Quick summary
- When the “Chrome OS is missing or damaged” screen appears, release the “Power” button but continue holding the other two keys.
- You can reset the BIOS settings to default by removing the CMOS battery or using the “Reset BIOS” option in the BIOS menu.
Accessing the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) on your Acer Chromebook is essential for various tasks, including troubleshooting, updating firmware, and configuring hardware settings. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions on how to get into Acer Chromebook BIOS, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Method 1: Using the Refresh + Power Buttons
1. Power Off Your Chromebook: Completely shut down your Chromebook.
2. Locate the Refresh Key: Look for the “Refresh” key on your Chromebook keyboard, usually located near the “Back” and “Forward” buttons.
3. Press and Hold Refresh + Power: Simultaneously press and hold the “Refresh” key and the “Power” button.
4. Release Power Button: When the BIOS screen appears, release the “Power” button but continue holding the “Refresh” key.
Method 2: Using Developer Mode
1. Enable Developer Mode: Turn on Developer Mode by following the instructions provided by Google.
2. Power Off Your Chromebook: Completely shut down your Chromebook.
3. Press and Hold Esc + Refresh + Power: Simultaneously press and hold the “Esc,” “Refresh,” and “Power” buttons.
4. Release Power Button: When the “Chrome OS is missing or damaged” screen appears, release the “Power” button but continue holding the other two keys.
Method 3: Using Recovery Mode
1. Power Off Your Chromebook: Completely shut down your Chromebook.
2. Press and Hold Recovery + Power: Simultaneously press and hold the “Recovery” key (usually located near the “Esc” key) and the “Power” button.
3. Release Recovery Button: When the recovery screen appears, release the “Recovery” button.
4. Select “Powerwash (Reinstall Chrome OS)”: Use the arrow keys to navigate to this option and press “Enter.”
5. Insert USB Recovery Drive (Optional): If you have a USB recovery drive, insert it into your Chromebook.
6. Confirm Powerwash: Select “Powerwash” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Method 4: Using a Custom BIOS Recovery Image
1. Create a BIOS Recovery Image: Download the BIOS recovery image specific to your Acer Chromebook model from the Acer support website.
2. Format a USB Drive: Format a USB drive with FAT32 file system.
3. Copy BIOS Recovery Image: Copy the BIOS recovery image file onto the formatted USB drive.
4. Power Off Your Chromebook: Completely shut down your Chromebook.
5. Insert USB Drive: Insert the USB drive containing the BIOS recovery image into your Chromebook.
6. Press and Hold Recovery + Refresh + Power: Simultaneously press and hold the “Recovery,” “Refresh,” and “Power” buttons.
7. Release Power Button: When the “Chrome OS is missing or damaged” screen appears, release the “Power” button but continue holding the other two keys.
8. Follow On-Screen Instructions: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the BIOS recovery process.
Method 5: Using a Hardware Key
Some Acer Chromebook models have a dedicated hardware key for accessing the BIOS. Refer to your Chromebook’s user manual or contact Acer support for specific instructions.
Troubleshooting
- Cannot Access BIOS: Ensure you are following the correct method for your Chromebook model.
- BIOS Screen Not Appearing: Try pressing the keys harder or holding them for a longer duration.
- Error Message: If you encounter an error message, contact Acer support for assistance.
Questions You May Have
Q: Can I access the BIOS without Developer Mode?
A: Yes, you can use Method 1 or Method 4 to access the BIOS without enabling Developer Mode.
Q: Is it safe to enter the BIOS?
A: Yes, accessing the BIOS is generally safe, but it’s important to be cautious and only change settings you understand.
Q: What if I make changes in the BIOS and my Chromebook won‘t boot?
A: You can reset the BIOS settings to default by removing the CMOS battery or using the “Reset BIOS” option in the BIOS menu.