Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

ChromeOS 116 refreshed the Chromebook out-of-box experience (OOBE), adding two useful choices to setup: touchpad scroll direction and display size. That means new users can adjust these settings before they begin using the Chromebook, rather than first encountering them later in the settings app.

What changed in the ChromeOS 116 setup wizard?

Google described the revised wizard as offering more device customization and flexibility during setup. Its announcement specifically names two options: choosing touchpad scroll direction and setting display size. Both are device preferences that affect how the Chromebook feels to use.

In its announcement, Google Chrome Support Manager James wrote that the updated wizard “makes it even easier for new users to get set up.” Google also said the options “help users to configure critical settings early on, easing their transition to a new OS.” These are Google’s descriptions of the update, not reported results from an independent usability test.

Choose touchpad scroll direction

The wizard now surfaces touchpad scroll direction as a setup choice. Users can select the behavior that feels familiar to them before using the Chromebook. This can be especially convenient when moving from a computer configured with a different scrolling convention.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#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.

Set display size

Display size is the other named customization. Adjusting it changes the size of on-screen interface elements, helping users set up the visual scale they prefer at the outset.

How does M116 compare with the earlier setup experience?

Setup detail ChromeOS 116 Earlier experience
Touchpad scroll direction Google says users can configure it during setup. Not stated in the cited announcement.
Display size Google says users can configure it during setup. Not stated in the cited announcement.
How much configuration is complete before use Google characterized the revised flow as more streamlined and thorough, with more necessary configurations in place when users sign in. No measured before-and-after comparison is provided.

The practical distinction established by Google’s announcement is that the two settings are surfaced earlier in the onboarding flow. It does not quantify how much time setup takes, whether more users finish setup, or how users rate the changes.

When did ChromeOS 116 reach Chromebooks?

The release timing was staged rather than a single delivery date for every device. ChromeOS.dev’s ChromeOS Release Notes list August 22, 2023, as the stable-channel date for ChromeOS 116. Google’s August 25, 2023 stable-channel announcement reported version 116.0.5845.120, platform version 15509.63.0, for most ChromeOS devices and said the rollout would continue over the following days. Those dates reflect release reporting and rollout timing; they do not establish availability on every Chromebook or the current version installed on a particular device.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What the update does—and does not—establish

This is a software onboarding update for new Chromebook users, not a hardware upgrade. Google’s announcement names the two setup choices but provides no adoption, setup-time, completion-rate, or user-outcome statistics. It also does not identify a particular Chromebook model or accessory as necessary for using the refreshed setup flow.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
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).
Rank #4
Sale
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.
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

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.