ChromeOS 136 is officially rolling out to most Chromebooks, and while Google’s ChromeOS release notes haven’t been published yet, we’ve already spotted a handful of changes by checking the official Enterprise notes and the Developer channel.
I just received the M136 update – ChromeOS version 16238.47.0 (Browser version 136.0.7103.102) on my ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34, and after spending some hands-on time with it, here are the new features, subtle improvements, and tweaks I’ve discovered.
What’s New in ChromeOS 136
For everyday users, this update might not feel like a huge leap forward since there are no major overhauls, but there are still a few notable changes worth mentioning. Here’s what I’ve noticed:
1. Quick Share Gets More Flexibility
If you often send files between your Chromebook and Android devices using Quick Share, you’ll like this one. The ‘Visible to everyone’ mode – which makes your device discoverable, can now be extended up to 10 minutes, instead of the previous 5-minute cap. It’s a small but welcome change, giving you more time to initiate a transfer without rushing.
2. Quick Share Moves Into Quick Settings
Quick Share now has a dedicated spot in the Quick Settings panel, making it much easier to access. No more diving into system settings, now you can quickly toggle visibility and start transfers with just a tap.
3. Improved Privacy for Visited Links
On the browser side (Chrome 136), there’s a smart privacy upgrade for visited links. Websites are now more restricted in how they style :visited links, reducing the risk of your browsing history leaking through clever design tricks. A link now typically shows as ‘visited’ only if you clicked it from the same site and within the same context, a subtle but meaningful privacy improvement.
4. Rounded Corners Are Back
Rounded corners have made their return across various parts of the ChromeOS interface. It’s a minor visual tweak, but it helps make the system feel a little more modern and polished.
New Chrome Remote Desktop (CRD) Feature
ChromeOS 136 also brings a notable update for Enterprise and Education users. Admins can now initiate auto-approved Chrome Remote Desktop (CRD) sessions to help users more efficiently.
In previous versions, users had to manually accept each CRD connection. Now, starting with M136, these sessions can be automatically accepted after 30 seconds, as long as certain safeguards are met – like requiring the user to be on a managed network and having been active in the last 5 minutes.
This update streamlines remote support workflows while still respecting user privacy. A win-win for IT teams and end users alike.
ChromeOS 136 Is Rolling Out
The M136 update (ChromeOS 136.0.7103.102) is rolling out gradually over the coming days and weeks, so it may not be available to everyone right away. However, if you’re eager to get it sooner, you can manually check for the update by going to Settings > About ChromeOS > Check for updates on your device.
Here’s a quick video tutorial to update your Chromebook to the latest version:
