How to Manually Update Your Google Chromebook
Here’s how to manually update your Chromebook to make sure you’re device is running the latest version of the OS. And that you have the latest features.
Your Chromebook will update automatically in the background periodically. But you might hear about a new feature and aren’t able to access it on your device. Or, for best security practices, it’s important to keep it up-to-date. But you can also check for updates manually. This is especially helpful if you want that new feature such as Phone Hub, for example.
How to Manually Update Chrome OS on a Chromebook
To get started, launch the Chrome Browser on your desktop and, click the Options menu (three dots) in the upper right corner and choose Settings.
Alternately, you can also click on the clock in the lower right corner of the desktop and select Settings (gear icon).
That opens the “Settings” page. From there click on About Chrome OS on the lower-left corner of the screen. There you will see the version that’s running on your Chromebook. Then to manually check for an update click the Check for Updates button.
If one is available, it will download and you’ll be required to restart your device for it to go into effect.
It’s also worth noting that you can run a build from the beta Channel you want to. By default, it’s set to the Stable Channel, which should be fine for most people
To find out more about the different Channels and what they are, check out the Chromium Projects page. Running beta, dev, or canary builds allows you to test out new features before they’re available in the stable release.
But those builds are meant for coders, developers, and other experienced users. Staying on the stable channel is your best bet so you don’t have to deal with browser crashes and other instability issues.
Again, Chrome OS should be automatically checking for and installing updates in the background. But it never hurts to manually check if you want to. And for more on the web-based devices, check out how to connect a Bluetooth device or how to use the Clipboard Manager on Chromebook.
7 Comments
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Pat
December 5, 2013 at 5:15 am
I really want a chromebook to play games. I like Pogo.Com and I need java to play.
Does the chromebook have java or can it be downloaded?
Also want to thank you for all the great email that you send out.
Thanks
John
February 26, 2015 at 2:44 am
I bought a chromebook last year, but Im stuck on OS ver 35, stable channel and it keeps saying I have the latest version, even if I change the channel. I wasn’t too bothered but now services like Netflix are refusing to work unless I have at least ver 37. So the chromebook is slowly becoming useless. Sent a report to google and I have yet to see a response.
Virginia
July 19, 2015 at 7:32 pm
Ya same here, hate to have to buy a new note book when i am happy with this one but like you said more and more apps refuse to work with Google OS. so running out of options.
If any one knows a way to update with out trashing this note book and getting a new one please let me know. Thank you.
pat pasquarella
March 10, 2016 at 2:54 am
im confused please tell me again how to manually update my chrome OS
Krisselly A.
October 17, 2017 at 12:13 pm
My Chromebook says that my setting is blocked
Paula Spart
July 3, 2019 at 10:38 am
I own 3 Samsung 303’s that are still working and received messages on all of them saying they just received the last update. And Google advised us to consider shopping for a newer model of Chromebook.
I’m looking for a way around it. I hate this planned obsolescence that is used to enable companies to make money and I can’t afford to buy a new Chromebook right away.
Is there a way to continue to get Chromebook updates on it? Also, how do you put a new operating system on the Chromebook? I read something about a Chromebook with Ubuntu on it.
goth1856
September 22, 2021 at 1:55 pm
Same issue here. Why isn’t anyone helping. There has to be a way.