If you have a Chrome OS device — including a Chromebook, Chromebox, Chromebase, or Chromebit — you receive software updates on that device on a fairly regular basis. However, at a certain point in time, you won’t see Chromebook updates anymore. But when will that be?
Luckily, it’s very easy to find out when your specific Chrome OS device will stop getting its updates. It’s even better news that many older devices will continue to receive updates all the way through at least 2020, so it’s very likely your device will still be up-to-date for a long while.
Before we get into how to check your Chromebook updates schedule, let’s go over a few terms. Every Chrome OS device receives updates directly from Google until that device reaches its “Auto Update Expiration,” or AUE. Each device has a pre-planned AUE date, and after that date, the device will no longer receive updates.
To be clear, after the AUE date your Chrome OS device will still work. You won’t lose any of your data and you won’t need to buy a new device. All the AUE date signifies is that your device will no longer receive Chromebook updates and thus won’t see new software features. It also will be a slightly higher security risk since it won’t have the latest security patches going forward.
Related: Here are the best Chromebooks you can buy right now
In order to determine your specific device’s AUE date, you’ll need to know the make and model of your device. The make is usually pretty easy to determine — just look on the lid and you’ll likely see the OEM’s name right there.
The model is usually easy to find too, usually on the bottom of the device somewhere. Once you have the make and model, you’re ready to determine your AUE date!
How to check when Chromebook updates will end
- First, use a web browser on any device (doesn’t need to be your Chromebook) and visit Google’s Chrome OS auto-update policy page by clicking here.
- On the list, find the OEM that made your Chrome OS device.
- Click or tap on the company name and you’ll find a list of all the Chrome OS devices launched by that company.
- Find your model on that list and look to the right of the name. You should find a date there, which is the AUE date for your Chromebook updates.
As stated earlier, after that date you find next to your device name, you will no longer receive updates. Your device will still work as intended but you won’t see any new features or security updates.