Generally speaking, the lifespan of most Chromebooks is between five and eight years. A Chromebook will receive a full Chrome OS update about every four weeks for at least five years from the date of release.
Older Chromebooks have older hardware parts, and these parts eventually lose the ability to get the latest updates. If your Chromebook is more than 5 years old, you might see this message: "This device will no longer receive software updates. You can continue using your computer but should consider upgrading."
Continue Using It
You'll most likely be able to continue using your Chromebook after the AUE date for months or years before you start noticing issues.
Check for updates yourself
At the bottom left, select About ChromeOS. Under "Google ChromeOS," find which version of the Chrome operating system your Chromebook uses. Select Check for updates.
Currently, once your AUE date arrives, the Chromebook will no longer receive software updates from Google. These include security updates, bug fixes and new features. And without those updates, things like apps and browser extensions might no longer function properly.
A significant benefit of Chromebooks is that they typically have longer battery life than most laptops. This means you can use them for several hours on a single charge, which is very handy if you travel frequently or need to work remotely.
In a report on Tuesday, titled "Chromebook Churn," US PIRG contends that Chromebooks don't last as long as they should, because Google stops providing updates after five to eight years and because device repairability is hindered by the scarcity of spare parts and repair-thwarting designs.
Spent Less Than $200: Don't have it repaired. It's going to make more sense for you to just purchase a new device. Spent Between $200-$400: Don't spend more than $100 for repairs.
Modern lithium batteries, like the one in your Chromebook, do not like being discharged completely. Each time that happens, damage is done, until it fails completely. Also, they cannot be overcharged like old technology NiCad batteries.
Bottom line: Chromebooks aren't susceptible to most of the issues that cause Windows machines to slow down over time, but the tips mentioned above can help keep yours running at peak efficiency for years to come.
Chromebooks can do almost anything that regular laptops can do, using browser-based software and services instead of Windows or macOS apps. A great $500 Chromebook can feel faster to use—and can be lighter and more compact—than a similarly priced Windows laptop.
Chromebook Processors
The ChromeOS operating system is so light-touch, that you can run it with a basic processor. Chromebooks still start quickly and run smoothly, but on a processor that helps cut the cost of the computer. Windows laptops and Macs need much more advanced processors in order to run quickly.
Chromebooks' hardware and software have a short lifespan, leading to frequent replacements and causing unnecessary e-waste and financial burden on schools and students. Chromebooks are equipped with an Automatic Update Expiration (AUE) date, which marks the end of software support.
Chromebooks mostly rely on web apps, while Windows laptops mostly run third-party software that will usually support the last few generations of Windows. Any difference in longevity between Chromebooks and Windows laptops is likely to be slim. Both tend to last for many years, even without upgrades.
Initially, Chromebooks could only last through five years of operating system and security updates. Later, Google changed this to 6.5 years before settling for eight. From the Chromebook help page, Google clarifies that you'll receive software updates until the AUE date.
So although Chromebooks are protected fairly well from some viruses, this doesn't mean you're safe online just because you use a Chromebook. You should also get a solid browser extension (most of the items on this list offer free ones). To sum up: you need a good antivirus to protect your Chromebook in 2023.
What is the difference between a Chromebook and a laptop? A Chromebook is a portable computer running ChromeOS. They tend to have lower-powered processors, less RAM, and less local storage than their laptop counterparts. There are, however, some high-end Chromebooks that outstrip the specs of most contemporary laptops.
The first two commercially available Chromebooks, the Samsung Series 5 and the Acer AC700, were unveiled on May 11, 2011, at the Google I/O developer conference.
Every Chromebook has an expiration date known as the Automatic Update Expiration (AUE). Chromebooks manufactured after 2020 receive 8 years of updates from Google. While expired Chromebooks WILL continue to work long after the AUE date, they won't receive critical security updates that may put you at risk.
Can you install Windows on a Chromebook? Installing Windows on Chromebook devices is possible, but it is no easy feat. Chromebooks were not made to run Windows, and if you really want a full desktop OS, they are more compatible with Linux.