Unlike Windows, Chrome OS is pretty light and fast, but it also encounters some weird bugs that sometimes come out of the blue. The “Chrome is missing or damaged” error in Chrome OS is similar to the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error on Windows systems. If you’re experiencing this issue on your Chromebook, there’s no easy way to go back and it’s possible that you’ll lose your local files. However, we explain the recovery steps in great detail in this article to bring your Chromebook back to life. So, without wasting any time, let’s get started and learn how to fix the “Chrome is missing or damaged” error.
Fix Chrome OS Missing or Damaged Error
1. If you get stuck at the “Chrome OS is missing or damaged” screen, Press the Ctrl + D shortcut To open the Chrome Recovery Window. After that, press the “Enter” key and then follow the onscreen instructions to reset your Chromebook. Note that this process will completely wipe your device, including local storage. However, your Chromebook will continue to work flawlessly after the reset.
2. However, If the Ctrl + D keyboard shortcut is not working then you will need to create a recovery media using another computer. You can use any system like Windows, macOS or Chrome OS to create the recovery media. all you have to do install this Chromebook recovery utility application in your Chrome browser.
3. Next, insert a thumb drive or SD card on the computer where you installed the recovery utility. Now start the application and click “Get started”.
4. Here’s what you need to do Choose your Chromebook model so it can download the custom Chrome OS image for your device. After that, click the “Continue” button.
5. On the next screen, select the removable device you inserted (thumb drive or SD card) and click the “Continue” button. Finally, it will download the image and also create the recovery media automatically.
6. When done, insert the flash drive or SD card into your broken Chromebook When on the “Chrome OS damaged/missing” screen. It will automatically detect the recovery media, and then you can follow the onscreen instructions to recover your Chromebook. Finally, the “Chrome is missing or damaged” error will disappear. Also note that local storage will be completely wiped during this process.
Fix Chrome OS Missing or Damaged Error Now
This is how you can fix missing or damaged error in Chrome OS. If you are wondering why Chrome OS is causing the missing or damaged error, it is mostly due to Input/Output glitches and corruption of system files. The disappointing part is that once it happens you can’t get your files back. Therefore, it is recommended to always sync your local files and folders with Google Drive. Anyway, that’s it for us. If you found the article helpful, comment below and let us know.
