March 2021 | Latest update

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.

Directly control your Android phone

Using your Chromebook, and your phone is out of reach? With Phone Hub, you now have a built-in control center that brings key capabilities from your Android phone to your Chromebook. See the tabs that you last opened on your phone, check your phone’s battery life and cellular signal and even respond to messages, all from your Chromebook. To set up Phone Hub, click the symbol on your Shelf.

Get online faster with Wi-Fi Sync

We've expanded Wi-Fi Sync to work with more devices, making it easier to get online. Your Chromebook can automatically connect to trusted Wi-Fi networks that you’ve used on your Android phone and other Chrome OS devices when signed in with the same Google Account. To enable syncing with your Android phone, go to “Connected devices” in Chrome OS Settings, click the arrow next to the phone, and toggle "Wi-Fi Sync" on.

Powerful screen capture tools

Screen Capture lets you take precise screenshots without needing to remember complex keyboard shortcuts. Easily switch between taking a screenshot or screen recording, and choose if you want to capture your full screen, full window or crop to a specific area of your screen. To use it, go to your Quick Settings menu and click “Screen capture.”

Keep critical files at your fingertips

Tote is a new holding space that makes it easy for you to find the right file fast. You’ll have quick access to recent downloads, recent screen captures, and any files that you’ve decided to pin. Tote will pop up on your Shelf as soon as you take a screen capture, download a file or pin a file.

Save time copying and pasting

With Clipboard, your Chromebook saves the last five items copied so you can easily paste any or all to a new page without needing to switch between windows. Just press the Everything Button ( or ) + V to use your Clipboard.

Get answers fast

Quick Answers will automatically provide helpful information—like a definition, a translation or unit conversion—when you right-click a word. No need to open a separate tab to search for the definition if you see a tricky word on a website, recipe or presentation. You can remove this feature by turning off “Related info” in Chrome OS Settings.

Multitask easily with Desks updates

We’ve supercharged Desks to help you organize your workspace. When you reboot, your windows will restore to their previous desks so your workflow isn’t interrupted. Right-click at the top of a window to send it directly to one or all desks, and swipe across your trackpad with four fingers to switch between desks. See your desks by pressing the Overview mode key () or swiping up in tablet mode.

Personalize your lock screen

Turn your Chromebook’s lock screen into a personalized smart display. Show off your favorite photo album from Google Photos or pick from hundreds of art gallery images. You can use your lock screen to check information like the current weather and what music is playing; you can also pause a track or skip songs without unlocking your device. Turn it on now by going to “Screen saver” in your Chrome OS Settings.

Easily access your media controls

Your media controls are now built directly into the Quick Settings menu, so you’ll always know where to go to play, pause or skip to the next song. To see them, play a track from your favorite music streaming platform like YouTube Music or Spotify. You can also pin this media player directly to your Shelf for quicker access.

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.

Find out how