Chromebook Update Stopped? Your End-of-Life Solutions

Chrome OS stirs up quite the convenience in our lives, allowing us to work with ultra-portability, unmatched battery timings, and peak browsing performance. They only get better and better over time, which is perhaps one reason for their far-flung popularity. However, as much as you cherish your favorite Chromebook, do remember that, sooner or later, it will stop receiving automatic updates from Google. This is because the tech giant comprises a surefire policy for their update mechanisms, which isn’t bound to last forever.

Understanding Chromebook End-of-Life

Chromebook EOL, or the Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date, is when a Chromebook stops receiving software updates from Google, including crucial security patches. This doesn’t mean your Chromebook will suddenly stop working; rather, it won’t be as secure or up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.

Why does Chromebook EOL exist?

Google’s policy is designed to ensure that devices provide the best performance and security. However, as technology evolves, older hardware may not support newer software efficiently. This policy, though sometimes frustrating, is in place to maintain a standard of functionality and security for Chromebook users.

In this article, we’ll show you how to check your Chromebook’s AUE date and what to do when your device’s time is up. Keep on reading for details in spades.

Checking your Chromebook’s Auto Update Expiration Date

Note that there isn’t a single “typical” EOL date for Chromebooks. Instead, the update lifespan varies depending on the specific model and its launch date.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Chromebooks typically receive updates for 6.5 to 10 years from their launch date. This includes security updates, bug fixes, and new features.
• You can find the specific EOL date of your Chromebook model:
  • On Google’s official support page: https://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/6220366?hl=en
  • By searching online for your Chromebook model and “EOL date”.

As an example:

• Chromebooks released in 2023 likely have EOL dates between 2029 and 2031.
• However, Chromebooks released before 2020 might have already reached their EOL date.

Alternatively, you can use your Chromebook’s interface to check when it will separate from Google’s aid. To do that, go to your “Settings” and click “About Chrome OS” at the bottom of the left column.

Clicking on “About Chrome OS”

Continue by clicking “Additional details” on the page that loads up. As you do that, you’ll see newer content on the screen, from which your “Auto Update Expiration” date will be in the middle.

Auto Update Expiration Date

That’s right about it. As you can see, mine is dead. What should I do with it? Moving on to the breadth of the article, Chrome Ready will intend to answer precisely that, so stick around to know what’s possible and what’s not after your Chromebook’s update expiry.

What should you do after your Chromebook reaches EOL?

The following is our two cents on the subject.

Continue like normal

It may be the end of the road for your Chrome OS, but it’s not the end of the world. Although you may not receive any further bug fixes, security updates, or other OS improvements, you can still continue using your Chromebook as before until it stops functioning altogether. However, there is a high degree of uncertainty here, as your system could stop working at any moment.

But there are those who have managed to use their Chromebooks even after the expiration of their update date. To increase the longevity of your Chrome OS, it is advisable to browse the internet safely and be cautious about what you install. Be aware of phishing scams, malware, and buggy applications that are rampant on the internet, the Play Store, and the Chrome Web Store. By keeping a watchful eye out for danger, you can ensure that your Chromebook continues to function smoothly.

Upgrade to a new device

Upgrading to a new Chromebook is another viable option. New models are continually being released, offering better performance, longer battery life, and an extended period of software updates.

Install ChromeOS Flex

This free option allows you to install ChromeOS on compatible older computers and devices. This breathes new life into older hardware and offers a similar experience to a Chromebook but with limited features compared to the official ChromeOS versions.

Reinvigorate your Chromebook with Ubuntu Linux

Are you familiar with the Linux Terminal on your Chromebook? It’s a great tool for installing powerful applications like GNU and finding alternatives to mainstream programs like Adobe Photoshop and Acrobat. However, in this case, we’re not referring to that Linux.

Instead, you can download Ubuntu Linux on your Chromebook using Crouton. This is one of the many Linux distributions that can power your Chromebook in a unique way. Using Crouton, you can easily switch between Ubuntu Linux and Chrome OS. This brings a fresh interface to your device, but before installing anything, you must enable Developer Mode.

Get Windows on your Chromebook

Another way to pump new life into your Chromebook is by giving it a little touch of a Microsoft overhaul and installing Windows. This was going to go official in 2019 through a project named Campfire, but unfortunately, it couldn’t see the light of day and got canceled. However, that didn’t stop coolstar.org from coming into existence.

It turns out that this website is dedicated to helping Chromebook users install Windows on their devices and fully utilize the new operating system’s features. However, if you’ve got a Chromebook with weak specifications, installing Windows might take its toll on your device. We advise proceeding with care and attention.

Recycle your Chromebook

If you decide not to use your Chromebook post-EOL, consider recycling it or donating it to organizations that can repurpose it. Ensure you perform a factory reset to erase all personal data before disposing of or donating your device.

Top 3 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What exactly happens when my Chromebook reaches its EOL date?

When your Chromebook reaches its EOL (End-of-Life) date, it will no longer receive automatic software updates from Google. This includes security updates, bug fixes, and new features. Your device will still function, but it may become more vulnerable to security risks and software incompatibilities over time.

Can I manually update my Chromebook after the EOL date?

Unfortunately, once a Chromebook reaches its EOL date, Google does not provide official software updates, including the Chrome OS updates. Any manual updates or modifications, such as installing a different operating system, would be at the user’s discretion and risk.

Is it safe to use my Chromebook after its EOL date?

Using a Chromebook after its EOL date comes with risks, primarily related to security. Without ongoing updates, your device is more susceptible to viruses, malware, and other security threats. If you choose to continue using your Chromebook, be cautious about the types of activities and data you handle on the device.

Conclusion

Chromebooks that have reached the end of their life will not shut down immediately. In fact, they can still be used with a little extra care. However, installing alternative operating systems on these devices can be an effective way to revitalize them. If you’re not comfortable with this option, you might consider upgrading to a newer Chromebook with an extended Auto Update Expiration date.