How to Update ChromeOS on Your Chromebook
Updating ChromeOS keeps your Chromebook fast and secure. Here is how to check for updates, install them, and what to do if no update shows up.
Key Takeaways
- Go to Settings, then About ChromeOS, then Check for updates.
- ChromeOS updates install in the background and apply after a restart.
- Updates bring speed fixes and security patches, so do not skip them.
- Every Chromebook has an end-of-life date after which updates stop.
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To update your Chromebook, open Settings, go to About ChromeOS, and click Check for updates. If one is available, it downloads in the background and finishes after you restart. Updates keep the device fast and secure, so it is worth doing regularly. Here is the full process.
Update ChromeOS step by step
- Open Settings.
- Click About ChromeOS at the bottom of the left menu.
- Click Check for updates.
- If an update downloads, click Restart to finish installing it.
That is it. ChromeOS handles the rest automatically.
How to check your ChromeOS version
On the same About ChromeOS page, your version number is listed near the top. This is handy when a guide asks which version you are on, or when you are troubleshooting.
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Why updates matter
- Speed: Google ships performance fixes that can make an older Chromebook feel quicker. If yours is sluggish, updating is one of the first things to try, see why your Chromebook is slow.
- Security: updates patch vulnerabilities. This is the main reason Chromebooks stay safe, more in can Chromebooks get viruses.
What if no update appears?
If it says your Chromebook is up to date but you expected a new version, two things can be the cause.
- Updates roll out in stages, so yours may arrive a little later. Check again in a day or two.
- Your Chromebook may have reached its Auto Update Expiration date. After that, Google stops sending updates. You can check your model's end-of-life date on Google's support site.
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Recap
Settings > About ChromeOS > Check for updates, then restart. Do it regularly for speed and security, and check your model's expiration date if updates have stopped.
Frequently asked questions
How do I update my Chromebook?
Open Settings, click About ChromeOS, then Check for updates. If one downloads, click Restart to install it.
Why is my Chromebook not updating?
Either the update is still rolling out to your model, or your Chromebook has passed its Auto Update Expiration date and no longer receives updates.
How do I check my ChromeOS version?
Go to Settings, then About ChromeOS. The version number is listed near the top of the page.
About the author
The Mixstackrr Team is a group of writers and editors with more than 10 years of combined experience in SEO and consumer tech. We test devices, dig through settings, and turn everyday tech problems into clear, step-by-step guides anyone can follow.