Chromebook Expiration Dates: A Must-Know Guide for Smart Buyers (2024)

Chromebooksare great for many things and they're generally less expensive than Windows laptops and Apple MacBooks. But before you pounce on one, there's an important date to check first: a Chromebook's expiration date, aka itsAuto Update Expiration date.

Chromebooks automatically manage updates so they always have the latest features, including security updates. But because Google can only guarantee ChromeOS and browser feature support on non-Google hardware for so long, every device currently has a date on which it stops receiving updates -- its AUE date.

If you're interested in a particular model with an unbelievable low price, it's best to find out the AUE date before you buy. (It's also a good idea to do this if you're buying a used Chromebook or passing on a gently used one to a friend or family member.) The good news is, Google makes it extremely easy to find out the date for any Chromebook.

Read more: Chromebooks: Understand the Myths and Realities Before You Buy

How to check an AUE before you buy

Getting the AUE date for any Chromebook is as simple as finding its name on a list.Google maintains a full list of AUE dates for all models. Just head to the list, find the make of your Chromebook or the one you're looking to buy or pass along. Click on the make and the model list will drop down with its AUE date.

According to the policy page, Google will publish a model's AUE date after its release, so you should always be able to find a specific Chromebook before making a purchasing decision.

Read more:Best Chromebook 2023: 8 Options to Fit Any Budget

How to check your AUE on your Chromebook

Chromebook Expiration Dates: A Must-Know Guide for Smart Buyers (2)

Already own a Chromebook and want to know how long you have for updates? You can check for your model on Google's list that I noted above or you can find it right on your Chromebook. There are several ways to get to the information, but essentially you have to dive into the settings menu to find it.

Open up your Chromebook's settings menu by clicking on the time in the lower right of your screen and then clicking on the Settings cog icon. At the bottom of the left navigation panel (you may need to click the three bars at the top left to open the panel), you'll see About ChromeOS. Click that, and then on Additional details. That's where you'll find your AUE date.

However, now that you know it's in the About ChromeOS area, you can also search your Chromebook for it and go straight there. Press the Search key, assuming you haven't changed it to function as a Caps Lock key, and search for "About ChromeOS." You can also two-finger swipe up from the bottom of your screen to bring up a search bar, or there's a search icon at the top right of the settings menu you can use. As I said, there are several ways to get to the info.

What happens when a Chromebook reaches its AUE?

Currently, once your AUE date arrives, the Chromebook will no longer receive software updates from Google. These include security updates, bug fixes and new features. And without those updates, things like apps and browser extensions might no longer function properly. So while you can still use a Chromebook past its AUE date, its usefulness will deteriorate.

Part of the issue is that the ChromeOS and Chrome browser are deeply connected. At the moment, this means that not getting a ChromeOS update also means not getting a browser update. Google, however, seems to be at work on separating the two. With the two separated, you might miss out on new OS features, but the Chrome browser would stay up to date. Google CEO Sundar Pichai may have even hinted at this separation in a tweet in March.

Google is also working on extending these dates and,as of November 2020, it announced new models would have longer lives, which roughly translates to anywhere from seven to eight years or more. However, the date varies from device to device and isn't determined by when the device was released or by when you bought it.

Best laptops for 2024

A selection of the best laptops you can buy right now

  • Most universally useful: MacBook Air M2
  • Best budget laptop: HP Pavilion Aero 13
  • Best Chromebook:Acer Chromebook Spin 714
  • Best budget gaming laptop: Dell G15/G16

See the full list of best laptops for 2023.

Chromebook Expiration Dates: A Must-Know Guide for Smart Buyers (2024)

FAQs

Chromebook Expiration Dates: A Must-Know Guide for Smart Buyers? ›

Getting the AUE date for any Chromebook is as simple as finding its name on a list. Google maintains a full list of AUE dates for all models. Just head to the list, find the make of your Chromebook or the one you're looking to buy or pass along. Click on the make and the model list will drop down with its AUE date.

How many years should a Chromebook last? ›

How long will a Chromebook last? Between two and four years depending on build quality and usage. A well built Chromebook that is taken care of should last 4+ years.

How to find aue date on Chromebook before buying? ›

Click About ChromeOS at the bottom left of the screen, then click Additional details. There will be a section called Update schedule where you can find your AUE date.

