Switch between stable, beta and dev software

You can test the latest features of the Chrome operating system (OS) by switching to a more experimental software channel. ChromeOS has three different software channels:

• Stable channel: This channel is fully tested by the ChromeOS team and is the best choice to avoid crashes and other problems. It's updated roughly every two to three weeks for minor changes, and every four weeks for major changes.
• Beta channel: To view upcoming changes and improvements with low risk, use the Beta channel. It's updated roughly every week, with major updates coming every four weeks, more than a month before the Stable channel gets them.
• Dev channel: To view the latest ChromeOS features, use the Dev channel. The Dev channel is updated once or twice weekly. While this build is tested, it may have bugs, as we want people to see what's new as soon as possible.

Important: To switch channels, you must be the Chromebook owner. If you use your Chromebook at work or school, you might not be able to switch channels. Before you switch channels, back up your data.

Check which channel you're in

If you’re on a non-stable channel, like Beta, Dev or Canary, there are many ways to find which channel you're in. 

On the login screen:

1. Sign in to your Chromebook.
2. At the bottom right, next to the time, you can find the channel label.

From the Quick Settings menu:

1. Sign in to your Chromebook.
2. To access the Quick Settings menu, at the bottom right, select the time.
3. Under the date and battery life, you can find the channel label button.
   • For more information about the channel, select the left side of the button.

From the main Settings:

1. If you haven't yet, sign in to your Chromebook.
2. At the bottom right, select the time Settings .
3. At the bottom left, select About ChromeOS.
4. Select Additional details.
5. Under 'Channel', check the channel that your Chromebook is in.

Submit feedback

While on a non-stable channel, you can now report your experiences more easily.

1. Sign in to your Chromebook.
2. To access the Quick Settings menu, at the bottom right, select the time.
3. Under the date and battery life, find the channel label button.
4. On the right side of the button, select Feedback .

Change channel

Warning: Switching from an experimental channel to a more stable channel will delete everything from your Chromebook, like downloaded files, photos, owner permissions and saved networks for all accounts. You’ll need to sign in with your Google Account again.

1. Sign in to your Chromebook with the owner account.
2.  At the bottom right, select the time Settings .
3. At the bottom left, select About ChromeOS.
4. Select Additional details.
5. Next to 'Channel', select Change channel.
6. Select a channel.
7. Select Change channel.
   • If you switch to Beta or Dev, your Chromebook downloads an update and then asks you to restart.
   • To switch to Stable or Beta, select Change channel and Powerwash. When the update installs, select Relaunch and Powerwash. Everything will be deleted from your Chromebook, and you'll need to sign in with your Google Account again.

Important: If you use your Chromebook at work or school and you switch from Dev to Beta or Beta to Stable through a powerwash, your Chromebook won't update right away. Your software will update when your new, more stable software version matches the version that's already installed on your Chromebook. Your apps, data and settings won't be deleted.