Chromebooks are great because they auto-update to protect users against viruses and add new features as well. However, Google has a strict cut-off date for providing those updates. Out of the blue, Google recently gave several Lenovo Chromebooks a new lease on life with three more years of updates.
Spotted by the folks at ChromeUnboxed earlier this week, seven Lenovo Chromebook models have been given extra time for system updates provided by Google. The change is found on Google’s support page. Previously, the company had several models — including the Lenovo C330 that we praised in our review just a few months ago — scheduled to have updates cease in 2022.
Now, those dates have been extended to 2025, giving machine owners peace of mind that the software will keep working. All seven of these models are based on the same MediaTek 8173C processor and were released between 2017 and 2019. Google promises 6.5 years of updates to a given platform, but these Chromebooks were released far into that platform’s lifespan, meaning they would have been cut off from updates prematurely.
The Lenovo Chromebook C330 was previously going to lose updates in 2022, but that’s expanded now until 2025
The list of affected Chromebooks is as follows:
- Lenovo Flex 11 Chromebook
- Previously June 2022 – Now June 2025
- Lenovo 100e Chromebook 2nd Gen MTK
- Previously June 2023 – Now June 2025
- Lenovo N23 Yoga Chromebook
- Previously June 2022 – Now June 2025
- Lenovo 300e Chromebook
- Previously June 2022 – Now June 2025
- Lenovo 300e Chromebook 2nd Gen MTK
- Previously June 2023 – Now June 2025
- Lenovo Ideapad S330 Chromebook
- Previously June 2022 – Now June 2025
- Lenovo Ideapad C330 Chromebook
- Previously June 2022 – Now June 2025
- Lenovo Poin2 Chromebook 14
- Previously June 2022 – Now June 2025
There is a slight catch to all of this, however. Google notes that the extended AUE (Automatic Update Expiration) date is only guaranteed through 2023, and after that point, it could be affected by third-party suppliers. Google does say, however, that it will make an “effort” to ensure support.
More on Chrome OS:
- Google Assistant no longer Pixel exclusive on Chrome OS, rolling out to more Chromebooks
- Exclusive: Google’s next laptop is ‘Pixelbook Go’ w/ 13.3-inch 4K display
- Lenovo Chromebook C340 switches to Intel processor, starts at $289 next month
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