Chromebook Troubleshooting
Students receive Chromebooks to support their academic growth. If a device isn’t working properly, try the steps below before reaching out for help.
Update the Chromebook
Keeping your Chromebook updated can solve many performance issues.
- Click the clock in the bottom-right corner, then select the Settings gear.
- On the left menu, click About Chrome OS.
- Click Check for updates.
- If updates are available, they will begin downloading. You can continue using the Chromebook while it updates.
- After the update is complete, restart your device if prompted.
Tip: Updates use internet bandwidth. If your connection is slow, update after school hours
Disable uBlock Ad Blocker
Some websites may not display content correctly because of the ad blocker installed on student devices.
- Open the website you want to adjust.
- Click the puzzle piece icon near the top right of the browser, then select uBlock Origin.
- Click the blue power button to disable uBlock for this site. It will turn grey.
- Refresh the page.
Note: This only disables uBlock for the current site—it remains active everywhere else.
Remove & Re-Add a Student Account
This process can clear issues with saved settings or data.
- Log out to reach the Chromebook login screen.
- Click the down arrow on the student profile.
- Select Remove This User.
- Log in again using the student’s Aspen Google credentials.
Factory Reset a Chromebook
Use this method only if other fixes have not worked. It will completely reset the device.
- Hold Escape + Refresh, then press the Power button. Release all three.
- At the “USB Recovery” screen, press CTRL + D.
- Press Enter to turn off OS verification.
- Chromebook will reboot and show an error screen.
- Press Spacebar, then Enter to turn OS verification back on.
- Follow setup prompts:
- Click Let’s Go.
- Connect to Wi-Fi.
- Accept Terms of Service.
- The Chromebook will auto-enroll into Aspen’s domain.
- Click Done when enrollment completes.
Chromebook Microphone Volume
A recent Chromebook ChromeOS update has made a microphone volume slider available. If others can’t hear you on Zoom or Google Meet:
- Click the clock > Settings > Audio.
- Find the Microphone volume slider.
- Make sure it’s set to at least 50%.
Internet Access & Home Network Performance
Optimize Your Home Network
If your Chromebook is slow or keeps disconnecting, your home internet setup may be the issue.
Quick Fixes
- Restart your modem and router (unplug for 30 seconds, then plug back in).
- Move your Chromebook closer to your Wi-Fi router.
- Disconnect unused devices from your network.
Test Your Internet Speed
Use these free tools:
Each person using the internet should have at least 10–25 Mbps. Video conferencing (e.g., Zoom) requires good upload speeds, not just download speeds.
Reduce Interference
Things that can weaken Wi-Fi include:
- Walls with lead paint or brick
- Metal objects
- Fish tanks and water heaters
- TVs and microwaves
- Neighboring Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices
Tips for Stronger Wi-Fi
- Place your router in a central, high location
- Avoid placing routers near TVs or appliances
- Turn off unused Wi-Fi devices
- Use ethernet when possible (via USB adapter for Chromebooks)
Responsible Technology Use
Technology Expectations
Aspen students are expected to use their school-issued devices responsibly, respectfully, and in alignment with school policies. Technology access is a privilege that supports learning, and misuse can result in consequences per school guidelines.
Tech May Not Be Used For:
- Illegal, commercial, or for-profit activities
- Personal email, messaging, or texting platforms
- Advertising or political lobbying
- Unauthorized software installation or file downloads
- Distribution of copyrighted content
- Accessing obscene or explicit material
- Inappropriate language or offensive content
- Impersonation or identity theft
- Disrupting other users or school systems
- Non-educational or unrelated personal work
Note: Students and families are encouraged to review the full technology use guidelines in the Student Handbooks for their campus.
Cyberbullying Awareness & Online Conduct
Aspen Public Schools actively works to create a safe and supportive digital environment. As part of our cyberbullying prevention efforts, we remind students and families:
- Think before you post. Once something is shared online, it can’t be taken back.
- Protect personal info. Never share passwords or private content online.
- Treat others with respect. If you wouldn’t say it face-to-face, don’t say it online.
- Be aware. Inappropriate posts can be viewed by teachers, families, employers, and more.
We ask families to help reinforce these expectations at home by reviewing Aspen’s tech policies and having regular conversations about digital behavior and safety.
Need Additional Help?
If you’re still experiencing issues, contact the Aspen Technology Support Team or visit your school office for in-person assistance.