ChromeOS devices receive OS updates for 10 years after a device platform is first released. Most devices update automatically, but for a subset of older devices, an administrator must opt in to extended updates to receive the full 10 years of support.
Identifying devices eligible for extended updates
All ChromeOS devices released in 2021 or later automatically receive extended updates, and maintain access to the Play Store and Android apps. For a subset of older devices, an administrator must opt in to receive extended updates. These devices are denoted by an asterisk (*) next to the support date under Google approved ChromeOS devices in Auto Update policy.
What’s included in extended updates
Extended updates include continued support for security, performance, and stability for your ChromeOS devices. These updates range from keeping your devices secure on the web to continued device stability improvements.
For older models not automatically receiving extended updates, an administrator must opt in via a policy (called Extended auto-updates) in the Google Admin console. The policy can be enabled at any time, even after devices have received their last stable channel update.
ChromeOS software updates will follow the LTS (long-term support stable channel) release cadence. Initially, devices will update from M126 to M126 LTC (long-term support candidate channel), before moving to M126 LTS, once available.
If you opt in
- All Android related data is erased from the devices and cannot be recovered.
- The Google Play Store is removed from the devices, and Android apps cannot be remotely installed by an administrator.
If you do not opt in
- Automatic updates do not continue for these devices.
- Android apps and the Google Play Store continue to be available on these devices, however, app developers might choose not to support the milestones these devices are on over time.
Identifying extended update date by device
The following additional extended updates data fields have been added to the device information page in the Admin console:
| Name | API Field Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic updates until | autoUpdateThrough | The month and year that the final automatic update will be available. This is inclusive of extended updates. |
| Extended support enabled | extendedSupportEnabled | Shows whether a device has been opted in for extended support. |
| Extended support opt in | extendedSupportEligible |
|
| Extended support start date | extendedSupportStart | Shows the date that extended updates begin. If a device has opted into extended support, it continues to receive updates. If a device has not opted into extended support, automatic updates will not continue. |
You can view the extended updates data here:
- Go to Devices
Chrome
- In the Device list, click the serial number of the device.
ChromeOpt into the extended Auto-update policy
The extended Auto-update policy is available in the Admin console. To set the policy, do the following:
-
Sign in to your Google Admin console.
Sign in using your administrator account (does not end in @gmail.com).
-
In the Admin console, go to Menu
Devices
Chrome
-
To apply the setting to all devices, leave the top organizational unit selected. Otherwise, select a child organizational unit.
- Go to Device update settings.
- Click Extended Auto-update.
- From the list, select Allow updates during extended auto-update period.
-
Click Save.
Devices pinned to a specific version
Not recommended. Only the latest version of ChromeOS is supported.
When devices are pinned to a target version of ChromeOS, all devices in the organizational unit no longer update beyond the chosen OS version. This can create unintended behaviors, including devices not updating beyond their currently installed version.
- If the target version that is pinned is not available for a device, it will not receive any further updates, even if the target version of ChromeOS is a higher version than what is installed.
- If devices receiving extended updates are in an organizational unit that is pinned to a non-LTS or non-LTC channel, they stop receiving future feature and security updates.
If an organization chooses to pin an organizational unit to a target version, it is recommended they either:
- Pin the target version to LTS.
- Move devices receiving extended updates to a separate organizational unit, so they can continue receiving feature and security updates.
More information
- Schools looking for top-quality web apps for ChromeOS devicescan find them on the Google for Education App Hub.
- To see more device-specific support details and support dates, Auto Update policy.
- If you're finished with your devices, you can contact your reseller or find a place to recycle responsibly. You can also discover new ChromeOS devices at edu.google.com and chromeenterprise.google/devices/.