Chrome OS is available in three release channels: stable, beta, and development. The stable channel is the oldest version, the most stable, and has the longest time interval between updates. The development channel is the newest version, the least stable, and is updated frequently. The beta channel is the intermediate between the stable and development channels. The differences between the channels are reflected in their version numbers.
- Become familiar with new Chrome OS features before they appear on the stable channel.
- Prepare users for any user interface changes prior to the update.
- Determine whether your network has incompatibilities or issues with Chrome devices.
- Understand if problems are specific to certain versions of Chrome OS when troubleshooting.
- Provide real-time feedback on upcoming Chrome OS updates.
The Release Channel device policy in the Chrome OS management console lets administrators specify whether users can change the release channel on Chrome devices in their organization. To let users change the release channel for their devices, set the policy to Allow managed users to configure. To prevent users from choosing their own release channel, select Keep channel as it is on device currently.
The policy applies to all devices, so if you select Keep channel as it is on device currently, none of your organization's users can change the release channel on their device; however, an administrator can override the policy by manually configuring individual devices as follows:
- If the Chrome device is already enrolled, wipe or recover the Chrome device to un-enroll it. Do not re-enroll the device yet.
- Sign in to the Chrome device.
- Update the channel to use the beta or development channel.
If you change to a more stable channel, the Chrome device starts receiving updates from the more stable channel when its Chrome OS version number catches up to the Chrome OS version number of the less stable channel currently running on the Chrome device. To return immediately to the stable channel, you can recover the Chrome device. - Return to the About Chrome OS page to verify that an update (the newly selected channel) is being downloaded.
If no update is downloading automatically, click the Check for updates button.
- Once the update is installed, reboot the Chrome device, wipe it and re-enroll the device.
Questions? Issues? Contact Support:
- Create a support ticket from your Enterprise Support Portal using the credentials provided in your welcome letter
- Call Support using the phone number listed on the Support tab in your control panel, select the Chrome OS option from the phone tree, and use the Chrome OS PIN provided in your control panel.