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We have already covered Internet Explorer and Firefox and described, “How can we reset their settings to default without Re-installation?” Now its time to Google Chrome.

Both Internet Explorer and Firefox have direct or indirect ways to reset their settings. But in case of Google Chrome, there is no direct or indirect method. Finally we have figured out the Google Chrome, how it manages all settings and First Run instance.

How To:

Google Chrome doesn’t store any Windows Registry, instead of creates a 0KB file called First Run at the root of installation directory. Chrome checks existence of this file, when it run.

If the First Run exists, Chrome bypasses the Run first time wizard and launch browsing window, Else follow the Run first time wizard to customize settings.

So we can restore first run by simply deleting this file, the file can be found at root of installation directory or default locations:

For Windows XP
C:\Documents and Settings\UserName\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\Application
For Windows Vista or later
C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\Application

In addition, Google Chrome creates a folder User Data to store personalize settings including preferences, history, download list etc.
To Reset them, just delete all the fiiles and folders from User Data and the locations are:

For Windows XP
C:\Documents and Settings\UserName\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data
For Windows Vista or later
C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\Application\User Data
For Mac OS
~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/Default
For Mac OS X
~/.config/google-chrome/Default

NOTE: You may lose all program settings, Bookmarks etc after deleting User Data.

Applies To:

  • Google Chrome (all version including Betas)

12 responses to “Reset Google Chrome in Windows, Linux & Mac OS without Re-installation”

  1. Jacko Avatar
    Jacko

    I can’t take an article seriously that ends in “LOOSE”, when they meant “lose”…

  2. whiner Avatar
    whiner

    shouldn’t the last link be for linux?

  3. Mou16 Avatar
    Mou16

    open google chrome……click on the wrench->settings->under “user” there is an option “delete this user”->then click on “delete”

  4. Alrwai90 Avatar
    Alrwai90

    sorry guys i have important point here 
    i reset chrome but still download manger as same (download manger Acceleration is remain) & i remove it previously What can i do with this stuck in my browser  
    i want chrome download manger chrome is the default 

  5. Mozaso Avatar
    Mozaso

    Chrome isn’t comfortable browser, every time has a problem, especially with yahoo mail and facebook,,, sometimes the buttons at the websites doesn’t work and also the arrange of a web page becomes unscramble… have these experience.
    Why Chrome is the best browser? I think Firefox is definitely better than it.

  6. Leonardo Henrique Avatar
    Leonardo Henrique

    where is directory of Chrome for Linux? We need it.

    1. Ramesh Kumar Avatar
      Ramesh Kumar

      Thanks for tip! and the post is updated for Linux and Mac too.

    2. mememe Avatar
      mememe

      In Linux, Ubuntu /home/yourusername/.config/google-chrome/ (to show hidden folders (like .config) press Ctrl+h).  google-chrome folder is something like User Data folder in Windows and /opt/google/chrome is something like Application Data.

  7. Gabriella Avatar
    Gabriella

    I’ve gotten a home/startpage that’s the first thing to show up when I start Google Chrome, is there any way to remove it?

    1. Ramesh Avatar
      Ramesh

      Open the following URL- chrome://settings/browser. In Basics, under Home page section, Set your homepage as your startup page.

  8. Beth Snaper Avatar
    Beth Snaper

    Internet Explorer and Firefox both have direct or indirect ways to reset their settings. But in case of Google Chrome, there is no direct or indirect method.As Google Chrome is full of so easy and many features, I recommend all of you to install and use Google Chrome Browser on your computer.

  9. Icko Avatar
    Icko

    Thanks for tips.

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