Fix: Chromebook Stuck on Checking for Updates

Your Chromebook gets new OS updates once every two or three weeks. The device usually downloads the updates in the background, but sometimes you need to manually check for updates. The problem is that your Chromebook may occasionally get stuck on the “Checking for Updates” screen. When that happens, wait patiently for 30 minutes, and if there’s no progress, pursue the troubleshooting steps below.

Why Is My Chromebook Stuck on Checking for Updates?

Remove External Devices and Try a Hard Reset

Unplug all the external devices connected to your Chromebook, including USB drives, headphones, your mouse and keyboard, and so on. Then, turn off your Chromebook. Next, hold the Refresh and Power buttons. Release the keys when your computer starts up. After that, go to Settings, select About Chrome OS and check for updates.

If the update problem persists, turn off your computer, and unplug the power cable. Then remove the battery, and hold the power button for 10 seconds. Plug the power adapter back in, and turn on your Chromebook without reconnecting the battery. Check the results.

Free up More Memory and Storage Space

If your system is running low on memory, close any open tabs that you don’t really need, as well as other apps that are not in use. Then, free up some storage space by deleting the files you don’t need anymore.

Go to Settings, select Device, and click on Storage management. Check how much storage space is being used. Delete the files you no longer need, clear browsing data, uninstall redundant Android apps and delete unnecessary user profiles. Restart your Chromebook and check if you can install the newest ChromeOS version now.

Power Wash Your Device

If you still can’t update your Chromebook, try resetting your laptop to factory settings. Keep in mind that performing a Powerwash erases all the data stored on your Chromebook’s hard drive. So, don’t forget to back up your data on Google Drive or an external hard drive before using this solution.

1. Log out of your Chromebook.
2. Then press and hold the Ctrl, Alt, Shift, and R keys simultaneously.
3. Select Restart, and then Powerwash. Hit Continue.
4. Follow the on-screen steps to complete the reset process and then set up your Chromebook.
5. Check if the ChromeOS update problem persists.

Learn More About Updating Your Chromebook

⇒ How long does it take for a Chromebook to update? 

Your Chromebook usually takes about 30 minutes to download and install the latest ChromeOS updates.

⇒ What is the latest ChromeOS version?

For more information on the latest ChromeOS version, go to Google’s Chrome Releases blog. The most recent blog post usually includes valuable information on the newest ChromeOS stable channel version.

⇒ How long will my Chromebook receive updates?

Google confirmed that Chromebooks will get ChromeOS updates six to eight years after release. So on average, your Chromebook will receive updates for five years after the initial release. But the Lenovo 10e Chromebook Tablet and Acer Chromebook 712 will regularly get updates until June 2028. In other words, these two Chromebook models will get automatic updates for eight years.

⇒ How do I know when my Chromebook will stop getting updates?

To check when your device is scheduled to receive its last ChromeOS update, go to Settings, select About Chrome OS, and click on Additional details. The information is available under the Update schedule section.

Conclusion

If your Chromebook gets stuck on “Checking for updates,” disconnect all peripherals and perform a hard reset. If the problem persists, free up more memory and storage space. As a last resort, powerwash your laptop and start anew. Did you find other ways to troubleshoot Chromebook update issues? Let us know in the comments below.