Now ChromeOS can reset itself without wiping your laptop

This week, Google announced that it will release ChromeOS M131 to non-beta users, bringing a handy “Security Reset” feature that allows Chromebook users to reset their laptops without completely wiping them. The update also introduces a new “Flash notifications” accessibility option to help those who may be hard of hearing or unable to see easily.

Like Powerwash in ChromeOS, a security reset will wipe the slate clean if you experience computer virus-like behavior such as random hacks. But while a Powerwash is a full factory reset, a Security reset saves local data and apps, as well as things like bookmarks and saved passwords, according to a help document about the feature.

Google also writes that users can call the dialog box to reset Security directly by pressing CTRL + Shift + Search + R. Otherwise, you can find it in the settings menu “Security and privacy” or by searching Settings or Launcher to find keywords like “Pop-up ,” “Spam,” or “Virus.”

As for the new Flash notifications setting, it is available in the accessibility settings under “Sound and subtitles,” which provides an additional visual notification indicator for those who may miss it because they are hard of hearing or use screen magnification to read the content. Users can choose a flash color from several options, and a preview button lets them see how it looks.