Last updated: November 5, 2021
- Watch the companion video: How to manually update your Chromebook
- Get a new Chromebook
If you own a Chromebook, you have already done the due diligence about its capabilities, right? For those considering a Chromebook, they run a Linux-based operating system called Chrome OS that uses the Google Chrome web browser as its primary user interface. Chromebooks utilize cloud-based storage centered around Google’s app suite. End users running the latest Chrome OS version add common apps to their Chromebooks from the Google Play Store. Devices running Chrome OS have multiple layers of built-in security like automatic updates, sandboxing, verified boot, data encryption, and recovery mode. Chromebooks are inexpensive because the operating system is free and the cloud-based applications don’t require a lot of local processing power or storage.
As stated, one layer of Chromebook built-in security is the automatic check and download of updates. This helps to ensure your device always runs the latest and most secure Chrome OS version. Google releases new Chrome OS versions on a 6-week cycle, with minor security and software updates coming every 2 to 3 weeks. When I hear of handy new features that improve productivity and workflow or make my Chromebook more secure, I like to update it right away. Follow the steps below to manually update your Chromebook instead of waiting for an automatic update.
Manually update your Chromebook
Step 1. Connect your Chromebook to the internet by turning on Wi-Fi or connecting an ethernet cable.
Step 2. In the bottom right corner of your display, select the time.
Step 3. In the new menu area, select Settings, which is the gear icon.
Step 4. In the left navigation of the Settings page, click About Chrome OS.
Step 5. In the About Chrome OS area, click the Check for updates button.
Step 6. Your Chromebook checks for an update. If an update exists, Updating your device displays.
Step 7. To complete the update, click the Restart button.
Step 8. Re-visit the About Chrome OS page. Your Chromebook is up to date now displays along with the new version number.
Finally, click on the notification or See what’s new link to check out what’s new with your Chromebook in the latest Chrome OS release.
Watch the companion video to see how to update your Chromebook on a step by step basis.
References for the November 1, 2021, release of Chrome OS 94
- Release Updates from the Chrome Team: Stable Channel Update for Chrome OS
- What’s New With Your Chromebook? Chrome OS 94
- Get a new Chromebook
Thank you for visiting Tech Help Knowledgebase to learn how to update your Chromebook.
Henry Irvine, Contributing Technology Writer, translates more than a decade of internet technology experience in product and customer relationship management into practical help and how-to content. Look for him on Bay Area trails, music venues, or sausage shacks when he’s not writing. Don’t call him Hank if you see him. Seriously. Hank on Twitter
