With their popularity soaring in the education sector and beyond, many are left wondering how long do Chromebooks actually last. Google introduced the Chromebook in 2011, running on ChromeOS – an operating system based on the Chrome browser and Linux.
While Windows and Apple laptops remain popular in the professional world, Chromebooks have become a favorite among students and educators due to their low cost and ease of maintenance. But what makes Chromebooks different from traditional laptops? They’re optimized as a “thin client” device, meaning they’re designed to access apps and data on a server over the network rather than storing them on the device itself.
But how does this impact Chromebook’s lifespan compared to heavy-duty laptops? Can they handle the wear and tear of daily use, especially in a classroom environment? We’ll explore these questions and more, so buckle up and join us on this journey to discover the ins and outs of Chromebooks.
How long do Chromebooks last when it comes to software updates? It’s no secret that a Chromebook’s lifespan is largely dependent on the support it receives from its manufacturer. And when it comes to Chromebooks, this is no exception.
(Image Credit:- Chromebook)
Once a Chromebook stops receiving software updates, it’s at risk of becoming obsolete, as it no longer gets the latest security patches or feature upgrades. But don’t fret – Google has got you covered! They’ve created a detailed support page where you can easily look up your specific model of Chromebook and see when it will stop receiving software updates.
So, whether you’re a student or a professional, you can rest easy knowing exactly how long your Chromebook will be supported. But what happens after that? We’ll delve into that question and more, so stay tuned!
Google refers to this as the Auto Update policy. Here’s how Google describes it:
“Chrome devices (e.g. Chromebook, Chromebox, Chromebase, Chromebit) receive automatic updates that enhance both the device and its software. Device updates provide the latest features and keep the device secure, and are applied across the operating system, browser and hardware. These updates depend on many device specific non-Google hardware and software providers that work with Google to provide the highest level of security and stability support. For this reason, older Chrome devices cannot receive updates indefinitely to enable new OS and browser features.”
As you may already know, this largely depends on your Chromebook model’s Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date.
But what does that mean, exactly? According to Google, the AUE date represents the approximate time when a Chromebook model will stop receiving automatic software updates from Google. This date is determined based on when the device was first released, and varies by model.
So, what happens once your Chromebook’s AUE date has passed? Do you have to say goodbye to your trusty device? Not necessarily – there are still options for continuing to use your Chromebook.
“Every Chrome device receives regular updates from Google until it reaches its Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date, listed below, subject to support from component manufacturers. When a device reaches AUE, automatic software updates from Google will no longer be provided.”
How Long Do Chromebooks Last?
While it’s true that your device won’t suddenly become unusable, it does mean that you won’t receive any more software updates. And let’s face it, updates are important. They provide security fixes, new features, and improved performance.
So, once the AUE date has passed, you’ll no longer receive security or bug fixes for your Chromebook. But don’t worry, you can still use it! However, at this point, it may be time to consider upgrading to a newer device to ensure you’re getting the most up-to-date features and security patches.
It’s worth noting that most Chromebooks receive at least five years of software updates from the year they were released (not the year you purchased it). So, keep that in mind when considering a new Chromebook purchase. Stick around for more insights into the world of Chromebooks on our podcast!