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Chrome OS Flex turns an old Mac or PC into a Chromebook
If you wanted to use Google's system for the web without having to buy a Chromebook, Chrome
OS Flex turns an old Mac or PC into a Chromebook.
Google's Chrome OS is a lightweight and secure operating system that was originally built
around Google's Chrome browser, but has become more versatile over the years with a built-in
file manager, media player, and other tools... and optional support.
to run applications for Android and Linux.
However, most people using Chrome OS probably bought a Chromebook with the operating system
pre-installed.
But now Google is making it easy to turn just about any PC into a Chromebook with the release
of Chrome OS Flex .
Chrome OS Flex turns an old Mac or PC into a Chromebook
Yes.
Chrome OS Flex turns an old Mac or PC into a Chromebook.
Despite this, it is still unclear whether all Chrome OS features will be available.
In a nutshell, Chrome OS Flex is a version of Google's operating system that you can
download and install on virtually any PC or Mac.
The operating system is free and receives automatic feature updates and bug fixes on
the same schedule as the Chromebooks provided with the operating system.
Chrome OS Flex is currently available as an “early access” project, and Google notes
that users may notice some instability or other issues.
But if that doesn't scare you, you can sign up for a download link and installation instructions
to prepare a bootable flash drive that you can use to test Chrome OS on your computer
before deciding whether to install the OS from storage.
place.
Google is positioning Chrome OS Flex as a solution for people with older hardware that
may have dated specs or compatibility issues with newer versions of Windows or macOS.
And Google's timing looks particularly good for people who may be using older Windows
PCs, as many of them don't officially support Windows 11 (although Windows 10 will continue
to be supported until 2025).
Of course, there are other options – if your old computer can run Chrome OS, it can
probably run Ubuntu or another GNU/Linux distribution.
But Chrome OS is simple, fast, and familiar enough to millions of users who might not
feel comfortable learning about an operating system that works just as differently than
most desktop Linux distributions.
There is also an option for a Chrome Enterprise Upgrade, which will support network administrator
features including advanced security services, controlled updates and granular device controls.
This can be useful for businesses, governments, or educational institutions that want to repurpose
old hardware rather than investing in new Chromebooks or other computers.
In fact, the corporate and education markets are probably Google's main target for Chrome
OS Flex, but it's available for anyone to use.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is that while many Chrome OS features, including Google
Assistant and Phone Hub, are coming to Chrome OS Flex, it's unclear whether support for
Android or Linux apps will follow suit.
As Android Police points out , none of these were supported by CloudReady, the software
on which Chrome OS Flex is based.
And Google says Android apps aren't supported by Chrome OS Flex either , while Linux apps
are only supported on some fully certified computer models .
Chrome OS Flex is not an entirely new product.
It's the Google-branded version of CloudReady, a service that lets you turn an old PC into
a Chromebook since 2015.
Google acquired CloudReady maker Neverware in 2020 and last summer it became clear that
the company was planning to release its own version of the software.
If you're intrigued by the idea of ​​Chrome OS Flex but don't want to risk running "early
access" software, Google says a stable version of the software should be available in a few
months.
Google says that when Chrome OS Flex is stable, people using CloudReady will automatically
upgrade to Flex, although there are some features that advanced users might not consider an
"upgrade".
For example, CloudReady Home Edition currently supports command-line access via a shell or
TTY, as well as the ability to disable rootFS verification.
Chrome OS Flex does not.
Some other differences between CloudReady and Chrome OS Flex include:
There is only one OS version, which means there are no separate Home and Education & Enterprise
editions.
Chrome OS Flex uses the official Chrome browser instead of the open source Chromium browser
Update cycle matches Chrome OS Google Assistant, Family Link and Nearby Sharing
are supported Google also notes that Chrome OS does not
officially support some hardware that may be included with your old Mac or PC.
