How to see your chromebook’s end-of-life date
@bradyjgavin
Jan 6, 2020, 10:24 am EST | 1 min read
There comes a time in your Chromebook’s life when it no longer receives updates from Google. It’s inevitable and could be a lot sooner than you think. Here’s how to see your Chromebook’s scheduled end-of-life date.
Google is transparent about the update policy it has for all devices running Chrome OS. Every Chrome computer received regular updates from Google until it reaches its Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date. You can see the exact month and year all makes of Chromebooks will stop receiving updates on the Automatic Update policy webpage.
With the recent addition of an Update Schedule section in the Chrome OS Settings app, it’s a lot easier to keep track of how much time you have left with your Chromebook until Google considers it outdated.
First, open up the Settings app. Do this by clicking on the clock in the bottom-right corner to open the system tray and notification panel. From there, click on the Settings gear icon.
Next, click the hamburger menu icon and then select “About Chrome OS” at the bottom of the menu.
Here, you can see which version of Chrome OS you’re running, update your Chromebook to the latest version, or report an issue. But for now, click on “Additional Details” to see its update schedule.
If you don’t see this setting, you might be running an older version of Chrome OS. Hit the “Check for Updates” button to get up to speed with the current version.
Under the “Update Schedule” section, you’ll see your device’s AUE date. After this date, you’ll no longer receive automatic software and security updates.
While your Chromebook’s automatic updates lifespan might be set in stone, it in no way means that it’s completely dead after this date. If you’re not ready to kill your device, we’ve put together a few options to extend the life of your Chromebook when its end-of-life date has come and gone.
February 1, 2020 by Dinsan Francis | Updated: May 2, 2020 Leave a Comment
Your Chromebook gets a software update every six weeks. The latest version of Chrome OS is downloaded and installed automatically. This, however, will stop after a few years. This varies from device to device and depends on the Chromebook’s end-of-life or EOL date. This article explains how to find this end-of-life date.
You can find your Chromebook’s end-of-life date from the Settings app. Open the Settings app and go to About Chrome OS > Additional details and check the date under Update schedule. You will find the EOL date here.
Here are the detailed steps.
Find Chromebok EOL Date from Settings App
Google recently made it easy for us to look up the “expiration date” of our Chromebooks. They added this information to the “About” section of the Settings app. To find this date:
Time needed: 1 minute.
To find your Chromebook’s end-of-life (EOL) date:
Click the Settings icon and open the app.
Click About Chrome OS.
From the left-pane, click “About Chrome OS”.
Click Additional Details
Click Additional Details link.
Find the EOL date under Update schedule
Under the Update schedule section, you will see your Chromebook’s EOL date. Here is an example:
“This device will get automatic software and security updates until June 2026. Learn more“
Google currently shows the EOL date in future tense for all Chromebooks. If your Chromebook has already crossed the EOL date, it will still say “will get automatic software updates…” This will be fixed soon. The updated message for such Chromebooks will read “This device stopped getting automatic software and security updates in..”
EOL Chromebook – Frequently Asked Questions
You will be able to use your Chromebook even after reaching the EOL date. However, you will no longer receive security updates or new features.
Another option is to switch to a third-party build like CloudReady. With that, you will continue to get newer versions of Chromium OS, the open-source version of Chrome OS, through CloudReady. You will miss a few features, but your Chromebook will stay up to date.
Google generally provides six years of software updates for Chromebooks. This might vary according to the manufacturer. In some cases, you might get extended life up to eight years too.
A list of Chromebooks and their EOL dates is available on the Auto Update policy page.
Yes. Your Chromebook will continue to work even after the EOL date. However, you will no longer receive security updates or new features.
You cannot update an EOL Chromebook with the official Chrome OS version. However, you can use a third-party build like CloudReady to use Chromium OS, the open source version of Chrome OS.
About Dinsan Francis
Content Strategist and Digital Minimalist. Loves testing new Chromebook features and writing about them. Favorite Chrome OS Channel is Canary. | Twitter
Brendan Hesse
At some point, all of our spiffy new devices will become old and decrepit. Warranties run out, hardware improves, and companies only support their products with software or firmware updates for a limited amount of time. To help you figure out when your Chromebook will reach its end-of-support date, Google will soon add this information to the Chrome OS settings menu.
To find your Chromebook’s “expiration” date when the feature launches, open the settings menu, then go to “About Chrome OS” > “Additional details.” The end-of-support date will be listed under “Update Schedule.”
We’re currently running Chrome OS version 78.0.3904.92, and we don’t see this feature live just yet. However, an XDA Developers forum member saw the feature in a Canary version of Chrome OS, which (hopefully) means it’ll be on its way soon.
