Chromebooks are widely used in educational and professional settings due to their ease of management. However, there might come a time when you need to stop a Chromebook from being managed, particularly if it was previously part of a school or workplace network.

Important: Removing management from a Chromebook typically requires a factory reset, which will delete all data on the device. Make sure to back up important files before proceeding.

1. Sign Out of Your Google Account

Before resetting the Chromebook, sign out of your Google account. This helps to ensure that none of your personal data is left behind.

To sign out, click on your profile picture in the bottom-right corner and select “Sign out.”

2. Perform a Powerwash (Factory Reset)

A Powerwash will reset your Chromebook to its factory settings, removing all user accounts and any organizational management.

To initiate a Powerwash:

Click on the clock in the bottom-right corner to open the status area.
Select the gear icon to open Settings.
Scroll down and click on “Advanced” to expand the settings menu.
Under “Reset settings,” find and click on “Powerwash.”
Confirm by clicking “Restart.”

After the restart, the Chromebook will begin the Powerwash process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

3. Set Up Your Chromebook as a Personal Device

Once the Powerwash is complete, your Chromebook will reboot to the initial setup screen. Here, you can set it up as a new device.

During the setup process, make sure not to sign in with an account that is associated with the organization that previously managed the Chromebook. Use a personal Google account instead.

4. Disable Re-enrollment (For Advanced Users)

Some Chromebooks are configured to automatically re-enroll into the management system after a factory reset. To prevent this, you’ll need to disable forced re-enrollment. This step may not be possible for all users, especially if the device is locked by the organization.

To check if forced re-enrollment is enabled:

Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open the Crosh shell.
Type shell and press Enter.
Type sudo crossystem disable_dev_request=1 and press Enter.
Restart the Chromebook.

5. Check for Management Status

After setting up your Chromebook, you can check if it’s still managed:

Open Chrome and type chrome://management in the address bar.
Press Enter.

If the page says “This device is not managed,” then the process was successful.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Re-enrollment After Reset: If your Chromebook automatically re-enrolls after a reset, it’s likely that forced re-enrollment is enabled, and it might not be possible to remove management without administrator intervention.
Device Locked by Admin: If the Chromebook is locked by the organization and you can’t perform a Powerwash, you may need to contact the IT department or administrator who manages the device.
Inability to Access Developer Mode: Some Chromebooks may have Developer Mode disabled by the organization. Without Developer Mode, advanced steps like disabling re-enrollment may not be possible.

Alternatives to Removing Management

If you’re unable to remove the management from your Chromebook, here are a few alternatives:

Use a Personal Chromebook: Consider purchasing a personal Chromebook for activities outside of the organization’s control.
Dual-Device Approach: Use your managed Chromebook for work or school-related tasks and a separate device for personal use.

Conclusion

Stopping a Chromebook from being managed is a process that typically involves a factory reset and careful setup afterward. While it can be straightforward for personal devices, Chromebooks managed by an organization may have restrictions that prevent removal from management. Always ensure that you understand the potential risks and consequences before attempting to remove management from a Chromebook.