Thanks to Wugfresh over at XDA, Galaxy Nexus users now have an even easier way to unlock their bootloaders, gain root access, and even flash a custom recovery image all with a neat little program. So, ready to set your Nexus free? Here’s how.

I. Before You Begin

1. This will erase all data on your device so please make sure to back everything up before beginning.

2. This program only works for Windows.

II. Setup Drivers

1. Download the program from the developer’s page and save it to your computer.

Wugfresh Galaxy Nexus Toolkit (download link under Downloads in the first post on that page)

2. Right click the program and select Run as Administrator and wait for it to open.3. On your device, under Settings > Developer Options turn ON USB debugging.4. In the program select which device you are using, LTE/Verizon Nexus, or GSM/HSPA+ Nexus.5. Click on Drivers under Initial Setup and follow the prompts to install the drivers for your device.6. When it tells you to plug in your device, plug in your device via USB cable.

*If it doesn’t install the drivers or freezes, hit Control + Alt + Delete on your computer keyboard, then Task Manager and then click on the Gnex program and close it. After that reopen it and then install the drivers manually, by going to the folder that was created by the Gnex program (C: > Wugs_GnexRootToolkit and clicking on data and then Verizon Galaxy Nexus Drivers at the bottom of the folder.**If it still doesn’t install the drivers, go to our How To Setup ADB procedure and using that and/or PDANet there. Once you see a serial number after clicking on List Devices under Quick Tools in the program, you can continue.

III. Unlock the Bootloader and Root the Device

1. Once drivers are installed, check to make sure your device can be seen by the program by clicking on List Devices under Quick Tools. So long as it shows a serial number you are ready to go to the next step.

2. Now, click Unlock under Unlock + Root and wait for your device to prompt you. When it does, select Yes using the volume buttons and wait for it to reboot.

3. Once, it has unlocked the bootloader, click on Root under Unlock + Root and wait for it to finish.

4. Done, you now have an unlocked bootloader, root access, and a custom recovery image, you can now go on to flashing custom ROMs if you want.

IV. Load a Custom ROM (Optional)

1. Head to our How To Flash a Custom ROM on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus procedure.

Thanks to Wugfresh for creating this awesome program! If you feel this program has helped you please thank and/or donate to him here!