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April 2020

What’s New with Chromebook?

Chromebooks update automatically to provide you with the latest features and keep the software fresh and speedy. Here are some highlights from recent updates.

*See how long a device is eligible for updates at g.co/chromeosupdates/en/.

Easy navigation in tablet mode

Finding your way around your Chromebook just got easier. Introducing new gesture controls for tablet mode. Swipe up to access the Quick shelf, swipe back to see your previous window, or swipe up big to see your apps at a glance. Not in tablet mode? There’s now a slimmer shelf too, for maximum screen room.

Find out more

Keep watching with Picture-in-Picture

Keep an eye on what you’re watching while getting stuff done. With Picture-in-Picture, you can shop online, work or browse the web on Chromebook, while enjoying your favorite show or video playing in the corner of your screen. The next time you’re watching a show on an app from the Play Store, just switch to another window to activate Picture-in-Picture - no set-up required.

Stay Connected with Instant Tethering

Now you don’t need Wi-Fi to get online - we’ve extended Instant Tethering to all Android phones. Keep working or playing even if the internet goes out. Instant Tethering with Chromebook keeps you connected using your phone’s hotspot.

Find files easily with your Launcher

Find files in an instant with the help of your Launcher. We’ve improved file search to help you locate the files you just downloaded, or easily find files you want to work on (even offline) when you’re on the go. Open your Launcher, search and get going.

Looking to make a switch?

Switching from Mac or Windows is as easy as logging in. In just three simple steps, you’ll find your files and photos ready to go on your new Chromebook.

View previous updates

Latest update

March 2024

Quickly share files between Chromebook and Android phones, switch between desks with a tap, and transform PDFs into text.

November 2023

Easily find and add gifs with just a tap, multitask with new Clipboard features, slow your battery's decline with Adaptive Charging, and more.

September 2023

Personalize your device with a new set of accent colors that match your wallpaper, select a shared Google Photos album for your wallpaper to rotate through, multitask across different window screen configurations, and more.

June 2023

Express your creativity with Google Photos' new movie editor and video editing features, easily organize your apps you've downloaded on your Chromebook in the Launcher, discover new articles about apps in the Explore app, multitask across different windows, and find more options for your handwritten notes.