Chromebooks Pose Security Risks for Schools, Experts Warn

Chromebooks' limited lifespan and repairability issues make them a poor choice for schools, according to a new report.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 9:35am

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A new report from the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) has found that many Chromebooks sold to schools have already reached their Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date, leaving them vulnerable to security threats and unable to run the latest software. The report also highlights the high repair costs and e-waste generated by Chromebooks, with schools in Oakland, California fixing only 40% of their Chromebooks during the pandemic. Experts are urging schools to consider more repairable and longer-lasting laptop options instead of Chromebooks.

Why it matters

Chromebooks have become a popular choice for schools due to their low cost, but this report shows that their limited lifespan and repairability can end up costing schools more in the long run. With many Chromebooks becoming obsolete before the end of a student's education, schools may find their laptop fleets are insecure and unable to access important software. This raises concerns about student data privacy and the environmental impact of frequent device replacement.

The details

The PIRG report found that eight newly expired Chromebook models are still available for sale on Amazon, despite no longer receiving security updates from Google. Chromebooks have a built-in Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date, after which they will no longer receive Chrome OS updates. This can cause problems for schools, with some finding their students' expired Chromebooks can't access state testing sites. The report also highlights the high repair costs and e-waste generated by Chromebooks, with the Oakland Unified School District only able to salvage 40% of the Chromebooks they tried to repair during the pandemic.

  • The PIRG report was published in March 2026.
  • The Oakland Unified School District fixed 3,353 Chromebooks in the first summer of the pandemic, but had to send over 8,330 to e-waste recycling due to hardware issues.

The players

Public Interest Research Group (PIRG)

A consumer advocacy organization that published the report on the issues with Chromebooks in schools.

Lucas Gutterman

The director of PIRG's Designed to Last Campaign, who was quoted in the report.

Peter Mui

The founder of Fixit Clinic, who has offered support to schools looking to install alternative operating systems on expired Chromebooks.

Lockport Township High School

An Illinois school that has started a student Chromebook repair technician program.

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What they’re saying

“We expect milk to expire, but not laptops.”

— Lucas Gutterman, Director of PIRG's Designed to Last Campaign (PIRG report)

“While Google has taken steps to increase expiration dates, these changes still fall short of what is needed to reduce e-waste. No school should have to stop using a laptop that still works, just because it's reached its 'death date'.”

— Lucas Gutterman, Director of PIRG's Designed to Last Campaign (PIRG report)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This report highlights the need for schools to carefully consider the long-term costs and sustainability of the devices they purchase for students. While Chromebooks may seem like a budget-friendly option, their limited lifespan and repairability can end up costing schools more in the long run and contributing to e-waste. Schools should look for more repairable and longer-lasting laptop options to ensure their technology investments are secure and environmentally responsible.