Chromebooks with Upgradeable Storage
Updated on by Jim Mendenhall
Most Chromebook laptops ship with soldered eMMC or SSD storage that cannot be replaced or upgraded. This keeps manufacturing costs low and devices thin, but it means you’re stuck with whatever capacity you bought. The good news is that some ChromeOS devices buck this trend, particularly Chromeboxes and a handful of premium Chromebook laptops.
Which ChromeOS Devices Have Upgradeable Storage?
The short answer: mostly Chromeboxes. Desktop ChromeOS devices like the ASUS Chromebox 5 and Acer Chromebox CXI6 feature standard M.2 SSD slots that are relatively easy to access. Their larger chassis provides room for socketed components rather than soldered chips, making upgrades straightforward for anyone comfortable opening a computer case.
Chromebook laptops are a different story. To achieve thin, lightweight designs, manufacturers typically solder storage directly to the motherboard. However, some enterprise and education-focused models like the ASUS Chromebook Plus CM34 Flip use M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs that can potentially be replaced. Before attempting any laptop upgrade, check your specific model’s service manual and be aware that opening the device may void your warranty.
What Kind of SSD Do You Need?
ChromeOS devices use two main M.2 form factors. Chromeboxes typically accept M.2 2242 SATA drives (22mm wide by 42mm long), though newer models like the ASUS Chromebox 5 support faster M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe drives. Chromebook laptops that do allow upgrades usually require M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs. Always verify your specific model’s requirements before purchasing, as installing an incompatible drive simply won’t work.
After swapping in a new SSD, you’ll need to use a ChromeOS recovery USB drive to reinstall the operating system. The recovery process takes about 15 minutes, and signing into your Google account afterward will restore your settings, extensions, and cloud-synced data automatically.
All ChromeOS Devices with Upgradeable Storage
Showing 8 Chromebooks with upgradeable storage
Acer (2)
CTL (1)
HP (1)
Lenovo (1)
Alternative Storage Solutions
If your Chromebook doesn’t support internal storage upgrades, you still have options for expanding capacity.
MicroSD and SD cards offer the simplest solution. Many Chromebooks include card readers that accept high-capacity cards up to 1TB or more. While not as fast as internal SSDs, SD cards work well for storing media files, Android app data, and documents you don’t access frequently. They’re also useful for downloading Netflix content for offline viewing.
USB-C external SSDs provide faster speeds approaching internal drive performance. Portable NVMe enclosures connected via USB 3.2 or USB4 can deliver read speeds over 1,000 MB/s. This makes them suitable for working directly with files rather than just archiving, though you’ll need to carry an extra device.
Cloud storage integrates seamlessly with ChromeOS through Google Drive, which comes with 15GB free and more through Google One subscriptions. Files stored in Drive appear directly in the ChromeOS Files app and can be made available offline when needed. For most users who primarily work with documents, spreadsheets, and web-based applications, cloud storage often eliminates the need for large local storage entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade the SSD in my Chromebook laptop?
Most Chromebook laptops have soldered storage that cannot be upgraded. Notable exceptions include some enterprise models and premium devices like the ASUS Chromebook Plus CM34 Flip. Check your specific model’s service documentation before attempting any internal upgrades.
Do all Chromeboxes have upgradeable storage?
Most Chromeboxes feature user-replaceable M.2 SSDs, making them the best choice if upgradeability is important to you. Current models from ASUS, Acer, HP, and Lenovo typically use accessible M.2 slots.
Will upgrading my storage void the warranty?
For Chromebook laptops, opening the device typically voids the warranty. Chromeboxes may have more lenient policies since they’re designed for easier internal access, but check your manufacturer’s warranty terms before proceeding.
What’s the maximum storage capacity I can install?
This depends on your device’s M.2 slot specifications. Most current Chromeboxes support drives up to 2TB, though larger capacities may work. The limiting factor is usually price rather than technical compatibility.
Can I add storage without opening my device?
Yes. MicroSD cards, USB-C external SSDs, and cloud storage all expand your available space without any internal modifications. For most users, these alternatives provide sufficient additional capacity.
