How to update your Chromebook

How to update your Chromebook

Last updated: November 5, 2021 

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.

Select the time

Step 3. In the new menu area, select Settings, which is the gear icon.

Click Settings the gear icon

Step 4. In the left navigation of the Settings page, click About Chrome OS.

Click About Chrome OS

Step 5. In the About Chrome OS area, click the Check for updates button.

Check for updates

Step 6. Your Chromebook checks for an update. If an update exists, Updating your device displays.

Updating your device

Step 7. To complete the update, click the Restart button.

Nearly up to date. Restart your device to finish updating.

Step 8. Re-visit the About Chrome OS page. Your Chromebook is up to date now displays along with the new version number.

Your Chromebook is up to date

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.

What's new with your Chromebook

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

Thank you for visiting Tech Help Knowledgebase to learn how to update your Chromebook.