To get the most out of your Chromebook, it is suggested that you keep it updated to its latest OS version. Not only does this keep the Chromebook refreshed with new features, but it also ensures that the device is well-equipped to handle malicious viruses, malware, and other kinds of threats. Typically, updates are installed automatically whenever a new OS version or security patch becomes available. However, if you’ve turned off automatic upgrades, here are the 3 ways you can manually update your device.
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In This Article
Before you begin
There are a couple of things you need to check before updating your Chromebook:
- The device must be connected to an active WiFi network
- The charger must be plugged in
If you can’t get the Chromebook to update, make sure these prerequisites are met. If the device is low on battery, it may run out of charge midway through the update process. This will result in the installation of a corrupt OS. This is why it is recommended that you keep the Chromebook connected to its charger while updating it.
If you’re using your mobile hotspot to update the Chromebook, make sure you have enough data in the bank. OS updates are bulky and require a lot of mobile data to download. Ideally, you should connect it to a WiFi network so running out of data is not an issue.
Update Chromebook from Settings
Step 1: Click the clock tile at the bottom right corner of the screen and hit the Settings tile in the system tray.
Step 2: Select About Chrome OS from the sidebar.
Step 3: Click on Check for Updates. Your Chromebook will start looking for updates. If an update is available, it will be downloaded automatically.
Step 4: Once the download has finished, the Check for Updates button will be replaced by the Restart button. Hit this button to restart your Chromebook.
Install Beta or Developer updates on Chromebook
Step 1: Click the clock tile at the bottom right corner of the screen and hit the Settings tile in the system tray.
Step 2: Select About Chrome OS from the sidebar.
Step 3: Scroll down and select Additional details.
Step 4: Click on Change channel.
Step 5: Select Beta or Developer.
Step 6: Hit Change channel and Powerwash.
Note: Doing this will reset your Chromebook to factory settings and erase all your personal data on the device.
Update Chromebook to the latest Linux version
Step 1: Launch the Terminal app on the Chromebook.
Step 2: Enter the following command to update all apps on the device:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Step 3: Enter the following command to update the Linux OS to its latest version:
sudo apt dist -upgrade -y
Step 4: Enter the following command to update Flatpak apps:
sudo flatpak update
Bonus Tip: How to find out what’s new in the update?
Step 1: Press the launcher key on the keyboard or click the circle icon in the bottom left corner of the screen.
Step 2: Select Explore in the Apps section.
Step 3: Switch to the What’s new tab.
Step 4: Browse the panel on the right to go through the list of new features that have been made available on the update.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I update my Chromebook?
Go to Settings>About Chrome OS and click on ‘Check for Updates’. The latest OS version will start downloading automatically. Once it has downloaded, restart your device.
Where is the update button on a Chromebook?
You can find the update button on your Chromebook by going to Settings>About Chrome OS.
What is the latest ChromeOS version?
ChromeOS 131 is the latest stable ChromeOS version. ChromeOS 132 is available as a Beta version, while ChromeOS 133 is available as a Developer Beta.
How do I install a Beta OS update on my Chromebook?
Go to Settings>About Chrome OS>Additional details>Change channel and select Beta.
Is my Chromebook too old to update?
Chromebooks launched after 2021 will receive 10 years of software upgrades. If you own an older Chromebook, its software upgrade period may have expired.
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Final Thoughts
These quick methods will update your notebook to the latest ChromeOS or Linux version. While you’re here, check out how you can record your Chromebook’s screen. If you have any further questions, let us know in the comments!
