Reset Google Chrome in Windows, Linux & Mac OS without Re-installation

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”

Jacko

2013-01-14

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

Reply
whiner

2012-10-30

shouldn’t the last link be for linux?

Reply
Mou16

2012-06-28

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

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Alrwai90

2012-05-18

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

Reply
Mozaso

2012-04-21

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.

Reply
Leonardo Henrique

2012-02-17

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

Reply
1. Ramesh Kumar
  
  2012-02-23
  
  Thanks for tip! and the post is updated for Linux and Mac too.
2. mememe
  
  2012-04-25
  
  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.
Gabriella

2011-11-04

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?

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1. Ramesh
  
  2011-11-04
  
  Open the following URL- chrome://settings/browser. In Basics, under Home page section, Set your homepage as your startup page.
Beth Snaper

2011-07-16

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.

Reply
Icko

2009-09-20

Thanks for tips.

Reply