This one’s a bit obvious, but it’s worth stating: when your current Chromebook stops getting updates, the best thing you can probably do is buy a newer device. Here’s the BAD news: it is very difficult to ROLL BACK a ChromeOS update once it has been applied. A new Chromebook is cheaper than getting £50,000 siphoned from your bank account. In the “Update schedule” section, you’ll find when your Chromebook will receive its last update. While I typically get excited about a new update to ChromeOS, that’s not the case during the spring when many schools are in the midsts of state testing. Here are some notes from Google on this new feature: Be sure you review a copy of the technical requirements and set up instructions provided by your test provider. Support for certain apps and extensions that require specific Chrome OS or browser versions. You can only specify one Chrome kiosk app at a time to control the Chrome OS version on a device. While I typically get excited about a new update to ChromeOS, that’s not the case during the spring when many schools are in the midsts of state testing. Your email address will not be published. Existing features may stop working. Security updates, bug fixes, and new features for Chromebooks. In addition to getting security updates for the next several years, you’ll also make a big leap when it comes to processing power, memory, and battery life, meaning your new Chromebook will be more enjoyable to use. Your email address will not be published. Important: The “End of Sale” date is controlled by the device manufacturer and isn't related to a device’s AUE date. You can’t allow a specific kiosk app and an auto-launched kiosk app to control the Chrome OS version of a device at the same time. These updates include: Each device has an Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There is also a NEW feature that can allow your testing app to manage the version of ChromeOS: This option is directly underneath the update settings referenced above. Allowing ChromeOS to auto update could make them incompatible with your testing app. Required fields are marked *. For information about how to configure settings in the app’s manifest file, see Allow your app to control the Chrome OS version. Download a free chapter of my book, The Chromebook Classroom! Chromebook updates Even Google’s top-end Pixelbook Chromebooks have a finite update life. Select Additional details. On the left panel, at the bottom, select About Chrome OS. The GOOD news is that it’s super easy to prevent your Chromebook fleet from auto-updating. To pin your update, log into the admin console and visit: Device Management > Chrome > Device Settings > Device Update Settings. Chromebooks, Chromebases, and Chromeboxes automatically manage updates so that your device has the latest software and security features. Compare their recommendations to the settings in your admin console a minimum of six weeks prior to the start of your first testing window. We encourage you to check the AUE dates of devices before your purchase. Disable ChromeOS Auto Updates Every six weeks Google rolls out a new major version of ChromeOS. During the testing season, you do NOT want your devices to auto update. In the manifest file, the app must include “kiosk_enabled”: true and specify the required Chrome OS version, required_platform_version. To check your Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date: If you get a "Final software update" notification, your device will stop receiving Chrome OS and browser updates. Every six weeks Google rolls out a new major version of ChromeOS. Check when your Chromebook's updates will stop. It might take up to 24 hours for updates in the manifest file to take effect on devices. I recommend that you temporarily “pin” your Chromebook updates to the last major version that is supported by your test provider (M-STEP, PARCC, AIR, NWEA, SBACC, etc). In the “Update schedule” section, you’ll find when your Chromebook will receive its last update.