Google officially provides Chrome OS Flex to install Chrome OS on old PCs and Macs within schools or businesses.
Google Chrome OS Flex gives old laptops and desktops a second life. You can install the stable version of Chrome OS on any Windows or macOS compatible device. Earlier this year The search giant has already made a beta version available. According to Google, it only takes a few minutes to install.
You can install Chrome OS Flex on many older devices from Acer, Asus, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo, Toshiba and many other PC manufacturers. Even some Macs that are 10 years old are compatible. The complete list of over 400 certified machines is available to you over here look for it. According to Google, the list is constantly supplemented with new devices.
Do you have a device that is not in the list? It is possible that you can still install Chrome OS Flex, but in return you may encounter instability issues or not all features work. Run the test at your own risk, preferably on a device that you are no longer actively using.
Installation is very simple and only takes a few minutes. All you need is a USB drive. follow him A clear step-by-step plan from Google to start.
As a result of acquiring Neverware
Chrome OS Flex is the result of Neverware’s acquisition in late 2020. The latter sold an app called CloudReady to turn old PCs into Chrome OS systems to give them a second life in businesses and schools.
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With Chrome OS Flex, Google wants to offer businesses and schools additional options for modernizing and simplifying their IT infrastructure with a convenient management system and with added security. It’s a perfect upgrade for older devices running Windows 7 or Mac OS X, for example, to get them updated again.
Bonus: Chrome OS is a very closed operating system, which makes hackers more difficult to hack.
Differences between Chrome OS and Chrome OS Flex
At first glance, there is no difference between Chrome OS on a Chromebook and Chrome OS Flex. They both have the same code base and also follow the same update rhythm. Depending on the device you have Chrome OS Flex installed on, there is a chance that some specific functions may not work. Think, for example, of the always-ready Google Assistant (and listening) in the background or syncing with Android phones.
Anyone who suddenly thinks that their old PC or Mac could become an Android device, we have to be disappointed right now. Today, Chrome OS Flex doesn’t yet support Android apps unlike Chromebooks, but Google is leaving the door open for potential future integration. Windows virtual machines are also not supported. The Linux developer environment works, but only on some compatible devices.
