Manually Update Chrome OS on a Chromebook

In general, a District Chromebook which is used regularly will keep itself up to date, but sometimes, usually when a device has not been used for a while, it will be useful or necessary to manually update the Chrome operating system. This article covers how to do that.

How Does Chrome OS Update?

On a Chrome OS device like a Chromebook, the system will automatically, in the background, download and install its next available update, whenever it is connected to a network. In order to begin using the new update, you need to fully restart the device, so it's useful to restart your Chromebook on a reasonably regular basis. (NOTE: a device restart is not the same thing as just closing the lid after logout; the latter just puts the device in sleep mode, while a full Shut down and start-up, or a Restart from newer versions of Chrome, actually restarts the operating system, just like with Windows.)

Newer versions of Chrome

Older versions of Chrome

The other thing to remember is that one update cycle may not bring you "all the way" to the most recent available version; i.e., the very latest update may depend upon updating a version more recent than the one you currently have, so then that update cycle needs to happen first...and if the device hasn't been effectively updated in a while, that problem can cascade back multiple versions, and effectively require more than one update cycle. The procedure to update is the same regardless, and it is not restricted to admins (any user can do it), but it may take multiple update cycles to get fully up to date.

Also, remember that as Chromebooks age, they may actually stop being eligible for updating to the completely current version of Chrome. See Equipment Lifecycle Policy for specific details about a given model.

Best Practices For District Chromebooks

In general, use the Shut down function on each device at least once a week
Manually check for updates at the beginning of each semester
Affirmatively update devices before use in testing, in case multiple updates are needed

Manually Update Chrome OS

First, log in to the Chromebook. Then, launch the Settings app from the Shelf, from among the apps installed on your Chromebook:

Within the Settings app, navigate to About ChromeOS, either on the left-side underneath (but not within) the Advanced group, or use the search bar:

At About ChromeOS, you can Check for updates.

If your device is already up to date, the checker will confirm that. If not, the next available update for your device will begin downloading:

When the update is downloaded and installed, you will be prompted to restart the device (equivalent to a Shut down and power-back-up):

Note that once you restart into a new version of Chrome, you may be asked to accept any new terms and conditions updates applicable to that version.

Am I Up To Date?

Since a full update to the most recent version of Chrome can require multiple update cycles, make sure that you see that the checker reports the device as fully up to date:

Once you see this confirmation--the words "Your Chromebook is up to date" (the most recent version will appear newer (higher) than the screen capture here)--you are good to go, and again, if from this point you regularly use the Chromebook and fully restart it at least once a week, the device should remain up to date without the need to nudge it manually.

Further Questions?

If you have other or further questions, by all means please contact the Helpdesk.