How to Update Chromebook Laptop Safely in 2025: Is your Chromebook still stuck on old software? If yes, it is. Then not only are you not getting new features, but you are also jeopardizing the security of your device. Google Chromebook updates are not released only for new apps or functions, but they are released to keep your device secure, increase speed, protect it from hackers, and fix bugs.
If you do not update the laptop on time, then your laptop starts running on old software due to which the speed decreases and sometimes the website browsing apps do not work properly and sometimes the keyboard stops working.
And the biggest worry is whether you have got infected with a virus or hacked. But do not worry – in this blog we will tell you how to update Chromebook safely and error-free.
Before You Update Chromebook: Essential Checks ✅
Before updating the Chromebook, there are some essential checks that should be done so that there is no interruption during the update time and your device remains safe.
✔️ Your Current Chrome OS version
First of all, check whether your Chromebook is already on the latest version? For this, go to Settings > About Chrome OS, see the version there. If the update is available, you will see the option to update there. If it is already up to date, then you do not need to update.
✔️ Stable Wi-Fi & sufficient battery
The internet connection should be stable at the time of update, otherwise the update will remain incomplete. Also the battery should be at least 50% or else you can keep it on charging.
✔️ Back up important files
Although data is not deleted during the update, but to avoid loss of data due to technical error, backup the important files in Google Drive or any external USB.
How to Update Chromebook (Automatic & Manual Methods)
A. Automatic Update Chromebook
✅ How to do it?
- Open Settings (⚙️) on Chromebook
- Click About Chrome OS
- Press the Check for updates button
- If any updates are found, click “Restart to update”
🔹 Extra tip:
- Chromebook auto-updates by default, but you can verify by going to Settings:
Settings > About Chrome OS > Additional details > Auto-update enabled
B. Manual Update Chromebook
⚠️ Note: Use this method only if Chromebook is unable to update automatically.
Step 1: Enter Chrome OS recovery mode
- Turn off the Chromebook
- Press Esc + Refresh (🔄) + Power button at the same time
- Choose the “Restart and update” option
Step 2: USB recovery (if the update still doesn’t work)
- If the above method doesn’t work, you may need to reinstall Chrome OS from a USB drive.
- Follow Google’s official guide: Chrome OS Recovery Guide
Which method to choose?
- For new users → Automatic update (simple and safe)
- For advanced users → Manual (if the Chromebook freezes or updates fail)
Common Update Errors & Fixes (Troubleshooting)
Sometimes some problems occur while updating Chromebook, but they are not serious, you can easily solve them with the methods given below.
🚫 If Got an “Update failed” error?
If the update is failing but there doesn’t seem to be a specific reason, you should restart your Chromebook and try the update again. Sometimes this error occurs due to network instability or slight background noise. This problem is fixed by simply restarting the Chromebook.
🚫 If Got an “Insufficient space” error?
If you are getting this message at the time of update then there is less storage in your device. To fix this, you can simply go to Settings > Storage Management and delete the cache file, old downloaded files which are useless. Or save the files in Google Drive, this will also free up storage.
🚫 Stuck on “Updating Chrome OS”?
If the screen freezes while updating your Chromebook and it won’t light up again, you can do a reset. To reset, press and hold the power button and the refresh button (circular arrow key) at the same time for a few seconds. This will reset the device and the update process will begin again.
Post-Update Checklist (Ensure Success)
✅ 1. Check the new Chrome OS version
How?
- Type chrome://version in the Chrome browser → press Enter
- Check the “Google Chrome” and “Platform” versions here
- If the number is greater than your old version, the update is successful!
✅ 2. Test Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and apps
- Wi-Fi: Connect to a new network and check
- Bluetooth: Connect to headphones/speakers
- Apps: Open apps like YouTube, Google Docs and see if they are running smoothly
- If any problem occurs: Restart Chromebook 1 time
✅ 3. Restart Linux/Android apps
Linux (Beta):
Settings > Advanced > Developers > Linux development environment > Enable
Android apps:
Settings > Apps > Google Play Store > Turn on
Note: These settings may be reset after the update!
What if your Chromebook is “End of Life”?
What is AUE (Auto Update Expiration)?
“End of Life” (EOL) or “Auto Update Expiration” (AUE) in Chromebook means that now Google will not provide new updates on that device. The AUE date is up to date for every Chromebook.
- Check: Google’s AUE list
- Risk: Old software is prone to malware, hacking and performance issues!
Ways to reuse an EOL Chromebook
A. Install Chrome OS Flex (Google’s official solution)
- What is it? A lightweight operating system that runs on older laptops
- Benefits:
- Free and safe (supported by Google)
- Android apps won’t run, everything else will
- How to install?
- Create a Chrome OS Flex USB from another computer
- Boot from USB and install it on Chromebook
B. Install Linux operating system (for advanced users)
- Best options:
- Gallium OS (specially designed for Chromebooks)
- Ubuntu/Xubuntu (user-friendly)
- Linux Mint (lightweight and fast)
- How to install?
- Turn on Developer Mode
- Flash BIOS with MrChromebox tool
- Install Linux from USB
If you don’t want Linux/Chrome OS Flex?
- Create a secondary device:
- Work offline (PDF reader, music player)
- Educational device for kids
- Recycle: Google Recycling Program
Best option for you?
- Normal users → Chrome OS Flex (easiest)
- Tech-savvy users → Linux (more functions)
- Otherwise → Sell/recycle
FAQs (People Also Ask)
1. Is 4GB RAM enough for a Chromebook?
Well, for basic tasks like browsing, video streaming or document work, 4 tabs are enough. But with 10+ tabs open simultaneously or heavy apps, there can be lagging.
2. Can old Chromebooks be updated?
Yes you can, if your Chromebook is within the date of Google’s update. Updates after that are not available.
3. Why do Chromebooks expire?
Google supports each device for a limited time, about 6-9 years. There could be a few reasons for this – Older chips do not support new software. Google cannot update older models for new threats. Or it could also be to increase sales of new Chromebooks. 😅
Conclusion
Now you know how to easily update your Chromebook automatically or manually. But remember:
✔ Make a backup before updating
✔ Check for proper WiFi and battery
✔ Install Chrome OS Flex or Linux after End of Life (EOL).
if you don’t remember, bookmark this guide and read it whenever you need it. Tell us in comments Was this guide helpful to you! Had any problems updating? Share your experience in comments.
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