Chromebooks are some of the most dynamic laptops on the market today. But even with all of the great features that your Chromebook offers, no computer lasts forever. At some point in every Chrome device’s lifespan, there will come a point when Google’s Auto-Update Expiration (AUE) prevents the device from functioning as well as it should.
It’s important to know your Chromebook’s expiration date in order to plan for a timely replacement.
Unsure about how to find ChromeOS expiration dates for your device? Here’s how to check.
How to Check Your Own Chromebook for its Expiration Date
If you’re already the proud owner of your very own Chromebook, you can check your Chromebook’s AUE date by yourself:
- Click the time, and then Settings
- 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
What Is the AUE Date on a Chromebook?
Google gives every Chromebook device an Auto-Update Expiration date. This is the expiration date for the device, after which updates will no longer be provided and the Chromebook will become obsolete.
Once the AUE date arrives, your Chromebook will stop getting automatic software updates from Google; including security updates, bug fixes, and new features. The loss of updates will likely cause apps and browser extensions to stop working properly. You can still use a Chromebook past its AUE, but it won’t function as well as it used to.
Why Does My Chromebook Have an Auto Update Expiry Date?
There are two primary reasons that your Chromebook has an AUE date:
Security Guarantee
The first reason that Google uses AUEs for Chromebooks is because of security. By using an AUE, Google can provide better security features for newer devices using ChromeOS.
Regular security patches and software updates keep devices using the Chrome operating system safe to use, but Google can’t guarantee support for non-Google hardware indefinitely. AUE dates guarantee that your Chromebook stays safe as new security threats emerge.
Hardware that Becomes Obsolete
Another reason Google encourages users to replace their Chromebooks is because of hardware. Even if you’re still using the same Chromebook without issue, it won’t be long before it falls behind the technological curve.
When hardware becomes obsolete, things like storage capacity and processing power can feel insufficient compared to the newest versions of the same device. With an Auto Update Expiration, Google ensures that you’re always using the most agile, powerful hardware.
Why It’s Essential to Check the AUE on a New Chromebook
Checking the AUE on a new Chromebook will help you plan for your next Chromebook purchase in the future.
Since Chromebook updates will eventually expire, it’s important to know exactly how much time you have before you need to invest in another device. Most new Chromebooks are supported for a minimum of eight years, which gives you almost a solid decade to research your Chromebook options and set aside funds for a replacement ChromeOS device.
Know When Your Chromebook Expires
Before you pick up your next Chromebook, you can check the auto expiration date with a few simple steps.
- Go to Google’s Auto Update Policy Page and scroll to the Google-approved ChromeOS devices section
- Locate your Chromebook manufacturer and click on that section (Acer, Lenovo, Samsung, etc.) or click Expand all
- You’ll see a list of products with corresponding Auto Update Expiration dates, scroll until you find the make and model of your device
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does ChromeOS expire?
Yes, Chrome devices are equipped with an Auto Update Expiration that will stop the computer from updating after a certain date. Once an AUE date is reached, existing and future policies may not work as intended, and technical support will not be provided.
What happens to a Chromebook after five years?
If a Chromebook is more than five years old, you may receive a notification warning saying: "This device will no longer receive software updates. You can continue using your computer but should consider upgrading."
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FAQs
That used to be three to five years, then it became up to eight years for models launched in 2020 or later. Now, according to a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report. Google will support all Chromebooks for ten years.
How long are Chromebooks supposed to last? ›
That used to be three to five years, then it became up to eight years for models launched in 2020 or later. Now, according to a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report. Google will support all Chromebooks for ten years.
What to do if a Chromebook is outdated? ›
You can continue using your computer but should consider upgrading." Please note that even though you have received that message it will likely be two years or more before certain websites may not load properly due to the Chrome browser being out of date. So it is nothing to be concerned about.
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.
Test SSD storage health (CROSH)
- Turn on the Chromebook or Chromebox and sign in to your account.
- Close any open programs or tabs.
- Press ctrl + alt + t to open CROSH in a new browser tab.
- Type storage_test_1 into CROSH, and then press enter.
- The storage health tests are displayed.
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.
Is it safe to use an outdated Chromebook? ›
If your Chromebook is working well, you can keep using it. Just keep in mind that it won't get any more software updates.
How do I bring my Chromebook back to life? ›
On the Chromebook with the error:
Enter recovery mode: Chromebook: Press and hold Esc + Refresh , then press Power . Let go of Power. On some Chromebook models: Press and hold Esc + Maximize , then press Power .
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.
Can a Chromebook be upgraded? ›
Some Chromebooks have removable or upgradeable memory (RAM) and storage (SSD), while others have these components soldered to the motherboard and are not upgradeable. To determine if your Chromebook's RAM and SSD are upgradeable, you can consult the user manual or check the specifications on the manufacturer's website.
Despite constricted demand, the market saw an upsurge of 18% over the previous quarter due to seasonality. Meanwhile Chromebook shipments also contracted in 3Q23 with shipments totaling 3.5 million units for a year-over-year decline of 20.8%.
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.
How old is the oldest Chromebook? ›
The first Chromebooks shipped on June 15, 2011. As of 2020, Chromebook's market share is 10.8%, placing it above the Mac platform; it has mainly found success in education markets.
How do I check for viruses and malware on my Chromebook? ›
How to check for viruses and malware on a Chromebook
- Find a reliable antivirus software and download it on your Chromebook.
- Install the antivirus software.
- Run a system scan to detect viruses and malware on your device.
You can protect your Chromebook from malware by making sure all of its security features are running and by using additional antivirus software. What antivirus works on Chromebook? The best antivirus software for Chromebook is Norton, Kaspersky, Bitdefender, Trend Micro, and Avast.
Can you replace a Chromebook battery? ›
While batteries are replaceable components on Chromebooks, it's more affordable (in both time and money) to keep the factory battery going for as long as you can.
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.
How long do Chromebooks last in schools? ›
Crowley, for one, doesn't expect the savings to districts from extended software support alone will be especially dramatic, in part because Chromebooks simply aren't durable enough to last a full decade. They are typically “beat to heck” after just three or four years, she said.
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.
