How to Revert ChromeOS to Older Version on a Chromebook

Chrome OS is generally very stable, but we’ve all been there – a new update comes out and all of a sudden a feature you use daily is gone or altered. Perhaps your go-to extension is no longer supported, or worse, your entire workflow is ruined.

Good news: you don’t have to take these changes. You can go back to an older version of ChromeOS, and I will walk you through this easy process. Let’s make your Chromebook work better for you.

Reasons to Go Back to an Earlier Version of ChromeOS

Let’s be honest – Google updates ChromeOS regularly in order to keep it up-to-date, and that’s usually okay. But sometimes these updates might:

• Remove features that you use daily.
• Replace interfaces you’re familiar with
• Cause issues with the apps you require.
• Add bugs that disrupt your experience.
• Cause performance issues on older platforms

If you recently updated and your Chromebook now is not working right, switching back to the old version could be the solution you need.

Before You Begin: Key Information You Must Know

Going back to an older version has some downsides:

• You’ll lose any data that hasn’t synced to your Google account
• The process entails a full restart of your device
• ChromeOS will try to update itself again.
• The older versions might lack certain security updates.

Save whatever local files you have on Google Drive or in a USB drive for five minutes. Then, you’re ready to go.

Method 1: The Rapid Powerwash and Revert Technique

This is the simplest method to revert back one version, and you won’t require any additional hardware.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open the Settings application and click on “System Preferences.”
2. Search for the “Reset” button under the “Powerwash” category.
3. Press “Restart” when asked.
4. As you are booting your Chromebook to the powerwash screen, select “Powerwash” and “Continue”.
5. When you reboot, on the setup screen, do not yet add your Google account.
6. Press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R to go back to the powerwash screen.
7. Press the same set of keys (Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R) again, and you will see a new “Powerwash and Revert” option.
8. Select this option to wipe your computer back to the earlier version of ChromeOS.

This approach is preferable if you desire to roll back from a relatively recent update to the previous version. It’s quick and requires no other software, but for only one version.

Method 2: Recovery using the Recovery Tool (Greater Control)

If you want to go back to a certain previous version, this method gives you more choices. You will need:

• An 8GB or larger USB drive
• Another computer to make the recovery drive.

Here’s How to Do It

• Proceed to Google’s official recovery image repository online
• Search for the board name or the manufacturer information to locate your specific Chromebook model.
• Download the.zip file of your chosen earlier ChromeOS version
• Download the Chromebook Recovery Utility from the Chrome Web Store.
• Use the software to make a bootable USB drive with the older version
• Boot your Chromebook from this recovery media in order to install the previous version.

This technique enables you to select from numerous previous versions in Google’s cache, having a greater say in what version to use.

Method 3: Beta/Dev to Stable Channel Conversion

If you’re adventurous and you’re on the Beta or Dev channels, reverting to Stable is a form of reverting:

• Go to “About ChromeOS” in your settings.
• Click on “More Information”
• Find “Change Channel” and change from Beta/Dev to Stable.
• Reboot your system in order to install the latest stable release

Though this won’t enable you to select a version, it’s an easy method to exit experimental channels when they are troublesome.

The Auto-Update Challenge: How to Hang On to Your Favorite Version

And this is the clincher with ChromeOS – it just, really, really wants to stay current. Even having rolled back successfully, your Chromebook will then try to automatically update in short order.

Users report, “There is no way to reliably block updates” on the default ChromeOS installations. You do have a few alternatives, though:

Short-Term Solutions:

Disable Wi-Fi on downgrading: This does work but clearly restricts functionality
Use Guest Mode: No updates occur when in Guest Mode.
Allow connectivity only when necessary: Allow connectivity only when strictly necessary

Developing a Recovery Plan

Smart Chromebook shoppers prepare ahead

• Keep your own device model’s recovery images backed up.
• Keep a special USB drive handy with the Recovery Utility.
• Make a note of your board name and hardware details for future reference.
• Practice the recovery process before it is needed in an emergency.

This preparation guarantees you have the tools and knowledge at hand in case a troublesome update slips in.

Be Aware of: Version Incompatibility Issues

Various ChromeOS versions treat extensions, Android apps, and Linux environments in different ways. Before downgrading, verify that your essential apps and extensions will be compatible with the version you are targeting.

Some things to look out for:

• Extensions can function on some versions of ChromeOS alone.
• Android runtime implementations vary across major versions
• Linux container features may differ between versions

Balancing Security and Stability

Older versions of ChromeOS might not receive security updates compared to newer versions. Consider:

• How significant are the specific characteristics you are trying to recover?
• Are the shortcomings of the newer version so bad that they outweigh improvements in security?
• How much time are you going to be using the older version?

This is extremely important if you are banking, shopping, or dealing with sensitive data on your Chromebook.

What About Managed Chromebooks?

If your school or business owns your device, then you have a second barrier Business-managed devices could have policies blocking version downgrades School Chromebooks typically require unenrollment before modifications Unenrollment procedures differ depending on the system of management In most cases, you will require assistance from an administrator if your Chromebook is managed by a group.

Getting Additional Assistance:

Local Resources The ChromeOS community provides good tips: Reddit’s r/chromeos community has threads on downgrading ChromeOS Sites like AboutChromebooks and Beebom have step-by-step directions with helpful pictures. GitHub forums contain user reports of various ways of downgrading. These local resources are more likely to provide good practical guidance than official documents, especially for rare scenarios.

What about ChromeOS End-of-Life?

Google’s Auto Update Expiration (AUE) policy causes older Chromebooks to eventually stop receiving updates. Your device’s AUE status is listed on Google’s EOL reference page. Know the support period of your device to plan your version management accordingly.

Conclusion:

Is Rolling Back Right For You? Rolling back ChromeOS is a great method for correcting issues when updates remove functionality you require. The Powerwash and Revert feature is adequate for most users, and the Recovery Utility allows you to select which version you prefer.

Keep in mind that downgrading is usually a short-term solution unless you do something to control automatic updates. Consider the advantages of older features compared to possible security threats, and always back up your data before you do anything. Did you ever have to roll back ChromeOS? Yes or no, what changes to features made you consider it? Tell us in the comments!

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