Over time, your Cromebooks might degrade in performance due to usage, outdated software, and Auto Update Expiration (AUE) dates. Trafera offeres various solutions to deal with these issues - from refreshing your Chromebooks fleet, to extending the life of some devices, or upgrading with trade-in options.
Your Chromebooks work hard in the classroom, but even the most reliable devices have their limits. Over time, slow performance, outdated software, and Auto Update Expiration (AUE) dates can lead to tech that’s not quite keeping up with your students’ and teachers’ needs. And if you’re not keeping an eye on your fleet, those issues can catch you off guard.
That’s why having a Chromebook refresh plan in place now can save you time, stress, and resources down the road.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at what happens when Chromebooks hit their Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date, and how to tell when it’s time to start planning your next move.
What Happens When Chromebooks Hit Their AUE Date?
Every Chromebook comes with an Auto Update Expiration (AUE) - a date when Google stops sending updates to the device. That means:
- No more security updates (hello, cyber risks!)
- No new features or fixes
- Compatibility issues with apps and websites
AUE dates exist because Google works with hardware manufacturers to provide timely security updates and new features that are optimized for the latest devices. Once a Chromebook reaches its AUE, it no longer meets the requirements for these updates, meaning it gradually becomes less reliable and more vulnerable over time. While the device will still power on, certain web apps may stop working correctly, and security risks increase significantly.
To avoid disruptions, schools should track AUE dates early and develop a plan for phasing out aging devices before they start causing problems in the classroom.
How to Check Your Chromebook’s AUE Date:
To find your AUE date, check Google's Auto Update policy page and find your device under its manufacturers. Otherwise, here’s how to check directly:
For IT Admins Managing Multiple Devices:
- Sign into your Google Admin console.
- Go to Devices > Chrome devices.
- Look at the Auto-update expiration column.
For Individual Chromebooks:
- Click the time in the bottom right corner of the screen and select settings.
- On the left panel, select about ChromeOS.
- Click additional details.
- Under update schedule, you’ll see the date of your last automatic update.
Want to learn more about AUE dates? Check out our blog: What is a Google AUE date and does it really matter?
How to Tell If It’s Time to Refresh Your Chromebook Fleet
As one of our Chromebook experts, Scott Jonard, likes to point out, "Chromebooks have a finite life cycle. That’s the simple truth about 1:1 technology investments… you’re going to have to make them again and again."
Not every device needs replacing right away, but, if you’re seeing these signs, it’s probably an indication that it’s time to act or at least think about what your next steps are going to be:
- Devices struggling to keep up with student workloads
- Frequent crashes or laggy performance
- Batteries that won’t last a full school day
- Repairs piling up, costing more than the device is worth
- AUE dates approaching within the next year
Just remember, the earlier you start planning, the easier the transition will be—helping you avoid last-minute scrambles and keep classrooms running smoothly.
What Are Your Options?
If you’re seeing the signs, don’t panic. There are plenty of options to refresh or extend the life of your Chromebook fleet without causing major disruptions. Here are a few solutions to consider:
Replace Aging Devices
Obviously, this is the most time-consuming and expensive option—but sometimes, it’s the best one. If your fleet is filled with outdated models, replacing them with newer Chromebooks comes with benefits like longer update lifespans, better battery life, enhanced tools, and improved performance.
Yes, a full refresh can feel like a big lift, but Chromebooks aren’t meant to last forever. The trade-off is that students and teachers get a reliable, up-to-date learning experience, and you won’t have to deal with the headache of slow, aging devices.
If you need a few recommendations, here are some of our favorites:
Not sure which Chromebook is right for your school? Find the perfect fit with our Chromebook Finder tool, or reach out to our team to get personalized recommendations.
Extend the Life of Some Devices with ChromeOS Flex
For older laptops (even non-Chromebooks), ChromeOS Flex can be an option. It’s a lightweight, cloud-first version of ChromeOS that can bring some devices back to life by improving security and performance.
Pros:
- Works on many older Mac and Windows devices
- Extends usability by adding ChromeOS features
- Improves security and management capabilities
Cons:
- It isn’t officially supported on student Chromebooks
- Some features (like Android apps and Google Play Store) won’t work
- Performance depends on hardware compatibility
Keep in mind—this won’t work for every scenario and it’s definitely not a long term solution; but it could be a good option for schools looking to extend the life of some devices while planning a full refresh.
Trade-In and Upgrade with Flexible Options
If the looming price tags of a fleet refresh are weighing on your mind, just know—it doesn’t have to mean a massive upfront cost. Schools can take advantage of flexible options that make upgrading more affordable.
At Trafera, we offer solutions like:
- Trade-in programs to get value out of aging devices
- Flexible financing options to spread out costs
- Bundled solutions that include management, deployment, and support
With options like these, schools can focus on refreshing their Chromebook fleets strategically—without breaking the budget.
Ready to Future-Proof Your School’s Chromebook Fleet?
Whether you’re looking to upgrade, trade in, or extend the life of your current fleet, Trafera can help you find the best strategy for your school. Let’s make sure your tech is ready for the next school year and beyond.
