How to View System Information on a Chromebook

Open the About ChromeOS screen

ChromeOS is the Google-built operating system at the heart of every Chromebook, and its Settings app includes a dedicated system information panel. To open it, click the time in the bottom-right corner, choose Settings, and then select About ChromeOS from the left side of the window. This is the same screen that manages updates and shows your ChromeOS version.

Google's Chromebook documentation describes the path the same way: open Settings, select About ChromeOS, and look under Google ChromeOS for the operating system version. You can also select Check for updates from that screen if an update is available. For more about the software side, see ChromeOS version.

• Click the clock, then Settings.
• Select About ChromeOS on the left.
• Review the version under Google ChromeOS.
• Select Additional details for the update schedule.

Identify the model and hardware

In current versions of ChromeOS, the About ChromeOS screen shows a Device section where you can find the model name, processor, memory, and storage. If your version labels things differently, look through the same screen for those values. The model name shown on screen may be short, so check the label on the bottom of the laptop for a more exact model or product number.

Writing down the key hardware details makes it easier to compare your Chromebook with specifications, check compatibility, or decide what to buy next. For help understanding each part, see screen size, RAM options, storage options, and processor options.

• Model name and model number
• Processor family and model
• Memory (RAM) capacity
• Storage capacity

Check the ChromeOS version

Your Chromebook checks for updates automatically whenever it is connected to the internet, according to Google's Chromebook Help. To see the installed version, open Settings, choose About ChromeOS, and read the line under Google ChromeOS. If you want to update manually, select Check for updates and restart your Chromebook after the download is complete.

Knowing the version is useful when you read ChromeOS release notes or check feature compatibility. If you need to verify that an update was installed correctly, follow check and install ChromeOS updates.

Read the update schedule

Open About ChromeOS and select Additional details. Under Update schedule, ChromeOS shows a message like "This device will get automatic updates until [specified date]." Google says that date is the most reliable way to gauge a Chromebook's age and how long official support will continue. Google's Auto Update policy also explains that ChromeOS devices receive 10 years of updates, but the exact date on your device depends on its platform.

For work or school devices, the screen may say "Updates are managed by your administrator." In that case, ask the administrator for the support window. Older Chromebooks eventually stop receiving updates when the hardware can no longer support the latest versions, so the date in Additional details gives you the practical answer for your specific device. For a broader explanation, see ChromeOS updates and support.

Check whether your configuration falls in the Chromebook Plus tier

System information becomes a buying tool when you compare configurations. Google describes Chromebook Plus devices as having 8GB+ of RAM and 128GB+ of storage. If you have a Chromebook Plus model or are considering one, the About ChromeOS screen is where you confirm the memory and storage values. For more on the difference, see Chromebook Plus vs standard.

If you are shopping and know you want those higher configuration levels, start with Chromebooks with 8GB RAM or 128GB Chromebooks. You can also use the choose table below to match your usage to the right guide.

Beyond basic information

Basic system checks do not require a terminal, and the About ChromeOS screen is enough for day-to-day use. If you are a developer and want a Linux command line, Google's instructions say to open Settings, select About ChromeOS, choose Developers, and select Set up next to "Linux development environment." Setup can take 10 minutes or more. For step-by-step help, see Set up Linux on your Chromebook.

If your Chromebook is managed by a school or employer, Linux may not be available, so contact the administrator before relying on it. For ordinary spec checks, the built-in Settings screen plus the label on the underside of the device remains the quickest route.

What to pick for your use

Questions

How do I check the ChromeOS version on a Chromebook?

Open Settings, select About ChromeOS, and read the version under Google ChromeOS. You can also select Check for updates there. If an update is downloaded, restart your Chromebook to finish it.

How do I find out when my Chromebook will stop getting updates?

Select Settings, choose About ChromeOS, then select Additional details. The Update schedule line shows a date such as "This device will get automatic updates until [specified date]." Google describes that date as the most reliable way to judge the remaining support life of the device.

Where is the model number printed on a Chromebook?

On most Chromebooks, the model name and a more exact model or product number are printed on the bottom cover near the regulatory labels. You can use that number to look up official specifications from the maker or to compare with the Auto Update policy list.

Can I check system info without powering on the Chromebook?

Yes, but only for the physical model label. Once ChromeOS starts, Settings > About ChromeOS is the central place for the operating system version, update schedule, and hardware details. The two readings together give you a complete picture.

Do Chromebook Plus devices have different system requirements?

Google's Chromebook Plus page describes Plus configurations as having 8GB+ of RAM and 128GB+ of storage. You can use the About ChromeOS screen to check whether a device reports those configuration levels.

Is there a terminal where I can run system commands?

There is a Linux development environment available in Settings > About ChromeOS > Developers. After you set it up, a terminal opens in a Debian environment where you can run Linux commands. Not every managed Chromebook allows Linux, so check with your administrator if the option is missing.