How to update ChromeOS

ChromeOS normally updates itself in the background, but you can check by hand at any time. Learn how to install an update, what to expect, and how to find out when your Chromebook stops getting updates.

What you need

• A Wi-Fi connection that works. If it does not, see Chromebook Wi-Fi problems.
• The charger, plugged in, so the battery does not run out during the update.
• About 10 minutes. Save your work first, because the Chromebook restarts at the end.

Updates bring security fixes and new features. Google also lists installing updates among the steps for a slow Chromebook.

Check for updates

1. Turn on the Chromebook and connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Plug in the charger.
3. At the bottom right, select the time, then select the Settings gear.
4. At the bottom left, select About ChromeOS. Under Google ChromeOS you can see your current version.
5. Select Check for updates. Settings then About ChromeOS then Check for updates
6. If an update is found, it downloads by itself. If you do not see a Check for updates button, Google says the Chromebook may already be up to date.

Finish the update

1. When the download ends, an Update device notification appears at the bottom right, next to the date.
2. Save and close what you are working on.
3. Select Restart in the notification. On a work or school Chromebook the button may say Restart to update.
4. Wait while the Chromebook restarts. Do not turn it off.

On a Chromebook managed by a school or employer, a blue notification means an update is recommended, and an orange one means it is required. If your Chromebook uses a mobile data connection, an alert shows how much data the update needs and lets you stop or continue.

Find out when your Chromebook stops getting updates

Every Chromebook has an Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date. After it, the Chromebook keeps working but no longer gets software and security updates. The length of time depends on the model, so check yours.

1. Open Settings, then select About ChromeOS.
2. Select Additional details.
3. Look under Update schedule for the line saying the device gets automatic updates until a date. That is the AUE date.

On a managed Chromebook this area may instead say that your administrator manages updates.

Good habits for updates

Updates are most useful when they happen regularly. A few habits help:

• Restart the Chromebook when you see the Update device notification, rather than leaving it for days. The new version only takes effect after a restart.
• Keep the charger handy when you check for updates, so the battery cannot run out during the install.
• Do not turn the Chromebook off or close the lid in the middle of an update. Wait for the restart to finish.
• Check the update schedule once a year or before you buy a used Chromebook, so you know how long it will stay supported.

If something goes wrong

• The update does not start or stalls. Check the Wi-Fi, then restart the Chromebook and select Check for updates again.
• No Check for updates button. The system is probably current. Your version number under Google ChromeOS tells you where you stand.
• It still behaves badly after updating. See Chromebook slow or frozen.
• It will not start at all. See Chromebook won't turn on.

Frequently asked questions