Quick Answer
Go to Settings > About ChromeOS > Check for updates. ChromeOS will download and install any available update automatically, then prompt you to restart. Most updates apply in the background anyway, but this forces an immediate check instead of waiting for the automatic schedule.
When You Might Need This
ChromeOS usually updates itself silently, but manually checking is worth doing after a security bulletin, before troubleshooting a bug that might already be fixed, or when a specific feature you’ve read about hasn’t appeared yet on your device.
Fix Steps
Step 1: Open About ChromeOS
Click the time in the bottom-right corner, open Settings (the gear icon), then scroll to “About ChromeOS” in the left sidebar.
Step 2: Check for updates
Click “Check for updates.” ChromeOS will tell you if you’re up to date or start downloading a new version immediately.
Step 3: Restart to apply
Once downloaded, click Restart to finish installing. The update won’t fully apply until the device restarts, even though the download itself completes in the background.
Step 4: Confirm the new version
After restarting, return to About ChromeOS and check the version number to confirm it matches what you expected.
Step 5: Check your update channel
Under About ChromeOS > Additional details, you can see whether you’re on the Stable, Beta, or Dev channel. Stable is recommended for most users, since Beta and Dev receive earlier but less tested updates.
Still Not Fixed?
If the update won’t download or gets stuck partway through, see our dedicated guides for an update stuck on downloading or an error while checking for updates, both of which cover the specific fixes for those failure points.
FAQ
Why does my Chromebook say it’s up to date but I know a newer version exists?
Google rolls out updates gradually to devices over several days or weeks rather than all at once, so it’s normal to see a delay even after a version is officially released.
Do I need to be plugged in to update?
No, but having sufficient battery is recommended, since an update that’s interrupted by the device powering off mid-install can occasionally cause boot issues.
Can I skip an update?
Not really. ChromeOS applies updates automatically over time regardless of manual checks, so manually checking just controls the timing, not whether it happens.
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