ChromeOS Versions: How to Check and Why It Matters

How to check your ChromeOS version

Finding the ChromeOS version on your Chromebook takes less than a minute. Click the clock in the bottom-right corner, then select the gear icon to open Settings. Scroll down the left sidebar and click "About ChromeOS." Under the "Google ChromeOS" section, you will see your operating system version. The version usually looks like a number such as "ChromeOS 130.0.6723.90" or "ChromeOS 126.0.6478.45" followed by the platform name in parentheses.

If you want to see when your device stops receiving updates, click "Additional details" in the same About ChromeOS screen. Under "Update schedule," you will find a line that says "This device will get automatic updates until [date]." This is the Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date, and it is the most reliable way to know how much longer Google will support your Chromebook.

The About ChromeOS page also shows your ChromeOS channel (Stable, Beta, or Dev) if you have switched channels, plus the version of the Chrome browser, the firmware version, and the recovery URL. You do not need any of these details to use the device normally, but they are useful when you are troubleshooting or asking for help in support forums.

• Click the clock in the bottom-right corner.
• Select the gear icon to open Settings.
• Scroll to the bottom of the left sidebar and click "About ChromeOS."
• Look under "Google ChromeOS" to see your version number.
• Click "Additional details" to see your update expiration date.

How ChromeOS updates are delivered

ChromeOS is designed to update itself automatically. According to the official Chromebook Help page, your Chromebook checks for updates and downloads them whenever it connects to the internet. You do not have to visit a website or download a file manually. When a new version is ready, a notification appears next to the date in the bottom-right corner that says "Update device." After you click it and restart, the update finishes.

If you have not seen an update notification in a while, you can check manually. Go back to Settings, then "About ChromeOS," and click "Check for updates." The system will tell you whether your Chromebook is up to date. If an update is available, it will start downloading automatically. The same page says that if your Chromebook is several versions behind, you may need to restart it or connect to a more reliable network before the update can complete. Google recommends plugging in the power adapter during the update to avoid interruptions.

One important detail: update notifications can be blue (recommended) or orange (required). On a personal Chromebook, you can postpone a blue notification, but an orange one means an update is required before you can continue using the device. On a school or work Chromebook, the administrator controls when updates are installed, and you may see the message "Updates are managed by your administrator."

Why the version number matters

The ChromeOS version is not just a technical detail. It determines which features are available on your Chromebook. ChromeOS updates add new functionality, change the look of the interface, improve the performance of the browser, and fix security issues. A Chromebook that is still on an older version will miss out on these improvements, even if the hardware is identical to a newer model.

For example, Chromebook Plus devices launched as a new hardware category with integrated Gemini AI features. According to the Chromebook Plus page, these devices come with 8GB or more of RAM and 128GB or more of storage, and they include features like generative AI image creation, summarizing long documents, and AI-powered noise cancellation. If you own a Chromebook that was released before Chromebook Plus existed, updating ChromeOS will give you the latest security and performance improvements, but it will not add Chromebook Plus features that require newer hardware. You can learn more about the differences between Chromebook Plus and standard Chromebooks.

You can see which recent features are included in an update by clicking "Learn more about the latest ChromeOS update" in the "Update device" notification. Google usually publishes a short summary of new features and fixes with each major version. For a deeper look at one specific feature, the Linux development environment is also tied to your ChromeOS version. The Linux setup page explains that Linux is turned off by default and can be enabled from Settings > About ChromeOS > Developers, but only on devices that Google has verified to work with it.

Security is the most critical reason to keep your version current. ChromeOS has strong built-in protections, including sandboxing, verified boot, and data encryption, as described on the ChromeOS for business page. But those protections are only as good as the update stream. When a vulnerability is discovered, Google releases a patch as part of a ChromeOS update. If your Chromebook has stopped receiving updates because it is past its AUE date, it will not get those patches, and over time the risk grows.

ChromeOS gets 10 years of updates

Google's Auto Update policy states that ChromeOS devices receive 10 years of automatic updates from the platform's release date. This applies to devices released in 2021 and later. The support period includes not just operating system updates but also the Chrome browser and hardware driver updates. Google works with component makers every 2 weeks to develop and test updates for each platform, which is why a version update may arrive on different devices at slightly different times.

For devices released before 2021, the 10-year clock still applies to many models, but some older devices will receive extended updates with reduced features. When a device passes its final update date, the Chromebook Help page says you may see a message like "This device will no longer receive software updates. You can continue using your computer but should consider upgrading." The device will still boot and work, and ChromeOS's self-check will keep repairing tampered or corrupted system files, but it will not receive new security patches.

If you are buying a new Chromebook or considering a refurbished one, check the AUE date before you buy. Google publishes the automatic update end date for every Chromebook model on the Auto Update policy page. The date depends on the specific model, not on the brand or the price. A budget Chromebook released in 2025 will get updates until 2035; an older model may stop receiving updates in 2027. You can find your device's AUE date by following the steps in our guide to checking and installing ChromeOS updates. The rule of thumb is to pick a model that still has at least 5 or 6 years of updates left, which generally means looking for devices released in the last 2 or 3 years.

What version of ChromeOS should you have?

There is no single "best" version number that works for everyone, because ChromeOS updates are tied to hardware. The version number that is latest for your device depends on your platform, and Google rolls out new versions over several weeks. The safest advice is to keep your Chromebook set to the Stable channel and let it update automatically. You can always check whether updates are available by clicking "Check for updates" in About ChromeOS.

If you are a power user who wants to see new features early, you can switch to the Beta channel from the same About ChromeOS screen. Google describes the Beta channel as a way to "give new features and enhancements a test drive." But Beta versions can be less stable, and they are not recommended for a primary device. The Dev channel is even less stable and is usually meant for developers. If you switch to Beta or Dev, you will still receive updates as long as your device is within its AUE date. For a detailed comparison, see our guide to Stable vs Beta vs Dev channels.

For most people, the question is not whether to chase a specific version number but whether the version you have is current. If your Chromebook is receiving updates, you are getting the best version of ChromeOS that your hardware can run. If your device is past its AUE date, no version update will change that; the only real fix is a newer Chromebook. When you do shop for a new model, you can compare the features that matter to you, like RAM, storage, and processor, in our best Chromebook Plus models or our best Chromebooks for students.

If updates fail to install

Usually, ChromeOS updates install without any input from you. But if an update fails to download, the Chromebook Help page suggests a few steps. First, restart the Chromebook. If that does not help, turn the device off and on again, and try a different network. The help page notes that you should connect to Wi-Fi or Ethernet instead of using your phone's data connection if the update will not download. You can also try resetting your Chromebook, which clears settings without deleting your files. Finally, if nothing else works, you may need to recover your Chromebook by reinstalling ChromeOS from a USB drive. Recovery erases everything on the hard drive, so you should back up your files first.

If your Chromebook is several versions behind the current version, the update may take longer to download and install. Google recommends plugging in the power source during the update so the battery does not run out. You can continue using your Chromebook while the update downloads in the background; the restart is only needed to finish the installation.

What to check before buying or using a Chromebook

Questions

How do I find my ChromeOS version?

Open Settings, then select About ChromeOS at the bottom of the left sidebar. Your version appears under "Google ChromeOS." Click "Additional details" to see your update expiration date.

What does the ChromeOS version number mean?

The version number identifies which build of ChromeOS your Chromebook is running. Higher numbers generally mean newer features and security patches, but the latest version depends on your device's platform and release date.

How do I update my Chromebook to the latest ChromeOS?

Go to Settings, then About ChromeOS, and click "Check for updates." If an update is available, it will download automatically. Restart your Chromebook when the notification appears to finish the update.

Why is my Chromebook not receiving updates anymore?

Your device has passed its Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date. Models released before 2021 may receive updates for a shorter or longer period depending on the model. You can find your AUE date under Additional details in About ChromeOS.

What happens when my Chromebook stops receiving updates?

Your Chromebook will still turn on and function, and it will continue to self-check for tampering at boot. However, it will not receive new security patches or feature updates, so you should consider upgrading to a newer model.

Should I use the Beta channel to get a newer ChromeOS version?

The Beta channel lets you try new features before they reach the Stable channel, but it may be less reliable. It is best for testing, not for your main device. The Stable channel is recommended for most users.