Three critical Chromebook changes you might have missed this summer

A new must-set setting for keeping your standardized testing apps working

Chrome Apps have had a slow and careful deprecation, with the deadline pushed multiple times as Google attempts to smooth the transition for schools and developers alike. The current end of support schedule has Chrome Apps supported in kiosk mode through at least July 2026 with the long-term support channel receiving support until April 2027.

For schools, Chrome Apps are mission-critical, as most standardized testing providers still use Chrome Apps in kiosk mode. Eventually they will transition from Chrome Apps to Progressive Web Apps.

This summer, Google added a new setting (KioskChromeAppsForceAllowed) that we'd recommend all schools enable now in order to continue Chrome App support through ChromeOS 150.

So many new AI features, with admin settings to disable them

Google's been on a tear with new AI features built into Chrome and ChromeOS, but as usual we'd advise caution in rolling them out to students. While some features seem harmless, others like filling forms with AI might allow for unfair advantages on quizzes and tests.

Great new feature: Desk Sync lets students take their windows, websites, and cookies from one Chromebook to another

For shared Chromebook carts and loaner devices, it can be challenging for students to set up their Chromebook every time they pick a new one. Bookmarks and shared docs can be helpful, but wouldn't it be nice if you could pick up exactly where you left off? Desk Sync on ChromeOS makes that a reality, syncing open windows, tabs, and importantly cookies, from device to device.

Cookie sync is probably the most exciting part of this new feature. Students and teachers already need to sign into so many different websites and services to do their day-to-day classwork, and now they'll be able to carry their actively logged-in sessions from device to device.