Chromebooks will soon get 10 years of automatic updates

Google has announced a big change to Chromebooks that could help them last a few years longer. Starting in 2024, ChromeOS devices will be eligible to receive automatic security updates for 10 years after release. All Chromebooks released in 2021 or later will receive the updates; Those who own older products will have the option to turn them on.

The company currently guarantees eight years of automatic updates for Chromebooks. However, this period begins at the time the company certifies the Chromebook, not when it actually gets into the owner’s hands. Given the time it takes schools and businesses to purchase, receive, set up, and deploy new fleets of computers, they typically end up using them for four to five years in practice.

A report titled “Chromebook Churn,” published by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund, sparked a lot of discussion about the environmental impact of ChromeOS in education earlier this year. It estimated that “doubling the lifespan of Chromebooks could result in $1.8 billion in savings for taxpayers.” Although the extra two years doesn’t add up, it’s certainly a step in the right direction that can save customers money and reduce their electronic waste.

Google also notes in its press release that “even if your Chromebook no longer receives automatic updates, it still comes with robust, built-in security features.”

Google says it’s also rolling out updates to its Chromebook repair software that will allow technicians to perform software repairs without a physical USB key. The company estimates this will make software fixes “more than 50%” faster.

Additional features to improve energy efficiency will be rolled out in the coming months, including adaptive charging (which was available). In canary For some time) to maintain battery health and new power saving mode.