HP Chromebook not loading anything

[inquissylizzy]

My HP Chromebook 14 will not load pages. I’ll search something, it’ll load the page then immediately go back to the home page or previous page it was on. If I go into settings, it’ll click what I choose and go back to the start setting page. It does that with everything, either not load at all or load then go back to the initial page. I’ve done a power wash and hard reset, it’s doing the same thing. TIA!

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @inquissylizzy 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thank you for explaining the issue so clearly. It’s genuinely frustrating when your Chromebook behaves erratically—especially after you've already tried a power wash and hard reset. The symptoms you’re describing suggest a deeper system-level fault, possibly tied to corrupted firmware or a failed Chrome OS update.

Here’s a structured recovery path to help restore functionality:

1. Rule out a stuck key or touch issue

Make sure no keys are sticking down, especially Back or Esc.

Gently press each key once to be sure none are jammed.

Wipe the touchpad and screen, then test again—sometimes false inputs can trigger navigation back to the start.

 

2. Test in Guest Mode

Sign out of your Chromebook.

At the login screen, choose Browse as Guest.

Try loading pages.

If it works fine in Guest, the issue may be tied to your Google account sync or settings.

If the same problem appears, it’s more likely a system or hardware issue.

 

3. Check for Chrome OS updates

Even though you’ve reset, the system may still need updates.

Click the time in the bottom right > Settings > About Chrome OS.

Select Check for updates and install if available.

 

4. Try Recovery Mode (full system reinstall)

If Powerwash hasn’t fixed it, the next step is a full recovery:

On a separate computer, download the Chromebook Recovery Utility from the Chrome Web Store.

Insert a USB drive (8GB or larger) and create recovery media.

On your HP Chromebook, enter Recovery Mode:

Turn it off.

Hold Esc + Refresh, then press the Power button.

Insert the USB drive and follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall Chrome OS.
 

Guide: Recover your Chromebook

You're clearly doing everything right under pressure, and this kind of issue deserves a clean resolution.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye