ChromeOS Upgrades: Which Chromebooks Get Them

What determines ChromeOS update eligibility

ChromeOS update eligibility depends on your device's hardware and the date it was released. Google works with component manufacturers every two weeks to develop and test software across every ChromeOS device, as described in the Auto Update policy. Each platform gets a published support window, and buyers can check it before purchasing.

The most reliable way to know your device's remaining life is its Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date. This date appears in the settings of your Chromebook and tells you when automatic updates stop. You can also find it on Google's list of approved devices. For most buyers, a model with more years remaining is a safer investment.

How to check your Chromebook's update expiration date

On your Chromebook, open Settings, select About ChromeOS, then Additional details. Under Update schedule, you will see the date your device will get automatic updates until. This is the most accurate way to gauge how many years of official support remain, according to Chromebook Help.

For managed devices, the message may say updates are managed by your administrator, meaning the policy is set centrally. If you are buying a used Chromebook, ask the seller for this date or check the model on the manufacturer's spec page. You can also follow our guide to check and install ChromeOS updates for step-by-step instructions.

The 10-year update window

ChromeOS devices receive 10 years of automatic updates from the platform release date, according to Google's Auto Update policy. This applies to Chromebooks, Chromeboxes, and Chromebases. However, devices released before 2021 may have some features or services unsupported when they receive extended updates.

Keep in mind the 10-year window starts when the platform is released, not when you buy the device. A device that launched in 2023 and is bought today still only has updates until 2033. That is why buying a recent model is usually the better long-term choice. For more on how ChromeOS versions evolve, see our article on ChromeOS version.

Why update eligibility matters for security and features

Automatic updates bring the latest security patches and new features. Without them, your Chromebook becomes more vulnerable to threats over time. Even after updates stop, Secure Mode checks the system at every startup and repairs itself if corrupted, as noted in the Auto Update policy. Yet the lack of new patches is a strong reason to upgrade.

For a deeper look at how updates affect security, see our article on ChromeOS security features. The decision to buy a Chromebook should include the question of how many years of official support remain. An older device that no longer receives updates can still be used, but it may miss important fixes.

How ChromeOS updates are delivered

Updates download automatically when your Chromebook is online. After downloading, you restart to finish the process. In work or school environments, you might see blue or orange notifications, where orange means an update is required. Keeping the device plugged in prevents interruptions during large downloads.

You can manually check for updates in Settings, About ChromeOS, then Check for updates. If the option is unavailable, the device is already current. The process is the same across all ChromeOS devices. Learn more about the update flow in our check and install updates guide.

Platform release date vs. purchase date

The 10-year update countdown begins when the platform is released, not when you buy the device. A Chromebook that has been on shelves for a year has already consumed one year of support. Therefore, checking the release year is just as important as checking the AUE date.

Google publishes the exact update expiration for each model on its Auto Update policy page, giving you a clear view of how long support will last. This transparency helps you avoid buying a device that is already near the end of its life. For current picks with long remaining support, see our best student Chromebooks and Chromebook Plus guides.

What to look for when buying a Chromebook today

When comparing models, check the AUE date and the release year. A Chromebook released in the past year will have eight or nine years of support left. Among current specs, consider Chromebook Plus models, which meet a minimum hardware standard including 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, according to the official Chromebook Plus page. These are typically newer and therefore have longer support windows.

For different use cases, browse our best business Chromebooks and best budget Chromebooks to see which options fit your needs.

Updates on managed devices

Schools and businesses often manage their Chromebook fleets with ChromeOS Enterprise or Education Upgrade. These upgrades allow remote policy control, but they do not extend the AUE date. Devices still follow the same 10-year update schedule. Administrators should plan device replacements accordingly.

Google publishes a list of approved devices with their specific update expiration dates, which helps IT managers forecast lifecycle. Even after the final automatic update, existing policies may not work as intended, so an upgrade plan is essential. If you manage a fleet, see our best business Chromebooks guide.

What to pick for your use

Questions

How long do Chromebooks get ChromeOS updates?

Google's Auto Update policy states that ChromeOS devices receive 10 years of automatic updates from the platform release date. This is the standard support period for Chromebooks, Chromeboxes, and Chromebases.

How can I find out when my Chromebook stops receiving updates?

Go to Settings, About ChromeOS, then Additional details. Under Update schedule, you will see the date your device will get automatic updates until. This is the most reliable way to check the remaining support.

Do Chromebooks stop working after updates end?

No, the device keeps working, but it no longer receives security patches or new features. The startup self-check in Secure Mode remains active, but the lack of updates makes the device more vulnerable over time.

Can the update period be extended?

Some devices released before 2021 can opt in for extended updates, but certain features may not be supported. The standard policy still is 10 years, and the extended period is not guaranteed for all older models.

Are Chromebook Plus models updated longer than other Chromebooks?

No, they follow the same 10-year policy. However, since Chromebook Plus models are newer and have higher minimum specs like 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, they typically have more years of support left compared to older budget devices.

Does the AUE date change if I buy a refurbished Chromebook?

No, the AUE date is tied to the original platform release. A refurbished model still has the same remaining support as a new one of the same model and release year. Always check the AUE date before purchasing any used device.