With Chrome OS Flex from Google, you can breathe new life into your old laptop or PC by turning it into a Chromebook. In this article we tell you everything you need to know.
Continue reading after the announcement.
Chrome OS Flex: Everything you need to know
Google has created a new app for Chrome OS: to bring new life to your old laptop or PC. Chrome OS is a lightweight operating system that you primarily work with through the cloud. It requires so little of your computer that your laptop or computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux changes from a slow rotten machine to a smooth workbench.
What is Chrome OS Flex?
Chrome OS Flex is a version of Chrome OS for PC and Mac. This operating system is typically used on Chromebooks and revolves entirely around the Google Chrome web browser.
In fact, Chrome OS is more than just a way to open the Chrome web browser on PC. There is a start bar and background present and you can open different windows. It is also possible to download and run Android apps. But that’s where it ends. Therefore, you cannot install . exe or . dmg. You have to find a replacement in the cloud for just about everything. Think Google Docs instead of Word or Gmail instead of Outlook.
The big advantage of working this way is that the device requires very little. Small storage space, working memory and processing power are required. As a result, Chrome OS works fine and fast.
Can you do anything compared to Chrome OS?
No, unfortunately there are a number of features you have with Chrome OS on a Chromebook, but not with Flex. The biggest shortcoming is that you cannot download Android apps via Google Play.
Also, there is no Verified Boot, which means that no check is performed on startup to see if the system has been tampered with. In addition, there are no automatic BIOS updates available. You should also keep in mind that it is not possible to use additional devices, such as CD drive, DVD, fingerprint scanners, etc.
What systems can Chrome OS Flex be installed on?
Flex works on virtually all devices released in the past 10 years, according to Google, but older devices may work, too. With processors and graphics cards before 2010, there is a high probability of their failure. These are the minimum requirements:
- Intel or AMD x86-64-bit device
- 4 GB RAM (working memory)
- 16 GB storage capacity
- Bootable from USB
- BIOS with full administrator access
On this site Find out which devices are supported.
What does Chrome OS Flex cost?
Flex is completely free.
Is Chrome OS Flex stable?
Flex is now available for download and installation as an early version. This means that there are still errors. A stable version will be released in a few months. So if you are afraid of getting into trouble, it may be worth waiting a little longer.
How do I install Chrome OS Flex?
To install Flex you need a few things:
- A USB drive with at least 8GB of free space
- The computer you want to install Flex on
- A computer with Chrome installed (this can also be the computer you will be installing Flex on next)
advice: It is possible to just start the Google operating system from a USB drive first to try it out. Then you can completely replace Windows, macOS, or Linux with Flex.
To install Chrome OS Flex, follow these steps:
- download it Chromebook Recovery Tool†
Do this via Chrome browser on PC.
- enable the extension;
Click the puzzle piece icon in the upper right corner of the browser (the extension button) and then click Manage Extensions. Find the Chromebook recovery tool and make sure it is enabled via the toggle switch.
- launch extension;
Click the Extensions button again and choose Chromebook Recovery Tool.
- click “Get started”;
- Choose Chrome OS Flex;
Click “Select Model from List” and choose “Google Chrome OS Flex” for the manufacturer. In the product you choose the option you want. At the time of writing, only the “Chrome OS Flex (Developer Unstable)” option is available here.
- Put the USB drive;
Insert the USB stick into the computer, choose the USB drive in the list, and press the blue button. Now Chrome OS Flex will be installed to the USB drive.
- Remove the USB drive when the Chromebook recovery program is finished;
- Launch Chrome OS Flex.
Connect the USB drive to the computer where you want to install Chrome OS Flex while it is turned off. Start the computer and immediately press the button to find the boot menu. This button is different for each system. For example, the option button on Macs, F12, F1, Shift or Esc. Choose the USB drive and start Flex.
More tips about Google Chrome
If you install Chrome OS Flex, it will work in Google Chrome. Did you know that you can do this easily Notifications from websites in Chrome can turn off? We also put some extensions respectively which makes using Chrome more enjoyable.