If you have a computer with a fingerprint reader, IR camera for facial recognition,
active pen and stylus support, CD or DVD drives, or Firewire or Thunderbolt ports, for example,
these features may not be fully supported.
:: More ::
Google’s free Chrome OS Flex can turn an old PC into a Chromebook
Google describes Chrome OS Flex as a newer version of its CloudReady technology.
Google has released Chrome OS Flex, a way to take older Windows and Mac hardware and
replace the operating system, turning them into Chromebooks.
It’s an interesting development given Windows 11’s strict hardware requirements, which
could leave legions of older PCs stranded when Windows 10 goes end-of-life in 2025.
Although Google is calling Chrome OS Flex an “early access” and “unstable” project,
the concept is intriguing: Instead of disposing an old PC that’s nearing the end of its
life, you can turn it into a Chromebook instead.
Google has launched the new operating system on its dedicated Chrome OS Flex site, though
you’ll have to sign up with an email to receive download instructions.
Google appears to be positioning Chrome OS Flex for a dual purpose: a way for consumers
to try out the benefits of Chromebooks, and a way for enterprises to evaluate how well
they can be managed.
For example, a Chrome OS Flex “fleet” can be managed with Chrome Enterprise Upgrade,
Google says.
If this all sounds familiar, you’re right: Google bought CloudReady a few years ago,
and used that company’s work as a way to turn laptop PCs into Chromebooks.
Google describes CloudReady as a “previous version of Chrome OS Flex.”
“Google will automatically update CloudReady devices to Chrome OS Flex, when Chrome OS
Flex is stable,” the company added.
Traditionally, DIY PC enthusiasts would either leave an older PC running, scavenge it for
parts, or replace the Windows operating system with a resource-light version of Linux.
Now, Google is offering them an additional option: Replace Windows with Chrome OS, and
enjoy the benefits of that streamlined operating system.
And that’s a point to be reiterated: Chrome OS Flex doesn’t offer the ability to run
Chrome OS in a window or a virtualized environment, a la the new Android apps for Windows.
Instead, it replaces Windows, and all of its files.
On a support page, Google says that Chrome OS Flex will be a more limited version of
CloudReady, at least for now: “Chrome OS Flex will not allow some system-level access
currently available on CloudReady Home Edition, including: command line access via shell and
command line access via teletype (TTY),” Google says.
Don’t expect things to go smoothly, either.
“This operating system is still in early access on the dev channel—you may experience
some instability,” Google says.
Installing Google Chrome OS Flex looks similar to installing Windows 11 via installation
media on a new PC.
You’ll need a USB key with 8GB or more.
PCs will need at least 4GB of RAM and 16GB of storage.
The CPU restrictions are more lenient: You’ll need a 64-bit CPU, period.
Which is basically any processor made after the year 2000.
There are GPU restrictions, though: Intel GMA 500, 600, 3600, and 3650 graphics hardware
do not meet Chrome OS Flex performance standards, Google says.
The real gotcha, however, appears to be simply in the diversity of compatible PC hardware,
and how it will interact with Chrome OS Flex.
Google has published a list of “certified models” that are either currently certified
or planned to be certified with Chrome OS Flex, and many, many of them are listed with
the caveat “minor issues expected” next to them.
(“Models are likely to support at least basic functionality, but are still being worked
on by our team,” Google says rather circularly, in describing what “minor issues” might
mean.
“You might run into minor issues.”)
The certified models include both PCs and Macs.
So why wouldn’t you want to install Chrome OS Flex on an older PC?
Well, there is the substantial list of caveats that come with the installation.
For one, forget Android apps, Google Play, or Parallels Desktop support—that’s out,
Google says.
Google can’t manage firmware updates on Chrome OS Flex devices, nor can it provide
verified boot capabilities.
ARM PCs?
Nope.
All this makes it seem like adding Chrome OS Flex to an older PC is very much a “use
at your own risk” type of project—but one that can still turn your older PC into
a Chromebook, for free.
It’s worth checking out before you toss it out.
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