FAQs
What is an EOL Chromebook? ›
Vastly different from a traditional laptop, every Chromebook has a date known as the AUE (previously EOL). This is the date when the Chrome OS will no longer support auto updates.
Is it safe to use a Chromebook after Aue expires? ›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.
What happens to a Chromebook after 5 years? ›If your Chromebook is more than 5 years old, you might see this message: "This device will no longer receive software updates. You can continue using your computer but should consider upgrading."
Can you still update a Chromebook after end of life? ›For Chromebooks released before 2021 and already in use, users and IT admins will have the option to extend automatic updates to 10 years from the platform's release (after they receive their last automatic update).
Why do Chromebooks only last 5 years? ›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.
What to do with a Chromebook that no longer gets updates? ›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.
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.
Will Chromebooks get 10 years of automatic updates? ›Starting in 2024, ChromeOS devices will be eligible to receive automatic security updates for 10 years after their release. Chromebooks released in 2021 or later will all receive the updates; those who own older products will have the option to turn them on.
Do Chromebooks become obsolete? ›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.
Is Chromebook safe for banking? ›The answer is an easy one: yes. It's just as safe as doing online banking on your Windows 10 PC or a MacBook. Chrome OS is, more or less, just Google Chrome, and chances are you're using that on a Mac or PC anyway. So, if you're doing online banking in the browser, there really is no functional difference.
Are unsupported Chromebooks safe? ›
Yes, you can still use your Chromebook but your chromeOS and built-in Chrome browser will no longer be guaranteed to get automatic software updates from Google after it reaches the Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date.
Why are Chromebooks so cheap? ›Chromebooks also require an internet connection for many of their web-based applications and features whereas laptops do not. Also, you'll oftentimes spend less on a Chromebook than a laptop since they tend to have lower hardware specifications and are intentionally designed to be affordable and lightweight.
How often should you replace a Chromebook? ›The good news –– Google makes it easy to find a Chromebook's AUE date in their Auto-Update Policy. Generally speaking, the lifespan of most Chromebooks is between five and eight years. A Chromebook will receive a full Chrome OS update about every four weeks for at least five years from the date of release.
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.
