How to Update Apps on Chromebook

In today’s digital age, Chromebooks have become versatile tools for work and play, seamlessly blending the power of a laptop with the convenience of mobile apps. Just like any other device, keeping your apps up to date on your Chromebook is crucial for optimal performance, security, and a smooth user experience.

Chromebooks support different types of applications. You can install Android and Linux applications, and you can also install Chrome Web Store apps. Therefore, it is important to keep up to date. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to update apps on your Chromebook, ensuring you make the most of your device’s capabilities.

Why You Should Update Apps on Chromebook?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s briefly discuss why updating apps on your Chromebook matters.

App updates often include critical security patches that protect your device and personal data from potential threats. When you update the apps to the latest version, it fixes some glitches and bugs, enhancing app stability and performance.

Additionally, updating apps introduces new features and improvements. Developers also ensure that your apps work seamlessly with the latest Chrome OS version.

How to Update Apps on Chromebook

Chromebooks support a wide range of applications, including Chrome apps, Linux applications, and Android apps, making it easy to access various functionalities.

Here’s how to update them on your Chromebook:

1. Update Chrome Apps

Chrome Apps are default applications that come pre-installed with ChromeOS, including the Google Chrome browser, Files app, and more. Since a Chromebook is a cloud-based device, most of us spend a significant amount of time on the Chrome browser. Therefore, it is important to update the Google Chrome browser along with other apps to get the latest features and security updates.

Here are the steps you can follow to update the default Chrome Apps:

1Step 1: Launch the App Drawer by clicking on the App Launcher icon.

2Step 2: Here, you’ll get the Chromebook Settings. Look for the Settings app and open it.

Screenshot not in the archive: Accessing Chromebook Settings

3Step 3: After that, click on About ChromeOS and click on the Check for Updates button. If an update is available, it will automatically download and install on your Chromebook.

Screenshot not in the archive: Check for ChromeOS Update

Since default apps are part of the Chrome operating system, updating the Chrome OS also updates all the default Chromebook applications.

2. Update Chrome Extensions

We often install Chrome extensions to enhance our productivity on the Chromebook. Therefore, it is equally important to update these extensions for security, performance, and compatibility with the latest version of Chrome.

Regularly checking for updates and ensuring that your extensions are current can significantly enhance your browsing experience on your Chromebook.

Here are the steps you can follow to update Chrome extensions:

1Step 1: Open the Google Chrome browser on your Chromebook.

2Step 2: Click on the three-dot icon in the top-right corner and select the Extensions option.

3Step 3: Then choose Manage Extensions from the menu that appears. Alternatively, you can also type “chrome://extensions/” in the address bar.

Screenshot not in the archive: Manage Extensions

4Step 4: Now, turn on the Developer mode toggle.

Screenshot not in the archive: Enabling Developer Mode

5Step 5: After that, click on the Update button to update all the Chrome extensions on your Chromebook.

Screenshot not in the archive: Update Extensions on Chrome

This will ensure that you have the latest versions of extensions installed on your system for optimal progress and stability on Chrome.

3. Update Android Apps

In the latest version of Chrome OS, we have the privilege of Android support, enabling us to download and install Android apps from the Google Play Store. Therefore, it is crucial to keep Android apps up to date for a smooth user experience.

Updating Android apps on a Chromebook is akin to updating apps on an Android smartphone. If you’re familiar with updating Android apps on your smartphone, the process is straightforward.

Here are the steps you can follow:

1Step 1: Click on the App Launcher icon to open the app drawer.

2Step 2: Now, look for the Google Play Store and open it to update the Android applications.

Screenshot not in the archive: Opening Google Play Store on Chromebook

3Step 3: It will open the Google Play Store. Here click on your profile icon and click on the Manage Apps & Device option.

Screenshot not in the archive: Managing Android Apps on Chromebook

4Step 4: You will get the overview window; click on the See Recent Updates option to check for all the available updates.

Screenshot not in the archive: See Recent Updates Link to Update Android Apps

5Step 5: Also, by selecting the Manage tab, you can look for updates. To download the available updates, select Update available and then click the Check for Update button.

Screenshot not in the archive: An Arrow Poning to Manage and Clicking Check for Updates Link

This will update all your outdated Android applications to the latest version, allowing you to enjoy the latest Android features on your Chromebook.

4. Update Linux Apps

The latest Chromebooks also support a Linux development environment, which allows users to download and install full-fledged Linux desktop applications such as GIMP, Shotcut Video Editor, VLC Media Player, and more.

Updating Linux apps on your Chromebook is essential to ensure you have the latest features, bug fixes, and security improvements.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to update Linux apps:

1Step 1: Launch the App Drawer.

2Step 2: Next, locate the Linux apps directory. Then open it and launch the Terminal application using the App Launcher.

Screenshot not in the archive: Opening Linux Terminal

3Step 3: Click on the Penguin option to open the Linux Terminal. Here, run the following command to update the apt application repository:

sudo apt  update

Note: If you want to check the list of Linux applications that can be upgradeable run this command: apt list --upgradable

Screenshot not in the archive: Updating apt

4Step 4: Now, update the installed Linux application, run the below command:

sudo apt upgrade

5Step 5: Once done, close the Linux Terminal and Restart your device.

Screenshot not in the archive: Updating Linux Applications

Conclusion

By regularly updating your Linux apps, you’ll ensure that you have the latest versions with improved performance, security, and compatibility on your Chromebook. Updating apps on your Chromebook is a simple yet crucial task that significantly impacts security, performance, and your overall app experience.

By following the methods outlined in this guide, you’ll ensure that your devices run the latest versions of Chrome apps, Android apps, and Linux apps. Moreover, if you have any doubts regarding the update process, you can leave them in the comments.