Start by checking for a ChromeOS update, then review access to your camera, microphone, and location. After that, adjust individual website permissions and set up accessibility, notifications, and personalization to suit how you use the Chromebook. These are useful checks, not a mandatory checklist: prioritize the controls that matter to you.
How to find Chromebook settings
Open the Settings app and use its search box if a menu label or option is hard to find. Google documents settings for privacy, connections, apps, accessibility, and system preferences; labels and locations can change between ChromeOS releases. If a control is missing or unavailable, a work or school administrator may manage it.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How do I update my Chromebook?
-
Connect to the internet, open Settings, and select About ChromeOS.
Recommended Free Tools
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Select Check for updates. ChromeOS also checks for updates automatically when connected to the internet.
#1 Best Overall
HP 14" HD Chromebook Laptop for Students, Intel Quad-Core N4120(> N4020), 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC, WiFi, Webcam, HDMI, USB-A&C, 14 Hours Battery Life, Zoom, Chrome OS, CUE Accessories- Intel Celeron N4120: 4 Cores & Threads, 1.1GHz Base Clock, Up to 2.6GHz Boost Clock, 4MB Cache, Intel UHD Graphics 600. The perfect combination of performance, power consumption, and value helps your device handle multitasking smoothly and reliably with four processing cores to divide up the work.
-
If an update downloads, restart the Chromebook to complete installation.
Google says, “To get the latest features and security improvements, update your Chromebook.” Update support is specific to each device, so check the update schedule displayed for your Chromebook rather than relying on a general age rule. An administrator may control updates on a managed device. Google Chromebook Help: Update your Chromebook’s operating system
How do I control camera, microphone, and location access?
These controls differ by scope. A device-level switch is broad; app and browser permissions let you make narrower choices. For a camera or microphone to work, any physical switch on the Chromebook must also be on.
Rank #2
- Storage: 16GB Flash Memory
- OS: Chrome OS
- Screen Size: 11.6"
-
Open Settings and go to Privacy and security > Privacy controls.
-
Review the device-level camera and microphone access switches. Turn access off if you want a broad block, or leave it on and manage access through app or browser permissions.
-
Choose a location level: allow access for apps and websites with permission, limit access to system services, or turn it off.
Rank #3
ASUS 2026 15" FHD IPS Chromebook, Intel Processor Up to 2.80GHz, 4GB DDR4, 128GB Storage, HDMI, Super-Fast WiFi, Chrome OS, Pastel Silver (Renewed)- Intel Processor Up to 2.80GHz, 4GB DDR4, 128GB Storage
- 15" FHD IPS Display, Intel UHD Graphics
- 1x USB Type C, 1 x USB Type A, 1x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack, HDMI
- Fast WiFi and Bluetooth, Integrated Webcam
- Chrome OS, AC Charger Included, Pastel Silver
Turning off location can affect automatic time zone, local weather, and other location-aware services. It does not prevent every estimate of where you are: websites may still infer an approximate location from your IP address. Google Chromebook Help: Privacy controls
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallHow do I change website permissions?
Chrome lets you decide whether a site can use features such as the camera, microphone, or location. You can set a default for sites and override it for an individual website.
-
Open Chrome and go to the site whose access you want to review.
Rank #4
Lenovo Chromebook 2-in-1 - Lightweight Laptop - Google Gemini - Intel® N150 CPU - 14" WUXGA IPS Touchscreen Display - 4GB RAM - 128GB UFS Storage - Integrated Intel® Graphics - Luna Grey- THE BETTER WAY TO LAPTOP – Imagine a Chromebook that’s as flexible as your day: thin and lightweight with built-in Google apps and stress-free security.
- TAKE HITS KEEP MOVING – Sleek, light, and built to last- the Chromebook 2-in-1 is just 0.69” thick and 3.3lbs. Enjoy long-lasting battery life, fast charging, and military-grade durability for nonstop productivity wherever life takes you.
- PERFORMANCE THAT MATCHES YOUR HUSTLE – Fuel your ideas with an Intel Core processor and 128GB storage. Boot up in under 10 seconds to start the day powerfully efficient.
- FLEX YOUR CREATIVITY ANYWHERE, ANYTIME – Create, work, or unwind your way with a versatile 2-in-1 design. Flip easily between laptop, tent, and tablet modes with a responsive touchscreen built for flexibility.
- BRILLIANT VIEWS AND IMMERSIVE AUDIO – See, hear, and create with awesome clarity. The WUXGA display brings rich detail to your work and play, while audio tuned by Waves MaxxAudio provides immersive, balanced sound.
-
Open the site’s information or permissions controls in Chrome, then choose the relevant permission.
-
Choose an available option: allow the permission for one time, allow it while visiting the site, or deny it. The choices vary by permission.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
To change the general rule, open Chrome’s site settings and adjust the default for that permission; return to an individual site to set an exception.
Best Value
HP Chromebook 14 Laptop, Intel Celeron N4120, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB eMMC, 14" HD Display, Chrome OS, Thin Design, 4K Graphics, Long Battery Life, Ash Gray Keyboard (14a-na0226nr, 2022, Mineral Silver)- FOR HOME, WORK, & SCHOOL – With an Intel processor, 14-inch display, custom-tuned stereo speakers, and long battery life, this Chromebook laptop lets you knock out any assignment or binge-watch your favorite shows..Voltage:5.0 volts
- HD DISPLAY, PORTABLE DESIGN – See every bit of detail on this micro-edge, anti-glare, 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) display (1); easily take this thin and lightweight laptop PC from room to room, on trips, or in a backpack.
- ALL-DAY PERFORMANCE – Reliably tackle all your assignments at once with the quad-core, Intel Celeron N4120—the perfect processor for performance, power consumption, and value (2).
- 4K READY – Smoothly stream 4K content and play your favorite next-gen games with Intel UHD Graphics 600 (3) (4).
- MEMORY AND STORAGE – Enjoy a boost to your system’s performance with 4 GB of RAM while saving more of your favorite memories with 64 GB of reliable flash-based eMMC storage (5).
Google notes that “You can set permissions for a site without changing your default settings.” Chrome also removes permissions from sites that have not been used recently. Google Chrome Help: Change site settings permissions
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which accessibility and personalization settings are worth changing?
There is no single best accessibility profile for every Chromebook user. Use Settings search to find tools for reading, hearing, cognition, or display, then enable the features that address your needs. You can also tune notifications and personalization to match how you use the device rather than changing every available option.
Google’s accessibility documentation describes built-in features across those areas. Google Chromebook Help: Accessibility features on your Chromebook For other settings categories, use the search box in Settings. Google Chromebook Help: Change your Chromebook settings
Should you change diagnostic reporting?
If privacy is a priority, review the Chromebook diagnostic reporting option under Settings > Security and Privacy. Google says reports may include Chrome settings, installed extensions, the page being visited, device details, and potentially personal information. You can decide whether that reporting is appropriate for your use; a work or school administrator may lock the setting. Google Chromebook Help: Diagnostic data and reporting
Are screen privacy settings available on every Chromebook?
No. Lock on Leave is available only on supported devices. Google’s help page identifies viewing protection as available only on the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook, so do not expect that option on other models. If you do not see either control, search Settings or check your Chromebook model’s documentation. Google Chromebook Help: Screen privacy features
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