How do you tell how long a Chromebook will be supported? ›

Automatic updates policy
  1. Chromebooks receive 10 years of automatic updates.*
  2. These improvements automatically keep your Chromebook up to date for longer with enhanced security and stability.
  3. To make sure your Chromebook stays compatible with our updates, Google works with all Chromebook component manufacturers.

What happens if you don't update your Chromebook? ›

Continue Using It

You just won't get any more Chrome OS updates, which include new security features and optimizations for your Chromebook's hardware. You'll most likely be able to continue using your Chromebook after the AUE date for months or years before you start noticing issues.

Why is Chromebook dying so fast? ›

Having too many applications open simultaneously can consume system resources and deplete your Chromebook's battery faster than usual. You can close applications that are no longer in use or no longer needed to help extend the battery life.

Can you update a Chromebook after its end of life? ›

Older Chromebooks have older hardware parts, and these parts eventually lose the ability to get the latest updates. If your Chromebook is more than 5 years old, you might see this message: "This device will no longer receive software updates.

Is it safe to use a Chromebook after Aue expires? ›

These include security updates, bug fixes and new features. And without those updates, things like apps and browser extensions might no longer function properly. So while you can still use a Chromebook past its AUE date, its usefulness will deteriorate.

How do I know if my Chromebook is outdated? ›

Check for updates yourself

At the bottom left, select About ChromeOS. Under "Google ChromeOS," find which version of the Chrome operating system your Chromebook uses. Select Check for updates. If your Chromebook finds a software update, it will start to download automatically.

Is the Chromebook safe to use after the Aue date has expired? ›

Once a Chromebook reaches its AUE date, it will no longer receive automatic updates, including security patches. This implies that the device may become more vulnerable to security threats as time goes on, making it less suitable for secure use.

Do Chromebooks need antivirus? ›

Do Chromebooks need antivirus software? Yes, Chromebooks need good antivirus software. Although you are likely to face fewer threats on ChromeOS than, for example, on Windows or even macOS, Chromebooks are still vulnerable.

What Chromebooks expire in 2030? ›

Auto Update Expiration Date
  • 311 C722. NX.A6UAA.001 / NX.A6UAA.004. June 2030.
  • CB311-10H. NX.A2NAA.004. June 2029.
  • CB315-3H. NX.HKBAA.002 / NX.ATEAA.004 / NX.HKBAA.004. June 2029.
  • CB512. NX.A8GAA.001. June 2029.
  • Spin 311 R721T. NX.HBRAA.003. June 2029.
  • Spin 513. NX.HWYAA.001. June 2031.
  • 712 C871. NX.HQEAA.001. ...
  • Spin 513 R841T. NX.AA5AA.004.

Is a Chromebook worth it? ›

Sure, you can probably do more on a Windows machine, but if you're looking for something affordable and zippy enough for everyday tasks, a Chromebook might just be your best option — and a lot of the compromises these web-based laptops required in their earliest day no longer apply.

Who buys old Chromebooks? ›

Contact Liquid Technology today for a free quote for your inventory of used Chromebooks. We will buy your entire inventory of unused equipment at fair liquidation prices and with fast equipment removal. We are here to help you – quickly and easily.

Why is my Chromebook no longer getting security updates? ›

When your Chromebook has reached its Automatic Update Expiry date your Chromebook will no longer be receiving updates. This does not mean the end of the usefulness of your Chromebook. It will probably work just fine for another 2 years or so after the AUE is reached.

Are Chromebooks still secure? ›

When it comes to malware, a Chromebook is among the most secure type of computer that you can buy. Based on the Linux operating system, the Chrome OS features sandboxing, automatic updates, verified booting, data encryption and full OS recovery, all of which should keep your computer running smoothly.

Do Chromebooks last longer than laptops? ›

Chromebooks mostly rely on web apps, while Windows laptops mostly run third-party software that will usually support the last few generations of Windows. Any difference in longevity between Chromebooks and Windows laptops is likely to be slim. Both tend to last for many years, even without upgrades.

What's the downside of a Chromebook? ›

Storage Capacity: Chromebooks usually don't have a lot of storage space built in. They tell people to store their files in the cloud, but some people might need more local storage for some chores. Support for tools: Chromebooks might not work with all external devices or tools that work well with other OSes.

Do Chromebooks slow down over time? ›

Over time your Chromebook will become cluttered with apps that increase the strain put on the operating system. It can lead to your Chromebook becoming slow to respond at start-up and during use. You may notice a lag caused by high memory usage when loading, which can be very frustrating.

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