Introduction

This guide explains how to force devices to update to the latest ChromeOS version in Google Admin Console. Google Workspace will have a number of devices registered. But some of them will have older versions, due to which those devices won't receive the latest updates and rolled out features. It is very important to timely update managed Chrome devices to their latest version.  

If you are an admin, this is a crucial task, which needs your attention. This guide will help you to understand how you can bulk update chrome devices to their latest version.

Force Devices to Update to the Latest ChromeOS illustration

Why is Updating the Latest ChromeOS Version Important?

  • Updating the latest ChromeOS version is important because it makes sure your managed devices are with the latest features.
  • Every ChromeOS release brings security patches that help devices to stay safe from new cyber-threats and phishing risks.
  • Frequent updates improve performance of the device and optimize the speed.
  • Additionally, new ChromeOS versions introduce new features which will enhance device management in Google Workspace.

How to Deploy the Latest ChromeOS Version to Managed Chrome Devices

To update chrome devices with the latest ChromeOS version, you will have to configure settings in the Google Admin Console.

Steps to update the Latest ChromeOS Version

  1. Go to Google Admin Console and log in with your Google Workspace admin account.
  2. Go to Devices > Chrome > Settings > Device settings.
    Navigate to the device settings page
  3. Select the Organizational Unit (OU) that contains the Chrome devices you want to update.
    Select organizational unit
  4. Scroll down to the Device update settings section.
    Go to the Device update settings section
  5. In the Auto-update settings section, set Allow updates to allow devices to automatically update OS versions.
    set Allow updates option
  6. In the Target version setting, select the latest ChromeOS version available or select use latest available version, this will force managed devices to upgrade to the specified version.
    set Target version setting
  7. Enable Allow auto-reboots to ensure devices restart automatically after installation.
    Enable Allow auto-reboots setting
  8. Click Save to apply the update policies to all selected managed devices.
  9. If auto-reboot is not enabled, users will have to restart their Chromebooks to complete the update.


While this guide will help you to force devices to update to the latest ChromeOS version, you can automate chrome devices related tasks with our automation tool xFanatical Foresight.

Introduction to xFanatical Foresight

xFanatical Foresight is an no-code automation tool that will streamline all your devices related workflows. You can automate tasks like exporting of devices, bulk deprovisioning of devices and  moving devices to organizational units. With this tool you can save your time and have better chrome device management across your organization.

Tips to Update Devices With the Latest ChromeOS Version 

  • Restart all your devices regularly so updates can complete successfully.
  • Inform your users to shut down or restart devices at the end of the day to reflect updates.
  • Keep devices on a stable internet connection for uninterrupted update downloads.
  • Set a Target ChromeOS version in Google Admin Console to enforce consistent updates across all managed devices.
  • Make sure you have enabled auto-reboot and configured reboot notifications and deadlines to avoid disruptions.
  • Test updates on a small group of devices or OU before the final deployment.
  • Monitor update progress in Google Admin Console > Devices > Chrome > Reports to track devices that haven't updated.
  • Make sure you have enough battery or plug in  your device while updating to prevent battery interruption.

Conclusion

Enforcing updates on managed devices is one of the crucial tasks if you are an admin. Keeping users’ devices up to date with the latest ChromeOS version will save users from lack of features access and all the devices will have uniform versions. With provided tips to update device versions you will be able to have better device management. 


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