Every Chromebook has an Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date. After that date, Google no longer sends security or feature updates to that model. The device still turns on and works, but it becomes a growing risk on a school network, and some apps, websites and online testing platforms may stop supporting it.
How to find your fleet's AUE dates
Google Admin console: under Devices, then Chrome, then Devices, you can add the auto-update expiration column and export your whole fleet to a spreadsheet.
On a single device: open Settings, then About ChromeOS, then Additional details, and look for the update schedule.
Google's published list: Google keeps a public list of AUE dates by model in its Chrome Enterprise help center.
Google now provides up to 10 years of updates for many newer models, but most fleets bought before that change still have much shorter windows.
What happens to value as AUE approaches
Resale value drops sharply in the year before a model's AUE date, because fewer buyers want a device that is about to stop receiving updates. The best time to sell is usually 12 to 24 months before expiration, not after.
A simple plan for expiring devices
Export your AUE report and sort by expiration date.
Group devices by year of expiration. That becomes your refresh calendar.
Get a recovery estimate early for the next group to expire, so the value can be counted in the refresh budget.
Deprovision and ship once replacements are in students' hands.
Keep the audit report showing every device was wiped, for your records and your board.
Don't let expired devices sit
Unsupported Chromebooks in a closet lose value every month and still hold student data until they are wiped. Selling them through a documented buyback clears the storage room, protects student data and funds part of the next purchase.
Have Chromebooks nearing their AUE date? Send us your model list for a free recovery estimate within 48 hours.