your knowledge.
Preventative Maintenance Measures For Avoiding Frozen Chromebooks
Although restarting a frozen Chromebook can help resolve the issue, it is always a good idea to take preventative measures to avoid freezing in the first place. Here are some tips:

- Make sure your Chromebook is running the most up-to-date version of Chrome OS.
- Avoid running too many apps or programs at once as this can cause your system to slow down and become unresponsive.
- Only download apps from reputable sources such as the Google Play Store or the Chrome Web Store. Avoid downloading apps from unknown third-party websites as these could contain malicious software that could cause your system to freeze or crash.
- Keep an eye on your system’s available storage space and delete any unnecessary files or programs that are taking up space.
- • Make sure your Chromebook’s antivirus software is enabled and regularly updated to protect against potential threats.
By following the steps above, you should be able to restart your frozen Chromebook and take preventative measure to avoid freezing in the future. With a little bit of maintenance, you can keep your device running smoothly for years to come!
My Chromebook is frozen on a black screen?
If your Chromebook is frozen on a black screen, you may be able to fix the issue by performing a hard reset. To do this, turn off your Chromebook and unplug any external devices connected to it (e.g., mouse or external monitor).
Press and hold down the Refresh button (usually located near the Esc key) while pressing the power button and hold for about 10 seconds. The Chromebook should then restart itself and you can log in as usual.
If this doesn’t work, try to enter recovery mode by pressing Esc + Refresh + Power at the same time and wait for the Recovery Mode screen to appear. From here, you can perform a factory reset which will delete all your data and settings so make sure to back up any important files before attempting this.
FAQs related to restarting a frozen Chromebook
Why is my Chromebook screen not responding?
It is likely that your Chromebook is frozen and needs to be restarted. Try following the steps listed above to restart your device.
Why isn’t my Chromebook turning on after being frozen?
If your Chromebook is not turning on after being frozen, try unplugging the device from its power source and then plugging it back in again. This should reset any issues you were experiencing with freezing.
What can I do to prevent my Chromebook from freezing?
To help keep your Chromebook from freezing, make sure it is running the most up-to-date version of Chrome OS. Additionally, try avoiding running too many apps or programs at once, only download apps from reputable sources, keep an eye on your system’s available storage space by deleting any unnecessary files or programs that are taking up space, and make sure your Chromebook’s antivirus software is enabled and regularly updated.
Why is my Chromebook frozen on a black screen?
If your Chromebook is frozen on a black screen, try following the steps listed above to restart your device. If that does not work, then you may need to reset your Chromebook to its factory settings. Make sure to back up any important files or documents before proceeding with this step.
Conclusion
Restarting your frozen Chromebook is a quick and easy way to get it running again. However, it’s always important to take preventative measures to avoid freezing in the first place.
By making sure your device is up-to-date, avoiding running too many programs or apps at once, downloading only from reputable sources, keeping an eye on your system’s available storage space, and regularly updating your antivirus software, you can reduce the chances of experiencing a frozen Chromebook. With these steps in mind, you should be able to keep your device running smoothly for years!