Chrome OS gets major updates every six weeks, with security patches coming more frequently. Updates are usually downloaded and installed automatically in the background, but here's how to make sure your Chromebook is always running the latest build available.

Related: How Often Does Google Update Chrome?

First things first: you'll get a notification whenever an update has been downloaded and installed, as you'll need to restart your machine to complete the update process.

In the bottom right, click on the clock to open the system tray and notification panel. If an update is available, there will be a notification at the top of the menu---click "Restart to Update." Easy peasy.

Make sure you save anything you’re working on before you click to restart your Chromebook. Any unsaved data could potentially be lost when your Chromebook restarts.

Click the time, then click Restart to Update

If you don't see this notification, click the Settings cog.

Click the time, then click on the Settings cog

Next, click the Hamburger menu, and then click on "About Chrome OS" at the bottom of the menu.

Click the Hamburger menu, then on About Chrome OS

Click "Check for Updates." If your Chromebook finds an update, it will start to download automatically.

Click Check for Updates

After the update downloads, you will need to restart your device to complete the process. Click "Restart."

After the updates download, click Restart

If you’d rather wait to restart your Chromebook and finish up the work you’re doing, just close the menu, and your Chromebook will install the update the next time you restart it.

To verify your Chromebook is up to date after it restarts, head back to the "About Chrome OS" page, or type

        chrome://settings/help
    

into the Chrome browser Omnibox. You should now see "Your Chromebook is up to date" once you've installed the latest update.

After your Chromebook restarts, you will see Your Chromebook is up to date when you check for updates