Helpful new ChromeOS feature resets Chromebooks without erasing data

Why it matters: For Chromebook users who find their laptop slowing down or misbehaving, Google just rolled out a handy new feature with the ChromeOS M131 update that lets you hit the reset button without going nuclear. It's called "Safety reset," and it serves as a happy medium between erasing everything with a full factory reset and just deleting cookies.

The new Safety reset option is designed to get your Chromebook back into tip-top shape if you're seeing virus-like behavior such as endless pop-ups.

ChromeOS isn't particularly susceptible to viruses thanks to the operating system's built-in security features. However, you can still be hit with malware if you install malicious apps or extensions or engage in unsafe online habits.

When your Chromebook does start malfunctioning, the usual option is clearing cookies – but that doesn't always work. So now, Google has provided a new option that preserves your data while clearing out potential culprits.

As for specifics, Google's support document details it all. Essentially, the feature resets all Chrome settings and shortcuts back to defaults, disables any extensions you had installed, and deletes cookies and other temporary site data. But it leaves your bookmarks, history, saved passwords, and locally installed apps/data alone.

Google also says you can trigger the Safety reset in a few different ways, including:

• Press CTRL + Shift + Search + R keyboard shortcut
• Search for keywords like "pop-up", "spam", or "virus" in Settings
• Find it under the Settings > Safety and privacy menu

In addition to the Safety reset, the M131 update adds a new accessibility feature – Flash notifications. This gives those who are hard of hearing or use screen magnification a helpful visual cue any time they might miss an audio notification.

You'll find the Flash notifications setting under Settings > Accessibility > Audio & captions. It lets you pick from different colors for the notification flash and even preview what it looks like before enabling it.

Overall, the M131 update isn't an earth-shattering release, but it continues Google's efforts to refine the ChromeOS experience with handy quality-of-life improvements.