Google’s latest Chromebook update can be safely reinstalled, leaving the Chromebook Pixel stuck

This story was originally published 2021/07/05
4:32 a.m. PDTJul 5, 2021 and last update 2021/07/15
11:23 a.m. PDTJul 15, 2021.

The latest Chrome OS 91 incremental update caused quite a bit of trouble, with far too many people reporting their Chromebooks stuck due to extremely high CPU usage. Google had to remove the update, causing more issues in the process, but now it looks like the underlying issues are finally resolved. The incremental update rolls out again and everyone is happy except Chromebook Pixel users.

As Chrome Unboxed reports, Google is rolling out the incremental update again to v91.0.4472.147. While the version number is still the same as the problematic update, it looks like Google has fixed what caused the issues under the hood as there are no more reports of slowed Chromebooks using this. version of Chrome OS.

After initially pulling the problematic update to version 91.0.4472.147, Google reported v91.0.4472.114 as the most recent stable version. However, it seemed like the Linux installer never received the memo regarding the pulled update, as reported by Chrome Unboxed. The Linux installer should check if you are using the latest version of the operating system before running it, and since version x.114 was not officially the latest at the time, users were prompted to update their Chromebooks. As version x.147 was no longer available, this was not possible – x.114 was the last version at the time. Therefore, you could not install Linux.

While this issue is mostly fixed with the re-release of version 91.0.4472.147, Chromebook Pixel users are left behind. The 2015 device had the misfortune of reaching EOL (end of life) just as the problematic update was rolled back, so it is stuck on version x.144 which continues to claim that users need to upgrade. update their machine to install Linux, even if the Pixel no longer receives updates. The situation has already given rise to many complaints on Reddit, but luckily, a solution has also been offered on the social network. You need to head to chrome: // flags / # crostini-use-dlc, put the flag on Disabled, and you should be able to install Linux as usual.

We’re still hoping Google will update the machine one last time, as it’s frankly not a graceful state to leave, and it’s anything but user-friendly.

The original issue with version 91.0.4472.147 significantly slowed down some Chromebooks immediately after installation, with some owners reporting that even powerwashing and disabling all extensions did not fix the issues. When checking the built-in diagnostic application, it became apparent that a process was stalling the CPU, causing unusually high CPU usage, some 100%. It doesn’t leave a lot of leeway for other activities.

At least it looks like not all Chromebooks have been affected by the issue. We have only seen reports from devices with growl and hatch cards, although not everyone involved has shared enough details to pin them to just those two cards – more devices could have the same issue.

On the bright side, Chrome OS version 91.0.4472.147 fixes a long-standing bug that prevented some users from copying and pasting files in Linux apps (via About Chromebooks). Now that the update is deployed again, you will be able to enjoy it.