Reset Google Chrome to default configuration without Re-installation

By on April 12, 2011 4

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\Chrom\\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

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

Applies To:

  • Google Chrome (all version including Betas)

UPDATED: 4/12/2011

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  • 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?

    • http://www.windowsvalley.com Ramesh

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

  • 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.

  • Icko

    Thanks for tips.