We’d like to see more companies—and more Google products—adopt this sort of transparency, but for now, it’s cool that Google is at least giving its Chromebook users a clearer idea of how long their devices will receive updates.
While we’re on the subject, here are few things to note about operating system updates and support lifespans for just about every device or OS out there:
The lifespan of a device begins from its initial launch date, so you won’t have the full window of support if you buy an older device.
The specific lifespan varies between devices and operating systems, but Google tends to support Chrome OS devices for about 6.5 years following its public release date. That said, companies can and do change these support windows all the time.
You can still continue using a Chromebook—or really any device with any operating system—even after the support window has passed; you just won’t get any further features or other updates.
There are occasional exceptions to these rules, especially if a major security bug is found that requires patching even if a device is no longer being actively supported—the recent Windows 7 BlueKeep updates are a prime example.
Chromebooks, or laptops that run ChromeOS as the operating system, have a fixed support lifespan, during which Google regularly provides for updates that keep the OS running smoothly and relatively risk-free. This is a lot like the software support window for smartphones, in that you can still continue to use the device beyond the support period, but your device will be lagging behind on key features and will not receive key security updates. In an effort to be a bit more transparent in how long the user’s current Chromebook is supported, Chrome OS will now show End-of-Life information in Settings.
Chrome OS‘s update situation is complex. According to certain reports, Google promises to “provide each new hardware platform with 6.5 years of Auto Update support“. However, the support page linked in such reports no longer contains that information. Presuming the duration and other information to still be the same, 6.5 years of support appears to be rather generous compared to what we see on Android. However, the catch here is that the clock starts ticking “when the first device on the platform is released“. This means that devices launched later on will have a shorter update lifespan compared to devices launched earlier, with no reference to the actual purchase by the consumer. The smartphone equivalent of this would be to presume that the promised update lifespan would begin from the moment the first phone on a specific SoC is announced, meaning that everything else launched later on by other OEMs would no longer receive the same update love. Google does provide a centralized location for checking the Auto Update Expiration (AUE) for Chromebooks, and it recommends doing so before making a purchase decision. But we do find it unreasonable to expect the average consumer to bother knowing about this quirky update situation, as well as keeping in mind that they need to check the Auto Update policy webpage before making a purchase decision.
Thankfully, Google is trying to be more transparent with regards to this. Chrome OS will now show the date after which the Chromebook will no longer receive software support. The commit that added this feature was merged last month, but users may not know that this information is now shown in Settings.
This is immediately more relevant to a user who already owns the device, as they are now presented with how long their personal device is supported for, instead of being redirected to a global page.
Thanks to XDA Senior Member Some_Random_Username for the tip and screenshot!
XDA В» News Brief В» Chrome OS now shows your Chromebook’s End-of-Life info in Settings
About author
I am a tech journalist with XDA since 2015, while being a qualified business-litigation lawyer with experience in the field. A low-end smartphone purchase in 2011 brought me to the forums, and it’s been a journey filled with custom ROMs ever since. When not fully dipped in smartphone news, I love traveling to places just to capture pictures of the sun setting. You can reach out to me at [email protected]
When updates end, you need a plan
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All Chromebooks run an operating system called Chrome OS, which receives automatic updates from Google. However, all Chromebooks have an auto-update expiration (AUE) date. Learn how to find your Chromebook end-of-life date and what you can do when that day comes.
Information in this article applies to all Chrome OS devices regardless of the manufacturer (Acer, Dell, Google, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, Toshiba, etc.).
Google is working on a way to separate Chrome browser updates from Chrome OS updates, which will extend the life of your Chromebook. We’ll update this article once we know more.
How Long Do Chromebooks Last?
Google’s policy is to support Chromebook devices for at least five years. The updates Chromebooks receive, which often include new security features, ensure the optimal performance of your device.
Because such updates rely on device-specific hardware, older Chromebooks can’t support some newer Chrome OS features. Before you buy a new Chromebook, check the AUE date to make sure Chrome OS will continue receiving updates for at least a few years.
Chrome OS updates automatically by default, but you can also manually update your Chromebook.
How to Find Your Chromebook’s End-of-Life Date
Google’s support website lists the end-of-life dates for every Chromebook model. Select your device’s manufacturer to find out when your Chromebook will receive its final software update. Alternatively, open your Chromebook’s settings and go to About Chrome OS > Additional details, then look for the AUE date under Update Schedule.
Google extended the AUE date for several Chromebook models in 2019, so double-check to see if your device’s end-of-life date has been pushed back.
What to Do With a Chromebook After Its End of Life
Chromebooks continue working as normal after automatic updates expire. You can keep using it for as long as it works, but keep in mind that you won’t get the latest security updates, which means you could be susceptible to malware.
