Will ChromeOS Lacros browser update fix EOL or AUE date issue with Chromebooks? Here's what to know

With the news of ChromeOS Lacros browser update doing the rounds, it’s been alleged that it could be the update that finally brings a fix to the End of Life (EOL) or Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date issue.

It’s said to be done with the introduction of ChromeOS v116 update by separating the core OS from the Chrome browser. But will this new approach truly fix the EOL or AUE issue with Chromebooks?

Will ChromeOS Lacros browser update fix EOL or AUE issue?

Before delving into the potential impact of the Lacros update, let’s first understand the current situation. As things stand today, ChromeOS updates are tied to the Chrome browser.

As Chrome OS stands today, any Chrome browser updates for new features, bug fixes, or security reasons, must be integrated into a Chrome OS release. That adds complexity since Chrome OS itself is changing every six weeks or so. Some of the browser bits might impact Chrome OS or block upcoming features. So this model isn’t efficient.
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This means that once a Chromebook reaches its EOL or AUE date, it will no longer receive updates for the browser or the core OS.

This also does not ensure the latest features and security patches for the users. But it surely creates problems for those who want to continue using their Chromebooks beyond the EOL date.

Now comes the Lacros update, which seeks to break the bond between the core OS and the Chrome browser. By doing this, Google will be able to continue to support the browser even after EOL/AUE date.

This separation could potentially solve the issue of limited software support for Chromebooks. So the Lacros update seem enticing, with rumors indicating that Chromebooks will now receive speedier and extended software support.

Since it’s designed to take over seamlessly, users might not even notice. Moreover, they may anticipate access to security upgrades via individual browser updates, even after their Chromebook’s EOL or AUE date.

Here’s what you need to know

It’s important to note that Google hasn’t officially confirmed that Lacros update will address the EOL issue. In fact, a Redditor used the following stance to argue that Lacros may not actually be the solution:

Additionally, a beta user came to the conclusion that Lacros took a significant part of resources to run smoothly.

Hey Kevin thanks as always for the great coverage. Did you find any issues with performance? In theory I see how it should elongate the life of a chromebook, but from my testing it’s taken up significantly more resources to run smoothly, and eats up way more ram than it used to. Thanks
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Therefore, it is essential to wait for Google’s official statement. It’ll be interesting to see whether the Lacros update will indeed provide a solution to EOL date issue.

Until the official confirmation, users must exercise patience and keep an eye out for company announcements.

We’ll also keep tabs on the latest developments and update this space to reflect noteworthy information.

Note: We have more such stories in our dedicated Google Section so be sure to follow them as well.

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