What to Do with Your Chromebook After End of Life: The 6 Best Options

Co-authored by Luigi Oppido and Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: September 13, 2024 Fact Checked

All Chromebooks have an auto-update expiration (AUE) date. But that doesn't mean that you can't use your Chromebook anymore. There are a few different options to consider when your Chromebook gets to this date, and this wikiHow article will show you what to do with your Chromebook after end-of-life.

What to Do with an Old Chromebook

If your Chromebook still works, keep using it after it stops receiving updates. Your Chromebook will most likely work for a few months or years even if it doesn't continue updating. Once it stops working, recycle the electronics in your Chromebook.

1

Continue Using It

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When your Chromebook reaches the auto-update expiration date, you will still be able to use it. You just won't get any more Chrome OS updates, which include new security features and optimizations for your Chromebook's hardware.^{[1]
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Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Interview} You'll most likely be able to continue using your Chromebook after the AUE date for months or years before you start noticing issues.^{[2]
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- To check your Chromebook's end-of-life, go to Settings > About Chrome OS > Additional details and you'll see the date listed under Update Schedule.^{[3]
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2

Buy a New Chromebook

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If your Chromebook reaches end-of-life (EOL), then it is most likely several years old. Newer Chromebooks are more energy-efficient, come with more RAM, and more storage than most older laptops.
- If you get a new Chromebook, that laptop will be auto-updated for at least five years.^{[4]
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- You can also sell your old Chromebook as used and use the money you get from that sale to purchase a new one.

3

Install Ubuntu Linux on It

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Install Ubuntu Linux. Since you won't see any more Chrome OS updates, you might be looking for a fresh interface. Switching to Ubuntu Linux will definitely provide a fresh, new interface.^{[5]
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Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Interview} You can even use a program called crouton so you'll be able to switch between Chrome OS and Linux whenever you want to!^{[6]
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4

Recycle It

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Make sure you restore your Chromebook to erase any personal data before you recycle it.^{[7]
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- If you live in the US, request a shipping label from RLGA.
- If you live in different areas of the world, like the UK or Asia, you can request a shipping label from Re-Teck.^{[8]
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5

Regift It

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You may not want to use it anymore, but that Chromebook could be the perfect gift, especially for a friend or family member who could use a lightweight, small, and easy-to-use little computer. Since Google Docs and the rest of the Google products are integrated into the Google economy, it's the perfect word-processor for someone in school or someone with a writing-heavy job.
- Even without an Internet connection, Google Docs and the other Google programs will keep a local copy of any documents or projects inside Google Drive.

6

Use Your Chromebook As An External Monitor

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Use software like Duet Display to turn your Chromebook into an external monitor. The functionality really only works if your Chromebook has a 4k display, like the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook.^{[9]
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Luigi Oppido
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How do I stop my Chromebook from dying so fast?

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.

Luigi Oppido

Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Answer

If your Chromebook was working fine and suddenly the battery started draining faster than usual, it's possible that you have downloaded an extension or a Google Chrome application that's running in the background and using more processor power than it should, making your battery die faster.

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How can I determine if a used Chromebook has reached its end-of-life?

Madachiu

Community Answer

On your Chromebook, go to Settings, then About ChromeOS, and navigate to Additional Details. You should find information about its end-of-life there.

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