There are a few things you can do at the end of your Chromebook’s lifespan. If your device’s AUE date is approaching, then it is likely several years old, which means it’s probably time to buy a new computer. You can also repurpose your Chromebook by installing another operating system.
Upgrade to a New Chromebook
Newer Chromebooks are more energy-efficient and come with greater RAM and hard drive capacity than older models. The Google Pixelbook, for example, is just as powerful as a regular laptop. Chrome OS devices made after 2017 also support Android and Linux apps.
Install Windows on Your Chromebook
It’s possible to turn your Chromebook into a Windows PC by installing Windows 10. This will allow you to run many programs that aren’t available for Chrome OS.
Install Linux on Your Chromebook
Installing Linux on a Chromebook is a more straight-forward process than installing Windows. You can even switch between Ubuntu Linux and Chrome OS using a program called Crouton.
Install CloudReady
CloudReady is used to run Chrome OS on Windows PCs, but you can install it on a Chromebook and continue receiving updates from Google. This requires opening up your device and replacing the system BIOS. It may be worth it to buy a new computer since your device may not be able to take advantage of new Chrome OS features.
· 13 November 2019 ·
– Chrome OS now includes an easy end-of-life visual
– It will tell you when your Chromebook will get its last update
(Pocket-lint) – A new inclusion in the latest version of Chrome OS makes it relatively easy to find your Chromebook’s end of life date. In other words, how long until your machine stops getting software and security updates.
This is a new development, and an important one, because – previously – it wasn’t very easy at all to find out how long a Chromebook or Chrome-based computer was going to be supported by Google’s auto updating feature.
The company itself offers up to 6.5 years on each new device sold, but then accessing the exact date any particular Chromebook is supported until means finding a centralised list which isn’t exactly user friendly. Especially given the number of products on the list.
What’s more, it’s worth noting that this 6.5 year support life cycle starts from the day the product in question was first released, not when you bought it. So if you bought a two year old model brand new from a retailer, that means only 4.5 years of support is remaining.
The new discovery was first posted by the folks at XDA Developers and shows the new information within the ‘About Chrome OS’ settings menu. It says simply: “This device will get automatic software and security updates until [Month] [Year]”.
If you have the latest update running on your Chrome OS machine, you should find that this information is already there, and you no longer need to go the long round about way to find how long your machine has left until it stops getting updates.
Look, we love a great deal more than most but sometimes a “killer Chromebook bargain” isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and we want to make sure you’re getting a good value when you spend your hard-earned dollars.
One of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to online listings for Chromebooks comes from marketplaces like Amazon and eBay where sellers can list a device practically any way they want with little to no policing from the powers that be.
I’m sure you’ve seen it. The listings all go a little something like this.
Newest, 2019 Chromebook blah, blah, blah
But, wait.
That Acer Chromebook R11 you’re about to spend $230 on has been around for a while. Hasn’t it? A classic example of “buyer, beware.” It doesn’t matter what that listing says. Shoot, it doesn’t even matter if that Chromebook you just bought was assembled last week.
–> Your shiny, new laptop my be on the short-timer’s list for guaranteed software updates. Google’s Auto Update Policy, which is normally five to six and a half years, has little to nothing to do with the production date of the specific Chromebook as much as it is all about when the device was originally released. –>
Lucky for us, there’s a place where this information lives and is ready to guide us on our purchasing journey. Google’s Auto Update Policy page contains nearly every Chrome device ever made and lists the month and year each of these devices is promised updates.
–> For some devices that have multiple iterations, (Lenovo Flex 11, C330 and N23 for example) the expiry date is based on the first model. For the Lenovo devices, that would be the Flex 11 which is June 2022 even though the C330 was released just last year.
–> Hopefully, this will give you a more objective eye when looking at the total value of a Chromebook purchase. For the entire list, head to the link below and see when the device you have or are looking at, will reach its end of life.
Note: The EOL (end of life) date is just the guaranteed update range. Many devices have continued to receive updates weeks and even months after the EOL matured but you should probably plan on looking for a replacement before that date arrives.
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About Gabriel Brangers
Lover of all things coffee. Foodie for life. Passionate drummer, hobby guitar player, Web designer and proud Army Veteran. I have come to drink coffee and tell the world of all things Chrome. “Whatever you do, Carpe the heck out of that Diem” – Roman poet, Horace. Slightly paraphrased.
Copyright © 2021 · Chrome Unboxed · Chrome is a registered trademark of Google Inc.
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Chromebooks and any device that runs on Chrome OS comes with an Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date. Until this date is reached your Chromebook computer will receive automatic updates. After this date, your Chromebook will still work as normal but may no longer receive automatic updates.
