Chromebook: how to update ChromeOS
ChromeOS updates itself in the background, but it does help to check, especially if something is not working properly. Updates keep your Chromebook safe and fast.
Check for updates
- Click the time in the bottom right corner.
- Click the Settings cog.
- Choose About ChromeOS at the bottom of the left-hand list.
- Click Check for updates.
If there is an update, it will download. When it finishes, you will see a Restart button.
Restart to finish
An update does not apply until the Chromebook restarts. Save your work, then click Restart. A restart usually only takes a minute or two. You may also see an arrow or an update icon near the time. Click it and choose Restart to update.
Connect to power and Wi-Fi
Plug in the charger and use a stable Wi-Fi network. If you are on a mobile data connection, Chromebook may not download large updates unless you allow it.
If updates will not work
- Make sure the date and time are correct.
- Restart the Chromebook and check again.
- Free up some storage. See our storage guide.
- Try a different Wi-Fi network.
If the Chromebook is managed
At school or work, the organisation may control when updates happen. In that case you cannot change the schedule yourself.
Does it say it cannot update?
If Check for updates says your device is up to date, then you are on the latest version available for it. If it says your device has reached the end of its support, see our guide on Chromebook update expiry.
Updating Chrome browser
The Chrome browser updates with the system. You can also check by clicking the three dots in Chrome, then Help, then About Google Chrome.
When to get more help
Contact us if the update stops partway, if you see an error message, or if the Chromebook keeps asking to restart but never completes. Take a photo of any error message. We can guide you through the next step.