What Is a Chromebook? What It Can and Can’t Do, Update Dates and Who Should Buy One

A Chromebook is a laptop that runs Google’s ChromeOS instead of Windows or macOS. It’s built around the Chrome browser, web apps and Android apps, so it’s excellent for browsing, email, Google Docs, streaming and schoolwork, and it’s simple and secure. It can’t run regular Windows or Mac programs, such as the desktop versions of Photoshop or many PC games, so check the software you need before buying, and check the model’s update expiration date.

What a Chromebook does well

• Web apps: Gmail, Google Docs, Sheets and Slides, Microsoft 365 on the web, Zoom and Google Meet, Canva, Spotify and streaming services all run in the browser.
• Android apps: most current Chromebooks can install apps from the Google Play Store, though not every Android app is optimized for a laptop screen.
• Security: automatic updates, sandboxed apps and verified boot make Chromebooks hard targets for traditional malware. You don’t need separate antivirus software.
• Speed and simplicity: they boot in seconds and stay quick even on modest hardware.
• Multiple users and easy recovery: everything syncs to your Google account, so a lost or broken Chromebook doesn’t mean lost settings.
• Battery life: many models last a full school or work day.

What a Chromebook can’t do (or does poorly)

• Windows and Mac desktop programs won’t install. That includes Microsoft Office desktop apps, Adobe’s full desktop apps, many accounting and engineering tools and some exam software.
• PC gaming is limited to Android games, browser games and cloud gaming services that stream over the internet.
• Offline use works for Google Docs (if you set it up), Gmail offline, downloaded media and Android apps, but many tasks assume an internet connection.
• Heavy creative work such as 4K video editing is better on Windows or Mac.

Tech-savvy users can turn on a Linux development environment at Settings > About ChromeOS > Developers > Linux development environment to run Linux apps, but it’s not a way to run Windows software for most people. Menu paths can vary slightly between ChromeOS versions.

Chromebook vs Windows laptop vs MacBook

If you’re weighing options for school, our guide to Mac vs Windows laptops for students covers course software requirements in more detail.

Auto Update Expiration: check this before you buy

Every Chromebook model has an Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date. After it passes, the laptop still works, but it no longer receives security and feature updates, and websites and apps may eventually stop supporting it.

Google now provides up to 10 years of automatic updates for Chromebooks released from 2021 onward. Crucially, the clock starts when the hardware platform was released, not when you buy the laptop. A cheap Chromebook that’s been on store shelves for years may have far less time left.

1. Before buying: look up the model on Google’s Auto Update policy page, which lists AUE dates by model.
2. On a Chromebook you already own: go to Settings > About ChromeOS > Additional details and look at Update schedule.

Aim for a model with at least several years of updates remaining. Google has also signaled a long-term plan to bring ChromeOS and Android closer together; details and timing for existing devices aren’t fully public, so judge a model by its published AUE date.

What is Chromebook Plus?

Chromebook Plus is a label Google introduced in 2023 for models that meet higher minimum specs. At launch, the baseline included:

• A newer processor (such as Intel Core i3 12th-gen or AMD Ryzen 3 7000-series and above, or comparable chips)
• 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage
• A Full HD (1080p) IPS or better display
• A 1080p webcam

Chromebook Plus models also get extra features, including Google’s AI tools such as Gemini-powered writing help and image features, some of which depend on account type, region and age. If you can afford one, Chromebook Plus is the safer choice; the extra memory alone makes multitasking with many tabs and Android apps much smoother.

Specs to look for

• RAM: 8 GB minimum; 4 GB models struggle with several tabs.
• Storage: 128 GB is comfortable; 64 GB is workable if you mostly use cloud storage.
• Screen: 1920×1080 IPS; avoid low-resolution panels if you’ll use it daily.
• Form factor: 2-in-1 convertibles with touchscreens work best with Android apps; some support a stylus.
• Ports: at least two USB-C ports for charging and accessories. See our guide to USB-C cables for picking a charger.

Who should buy a Chromebook?

• Good fit: K-12 and many college students (check course software first), people who mainly browse and stream, a shared family laptop, a backup computer, older relatives who want something simple and low-maintenance.
• Poor fit: anyone who needs specific Windows or Mac software, PC gamers, video editors, and people who often work without internet access.

Have an old Windows PC instead? Google’s free ChromeOS Flex can turn many older computers into Chromebook-like machines. Our article on what to do after Windows 10 end of support covers that option.

Bottom line

A Chromebook is a great, affordable laptop if your work lives in the browser, Google or Microsoft web apps and Android apps. Before buying, confirm you don’t need Windows or Mac programs, check the model’s Auto Update Expiration date, and choose at least 8 GB of RAM, ideally a Chromebook Plus.

FAQ

Can I use Microsoft Word on a Chromebook?

Yes, through Microsoft 365 on the web. The full Windows desktop version of Office doesn’t run on ChromeOS.

Do Chromebooks need antivirus?

Generally no. ChromeOS has built-in protections and automatic updates. Still avoid unknown extensions and apps from outside the Play Store.

Does a Chromebook work without internet?

Partly. You can use offline Google Docs, Gmail offline, downloaded files and many Android apps, but much of ChromeOS assumes a connection.

What happens when a Chromebook stops getting updates?

It keeps working but no longer gets security fixes. Over time, it becomes less safe and some sites or apps may stop supporting it.