This has been a real concern for some people when considering buying a Chromebook. This is totally understandable because when you buy a new device, you want to ensure you get the best value for your money.
Google has decided to be more transparent about this by providing the AUE information in settings on all Chromebook devices. This will make it easy to check when your Chromebook will stop receiving automatic updates. Find out more about the Google Auto Update Expiration Date policy and why it’s needed.
CHROMEBOOK AUTO UPDATE EXPIRATION POLICY
Google extended the AUE policy for Chrome OS Devices, so any new device will be supported for 6.5 years. It’s important to remember this date is based on when the model is released to the public. This means if you buy a Chromebook that has been available for two years, then it would have 4.5 years of automatic updates left.
This is something you should consider if buying a second-hand Chromebook or a Chromebook that has been for sale for some time. Lately, we’ve seen many new Chromebook devices being launched, which reduces the likelihood of anyone buying a device that has a short end-of-life date.
The AUE date will soon show in the About Chrome OS section in settings
That being said, popular Chromebooks that were released some years ago are still selling extremely well. This is not necessarily a bad thing because it shows the device is still very much wanted. Also, Chromebooks that have been available for some years can be picked up at a much cheaper price than when they were originally launched.
So it’s true that you can get a bargain when buying an older Chromebook model. You just need to ensure you’re aware of the AUE date for that particular model before making any purchase. Find out the AUE date for any Chromebook.
THE CURRENT 6.5 YEARS IS NOT SET IN STONE
It’s also worth remembering that the 6.5 years for new Chromebooks is the absolute minimum under the Auto Update Expiration Date policy. Recently, Google has announced that some Chromebooks will be getting their end-of-life date extended.
This is great news because it means you’ll get automatic updates for a longer period of time. This is why the AUE date showing in Chrome OS settings is a welcome change and will provide more transparency for Chrome OS users.
Google’s little-known Auto Update Expiration D-Day leaves users bereft of auto software refreshes and more – here’s how to check yours
It is unlikely to be printed on the box, but every Chromebook has an “Auto Update Expiration (AUE) Date” after which the operating system is unsupported by Google.
The authoritative document on the subject is here, where Google explains that it “provides each new hardware platform with 6.5 years of Auto Update support”. While 6.5 years sounds reasonable, Google starts the clock ticking “when the first device on the platform is released”. The exact definition of a “hardware platform” is not provided, but it presumably relates to the motherboard used. Later models may use the same hardware platform, which means they are not supported for as long. It is nothing to do with the purchase date.
What happens when the dreaded AUE date passes? This means there will be no more automatic software updates from Google, no technical support from Google, and “business and education customers. should not expect that they can manage their devices as expected using the Google Admin console”.
A user complains about a Chromebook expiring when less than three years old
If you happen to buy your Chromebook late in the product’s life cycle, you may be surprised how soon the AUE date arrives. “My Dad just got a big FU notification on the Chromebook he bought new less than 3 years ago that it is now out of support under the Google AUE policy,” complained Twitter user Martin Woodward (yes, veep of the Microsoft-supported .NET Foundation, though that is not relevant here).
One of the problems for users is that discovering how long your Chromebook has got can be a challenge. HP Chromebooks, for example, have model numbers like 14-ca050na, but Google’s list of models has “Chromebook 14 G1” and so on. So you get pleas like this, posted to Google’s community support but not answered:
I went to look up the auto update expiration date but my exact model is not listed. The closest one I found is the HP Chromebook 14 that has an expiration date of 6/2019 which just passed. Tried HP customer service but they have no idea and is going to research it and get back to me.
Here is a tip. Open up your Chromebook, and Chrome, and go to chrome://version. Check the Platform section, at the end of which is a code name. For example, an HP 14-ca050na has “stable channel snappy”. Then head here, look up the codename, and note that it matches HP Chromebook 14 G5. This is listed in Google’s table with an AUE date of November 2023.
Determining the platform codename on a Chromebook
You can continue to use your Chromebook after the AUE but the OS will be frozen in time and Google’s warnings above will apply. The device will show a notification along the lines of: “This device will no longer receive the latest software updates. Please consider upgrading.”
You would be lucky to get updates for so long for a typical Android device, but it is in contrast to a traditional laptop where you can carry on updating as best you can until it falls apart or becomes too slow to endure. Security is an issue, though a Chromebook is one of the more secure devices out there thanks to the sandboxing of applications and other techniques, so it is less serious than it would be for, say, a Windows PC.
It would be good if manufacturers would make it obvious how long your shiny new Chromebook has before the expiry date, though understandable that this is something they do not wish to highlight. Buyer beware. ®
