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Home > Testing > Test Coordinator News > July 2025 > Secure Browsers and Technology Updates

Secure Browsers and Technology Updates

7/22/2025

Desktop/Laptop

For the 2025-2026 school year, desktop and laptop devices running a supported version of Windows, Linux, or macOS will require a new Secure Browser – version 18. The new Secure Browser versions are available to download from the Secure Browsers page of the test portal. For these operating systems, the newest version of the Secure Browser is the only version that can be used beginning the week of Sept. 1. Older versions of the Secure Browser installed on these devices cannot be used for student testing after that date.

Note that Microsoft’s planned end of life for Windows 10 is Oct. 14. Cambium will continue to support Windows 10 for the 2025-2026 school year. Windows 10 will not be supported in 2026-2027.

Chrome OS

Cambium Assessment has developed a new Chrome OS progressive web app (PWA) version of the Secure Browser. Devices running ChromeOS version 139 or later must use this new secure browser, scheduled for release in mid-July. Version 138 will be the last ChromeOS version compatible with the prior version (v8) of the secure browser. ChromeOS version 138 will be the new LTS (Long Term Support) channel version starting in July. Devices on 138 can be used for student testing until the channel moves to a new version at the times noted below:
  • Devices on the LTS channel – through the end of 2025.
  • Devices on the stable channel – until 139 is released in August.
Also note that devices using the old version of the secure browser on 138 will continue to require the NativeClientForceAllowed (NaCl) setting enabled in the ChromeOS Management Console. For more information on enabling NaCl, visit Chrome Enterprise Policy List & Management | Documentation.

The supported versions of ChromeOS for the 2025-2026 school year will be:
  • All channels – LTS, LTC (Long Term Support Candidate), and Stable: Versions 138 and up
As a reminder, the LTC and LTS channels were introduced by Google to simplify device management for schools and are recommended by Cambium Assessment for OS management.

iPad

A new version of the iPad Secure Browser will be needed for the 2025-2026 school year. Watch for future communication on the release of the new Secure Browser version.

Note that when Apple releases iPadOS v19, anticipated in fall 2025, it will not automatically be supported. Watch for future communication regarding the new iPadOS version. Do not update devices to the new iPad version until Cambium confirms support.

Device Update Timing

For all devices and platforms, both old and new versions of the Secure Browser will be supported simultaneously for a period of time. This overlap period allows both versions to be used for student testing and provides districts flexibility when planning their device updates.

Technology Guide

The Technology Guide has complete details about supported versions, installation instructions, and network settings.