Visiting this site to figure out how to update Chromebook firmware to the latest version means you understand the importance of staying up-to-date with your Chromebook firmware.
It’s no secret that cybersecurity threats continue to escalate each year, making the need for firmware improvements essential.
By updating your Chromebook to the most recent version of firmware, you ensure that vulnerabilities in systems, including the Trusted Platform Module (TPM), are addressed.
Not only does updating your firmware enhance overall protection, but it also secures sensitive information stored on your device.
Coupled with that, updating is pretty easy, as users can initiate updates either through automatic downloads occurring seamlessly in the background or manual prompts offering guided instructions to implement new versions within minutes.
Since you are aware of all these, let’s delve into how to update Chromebook firmware to the latest version.
How to Update Chromebook Firmware to Latest Version Manually
While most Chromebooks automatically update their firmware in the background, some users prefer to manually update their Chromebook firmware to stay up-to-date with the latest features and bug fixes.
Below, I will guide you through the steps to manually update the firmware on your Chromebook.
- Begin by powering on your Chromebook.
- Open the system tray menu located in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
- Select the gear-shaped Settings option.
- Find the “About Chrome OS” option in the bottom left corner and click on it.
- Choose the “Check for Updates” option.
- The device will analyze the system and download any new updates if necessary.
- Once the download is complete, press the “Restart” option to initiate the update.
- Your Chromebook will now be running the latest firmware available.
How to Update Chromebook OS to the Beta or Dev Channel
To try out unreleased and experimental features on your Chromebook, consider switching to either the Beta or Dev channels.
But then, keep in mind that these channels may contain bugs, and your locally stored data and applications will be erased if you later choose to return to the stable channel.
Nonetheless, using the Beta or Dev channels allows you access to advanced functions before they become widely available. If you wish to transition to one of these channels, follow the process listed below.
- Go to the bottom right corner and click the “Settings” (cogwheel) icon in the Quick Settings panel.
- Navigate to “About ChromeOS” in the left sidebar and then click “Additional Details” in the right pane.
- The current channel builds you are using on your device will be displayed. Select “Change channel”.
- In the pop-up window, choose either “Beta” or “Developer: unstable”. For fewer bugs and more new features, the beta channel is recommended.
- Go back to the “About ChromeOS” page and click “Check for updates” on the right side pane. Download the new update based on your current channel selection. Then, click “Restart” to update your Chromebook to the new channel.
How to Update Linux on Your Chromebook
Even though Chromebooks primarily utilize ChromeOS, installing Linux as a virtual machine (VM) is possible.
This enables you to manage Linux distributions alongside ChromeOS, enabling access to many more app options, such as the ever-popular game Minecraft.
Thus, if you find yourself running Linux on your Chromebook and needing updates, simply refer to the following instructions for guidance:
- To update Linux on your Chromebook, open the Terminal app from the App Launcher, located in the Linux folder.
- Run the commands ‘sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y’ to update all packages and dependencies.
- To upgrade the Linux distribution to the latest version, run the command “sudo apt dist-upgrade -y.”
- If an upgrade is available, it will automatically be downloaded and applied.
- Once the update is complete, run the command “sudo apt –version” to check the current Linux version installed on your Chromebook.
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How to Update Linux on Your Chromebook
Although Google’s ChromeOS operates as the primary platform on Chromebook devices, compatibility with Linux installations exists through the implementation of a virtual machine (VM) container.
By leveraging this technology, owners of Chromebooks can easily integrate additional software options and even engage in gaming experiences by downloading titles like the highly acclaimed Minecraft. In order to keep your Linux system up-to-date while using a Chromebook.
That being said, here is how to update Linus on your Chromebook.
- To update Linux on your Chromebook, open the Terminal app from the App Launcher (located in the Linux folder).
- Enter the commands ‘sudo apt update and sudo apt upgrade -y’ to update all packages and dependencies.
- Enter “sudo apt dist-upgrade -y” to upgrade the Linux distribution to the latest version (downloaded and applied automatically if available).
- To check the current Linux version installed, enter the command “cat /etc/os-release.”
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Chrome OS’s Latest Version Download
If you are unsure if you have the latest Chrome OS version, you have to install it manually by going to the About setting to see if you still have any update patches available on your device.
If you don’t know how to go about all this, follow the steps below.
- Start by powering on your Chromebook.
- Open the system tray menu located in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
- Select the gear-shaped Settings option.
- Find the “About Chrome OS” option in the bottom left corner and click on it.
- Choose the “Check for Updates” option.
- The device will analyze the system and download any new updates if necessary.
- Once the download is complete, press the “Restart” option to initiate the update.
- Your Chromebook will now be running the latest firmware available.
Can you update an expired Chromebook?
Regular updates are available for your Chromebook until it reaches its Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date.
Once the AUE date is reached, Google will discontinue providing software updates for ChromeOS devices, such as security patches and hardware optimizations. However, you can still use your Chromebook with the latest available ChromeOS version.
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Latest Chromebook update Issues
If you are facing any issues while trying to install the latest version of Chromebook firmware on your PC, here are the simple troubleshooting steps you ought to try.
- To restart your Chromebook, turn it off and then turn it back on after a few minutes.
- Ensure your internet connection is working and connect to a reliable WiFi network.
- Reset your Chromebook to fix any errors or malfunctions.
- Clear cached files on your Chromebook to improve its performance.
Conclusion
Finally, it should be noted that updating a Chromebook’s firmware to the latest version has numerous benefits, including performance enhancements, increased security measures, improved battery life, and added functionalities.
Regardless of whether a user decides to perform the update via a direct download from the official website, by triggering auto-update notifications within the Chromebook settings menu, or by manually flashing their BIOS or UEFI program,
All methods discussed in this article on “How to Update Chromebook Firmware to Latest Version” lead to the successful completion of the task at hand: keeping your Chromebook firmware up-to-date!