Google pulls latest Chromebook update amid slowdowns, introducing another glitch in the process
Google has withdrawn the latest version of Chrome OS 91. Previously, there were reports that some Chromebook owners were experiencing significant performance drops on Chrome OS version 91.0.4472.147, the latest stable version. However, by pausing the update on devices, Google introduced another problem: you can no longer install Linux on what has become the latest version again, version 91.0.4472.114.
After extracting the problematic update to version 91.0.4472.147, Google now designates version 91.0.4472.114 as the most recent stable version. However, it appears that the Linux installer application has yet to receive the memo regarding the extracted update. As reported by Chrome Unboxed, the Linux installer checks to see if you are running the latest version of the operating system before it runs, and it looks like Google’s servers are still claiming version x.114. is no longer the last, prompting users to update their Chromebooks. Since version x.147 is no longer available, this is not possible – x.114 is just the latest version now. Therefore, you cannot install Linux on the current version of Chrome OS 91 at this time.
If Linux is already up and running, you should be good to go, but we recommend that you don’t perform a power-on wash or reset your Chromebook until Google fixes this problem.
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%. This does not leave much room for maneuver for other activities.
At least it seems that not all Chromebooks are affected by this problem. So far, we’ve only seen reports of devices with grunt and slot panels, although not all affected people have shared enough details to install them on just those two panels – more devices could display the same issue. You can check which panel your Chromebook is using by visiting the Google website and searching for your device name or by entering chrome://version in the Chromebook address bar and searching for the codename at the end of the platform entry. You can also find out what version of Chrome OS you are currently using on this internal site under the Google Chrome entry.
If you encounter any of the problem, be sure to press alt + shift + i on your Chromebook to send a report to Google with the diagnostics for your specific device attached. This may speed up the bug fixing process.
On the bright side, Chrome OS version 91.0.4472.147 fixes a long-standing bug that was preventing some users from copying and pasting files into Linux apps (via About Chromebooks), so you win some and lose some.
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