2026-10-19 · 4 min read

Chromebook update expiration: plan replacements before it sneaks up on you

Each Chromebook model has an automatic update expiration date. After that date it stops receiving new software and security updates. Devices still turn on, but they fall behind, and some testing and web tools stop supporting them.

Why it catches schools off guard

Devices are often bought in waves, so a whole grade level can reach its expiration date in the same year. If nobody checks until the devices are already expired, the replacement cost lands all at once.

A once-a-year habit

1. Pull a list of every managed Chromebook with its model and expiration date.
2. Group the counts by school and by year of expiration.
3. Share it with whoever plans the technology budget, at least a year ahead.
4. Plan to retire expired devices from student use, or move them to low-risk roles.

GWS-013 Chromebook Auto Update Expiration Report builds this list from your Google Workspace admin data using GAM7, and flags devices that expire within the window you choose. It is part of the K-12 collection, included in every paid plan.