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Check for Updates
- Click the clock in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
- Click the gear icon to open Settings.
- In the left sidebar, click “About ChromeOS” (at the bottom of the menu).
- Click “Check for updates.”
- If an update is available, it downloads automatically. You see a progress bar.
- When the download finishes, click “Restart” to install the update.
Chrome OS updates download in the background while you work. You only need to restart to apply the update. The restart takes about 30 seconds to a minute. All your tabs and apps reopen after the restart.
Enable Automatic Updates
Chromebooks update automatically by default. When connected to WiFi, your Chromebook downloads updates in the background and prompts you to restart when they’re ready.
You know an update is waiting when you see a small upward arrow icon in the bottom-right corner near the clock. Click it and select “Restart to update.” If you ignore it, the update applies the next time you restart or shut down the Chromebook.
There’s no setting to turn off auto-updates on consumer Chromebooks. Updates are mandatory for security reasons. Managed Chromebooks (school or work) may have updates controlled by the administrator.
What Gets Updated
| Update Type | What It Includes | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Chrome OS | Operating system, security patches, new features | Every 2 to 4 weeks |
| Chrome Browser | Browser engine, security fixes, web standards | Every 2 to 4 weeks (with Chrome OS) |
| Android subsystem | Android app compatibility and security | Periodic, with Chrome OS updates |
| Linux subsystem | Linux container updates (if enabled) | With Chrome OS updates |
| Firmware | Hardware-level updates (rare) | Occasionally |
Chrome OS, the Chrome browser, and security patches all update together. You don’t need to update them separately. Extensions update independently through the Chrome Web Store.
Check Your Current Version
- Go to Settings, then “About ChromeOS.”
- Your current version number is displayed at the top. It looks something like “ChromeOS 128.0.6613.85.”
The first number (128 in this example) is the major version. Google releases a new major version roughly every four weeks. You can compare your version to the latest stable release on Google’s Chrome Releases blog to see if you’re up to date.
Switch Update Channels
Chrome OS has three update channels. Most people should stay on Stable.
On a similar note, our how to connect 2 monitors to Chromebook article has more practical tips.
| Channel | Stability | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|
| Stable | Most reliable | Everyone (default) |
| Beta | Mostly stable with occasional bugs | People who want new features early |
| Dev | Unstable, bugs expected | Developers and testers |
To change channels: go to Settings, then “About ChromeOS,” then “Additional details,” then “Change channel.” Switching from Stable to Beta or Dev downloads a new version immediately. Switching from Beta or Dev back to Stable may require a Powerwash (factory reset), which erases local data.
How Long Do Chromebooks Get Updates?
Every Chromebook has an Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date set by Google. After this date, the Chromebook stops receiving Chrome OS updates, including security patches.
Most Chromebooks released in 2021 or later receive 10 years of updates from their release date. Older models received 6 to 8 years. Google has been extending the update support window over time.
To check your Chromebook’s AUE date: go to Settings, then “About ChromeOS,” then “Additional details.” The auto-update expiration date is listed there. You can also search your model on Google’s Auto Update Policy page.
After the AUE date, the Chromebook still works, but it no longer receives security updates or new features. For security-sensitive uses (banking, email, work), it’s best to replace an expired Chromebook or install a Linux distribution on it.
Update Android Apps
Android apps on your Chromebook update through the Google Play Store, separate from Chrome OS updates.
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Click your profile icon in the top-right.
- Click “Manage apps & device.”
- Under “Updates available,” click “Update all” or update individual apps.
To enable auto-updates for Android apps: in the Play Store, click your profile icon, then Settings, then “Network preferences,” then “Auto-update apps,” and choose “Over any network” or “Over WiFi only.”
We walk through minecraft on a Chromebook step by step in a separate post.
Troubleshooting
“Your Chromebook is up to date” but version seems old. Your Chromebook may have reached its Auto Update Expiration date. Check in Settings, then “About ChromeOS,” then “Additional details” for the AUE date. If expired, no further updates are available.
Update stuck or won’t download. Make sure you have a stable WiFi connection. Restart the Chromebook and try checking for updates again. Free up storage space – updates need at least 1 to 2 GB of free space. Go to Settings, then “Storage management” to see what’s using space and delete unnecessary files.
Update downloads but won’t install. Click the “Restart” button when prompted. If the Chromebook won’t restart properly, hold the power button for 10 seconds to force a shutdown, then turn it back on. The update should apply on reboot.
Chromebook slow after update. This sometimes happens right after a major update as the system optimizes in the background. Give it 30 minutes to an hour of normal use. If it stays slow, try restarting once more. In rare cases, a Powerwash (factory reset) fixes post-update performance issues: go to Settings, then “Reset settings,” then “Powerwash.” Back up your files to Google Drive first.
Update failed error. Restart the Chromebook and try again. If the error persists, check your internet connection and try a different WiFi network. As a last resort, perform a Powerwash: Settings, then “Reset settings,” then “Powerwash.” The Chromebook reinstalls the latest Chrome OS version during the reset process.
Do I lose my files when updating?
No. Regular Chrome OS updates don’t erase your files, apps, or settings. Your Downloads folder, Google Drive files, Android apps, and Chrome settings remain intact. Only a Powerwash (factory reset) or switching from a Beta/Dev channel back to Stable erases local data. Files stored in Google Drive are never affected by any local changes.
Can I update on mobile data instead of WiFi?
Chromebooks with cellular capability can update over mobile data, but Chrome OS is conservative about large downloads on metered connections. It may delay updates until you connect to WiFi. You can force the update by checking for updates in Settings while on mobile data, though large updates can use significant data (100 MB to 1 GB+ for major releases).
Should I update if everything is working fine?
Yes. Chrome OS updates include security patches that protect against new vulnerabilities. Even if your Chromebook works perfectly, skipping updates leaves you exposed to security risks. The updates also include performance improvements and bug fixes that keep the Chromebook running smoothly. Since updates happen automatically in the background, there’s little reason to delay them.
Sources
Google – Update Chromebook | Google – Auto Update Policy
