Google Extends Chromebook Support to a Decade

Google Extends Chromebook Support to 10 Years

Google Extends Chromebook Support – When deciding which device to purchase, one important factor to consider is the support provided by the manufacturer or third-parties. In the past, many Android smartphones had short support periods, but the situation is improving.

In 2012, Google introduced Chromebooks as affordable devices, and they have since gained significant popularity in the education sector, particularly in the United States.

However, Google faced criticism recently due to the limited support period for Chromebooks that are still in use. Some devices released in 2019 were set to reach end of support as early as 2024.

Once a device reaches its end of support, organizations have no further use for it. Although it is technically possible to install Linux on newer Chromebooks, it is unlikely that many would choose to take this route.

Chromebooks to 10 Years of Automatic Updates

Fortunately, Google has announced that it is extending the support period for Chromebooks to 10 years of automatic updates. This is particularly significant as Chromebooks are often manufactured by third-party companies, and many of them previously had a support period of only 5 years.

According to a blog post on Google’s official The Keyword blog, starting in 2024, all Chromebooks released from 2021 onwards will receive 10 years of updates automatically. Users and IT administrators will also have the option to extend automatic updates to 10 years for Chromebooks released before 2021 and already in use, after they receive their last automatic update.

System Administrators Also Have the Ability to Extend Support

While the support extension applies to all Chromebooks released in 2021 or later, system administrators also have the ability to extend support for devices released prior to 2021 to 10 years. However, Google notes that certain features or services may not be available on these devices as they may not be supported.

This increase to 10 years of support places Chromebooks at the forefront of operating system support commitments. Apple, for example, promises seven years of support for its macOS operating system, while Microsoft supports Windows 10 until 2025. However, Microsoft has not made the same commitment for Windows 11, which was released in 2021.

It is worth noting that many Windows 10 devices can be upgraded to Windows 11 for free, even if they don’t meet the minimum hardware requirements. However, there are also a significant number of Windows devices, including those running Windows 10, that cannot be upgraded to Windows 11 due to the changed system requirements.

One challenge with support timelines is that they often begin on the day the devices are released, which means that devices can still be sold even when they are already out of support.

Chromebook users and administrators can find more information about the support period extensions on this help page.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Google’s decision to extend Chromebook support to 10 years is a significant development for users and organizations. This move ensures that Chromebooks will receive regular updates and remain secure for an extended period. With this extended support, Chromebooks solidify their position as a reliable and long-lasting option in the market.

Now, it’s your turn: have you used a Chromebook, or do you currently use one?