How to install Chrome OS on your old Mac or PC

We’ve got all been in a scenario when our laptop computer (or PC) reaches the tip of its life cycle. Issues grow to be gradual and it is total tough to make use of. We dangle on to it for some time earlier than it lastly rests within the desk drawer for the remainder of its life. Nevertheless, there is a distinctive resolution to this drawback that may breathe new life into these previous units: Google’s Chrome OS Flex.

Google unveiled its Chrome OS Flex again in February final 12 months. This light-weight and cloud-first OS is straightforward on the {hardware}, so it will possibly run easily in your previous laptop computer. Powered by the Chrome internet browser, it ensures you’ve got entry to all of the necessities by way of the web. Better of all, it is free and will be simply put in in your previous Mac or Home windows machine.

Nevertheless, earlier than we go forward and clarify the method of putting in Chrome OS, let’s first perceive why it’s best to go for Chrome OS over different working methods reminiscent of Ubuntu or Fedora. We’ll additionally focus on the conditions you want to fulfill earlier than putting in Chrome OS, and eventually, we’ll present a information to put in the OS.

Why do you have to set up Chrome OS Flex?

Chrome OS is Google’s working system that’s designed to run on low-end {hardware}. It is easy to arrange and straightforward to navigate. Whereas it is a internet browser at its core, it nonetheless gives desktop-like expertise. Along with working Chrome internet browser easily, Chrome OS Flex is able to performing almost all duties you’d usually do on a Home windows or Mac machine. Whether or not you need to watch Netflix, create shows on Google Slides, stream sporting occasions, conduct on-line conferences, or simply browse Google, Chrome OS has you coated.

Now you would possibly marvel why not go for one other working system? Whereas Home windows and Ubuntu are possible alternate options, they don’t seem to be optimized for older {hardware}. In case your laptop computer struggles to run the OS it got here with, it in all probability will not be capable to run different modern-day working methods like Home windows 11, the newest macOS, and even Ubuntu. Chrome OS Flex is a light-weight working system that may even on {hardware} that is a decade previous. Furthermore, it is free to obtain and set up, so that you can provide it a try to determine for your self.

Putting in chromeOS Flex on Mac or PC: Issues you want to know

Earlier than we undergo the method of putting in Chrome OS Flex in your previous laptop computer, right here are some things that you just want to remember:

Chrome OS Flex does not help Android apps in the intervening time, however it might arrive sooner or later. You will want a unique PC or Mac (aside from the one you need to set up Chrome OS Flex on) to create an set up picture and a USB drive with a minimum of 8 GB of storage. It is also price mentioning that each one the contents on the USB drive can be erased. Test in case your previous Home windows laptop computer or MacBook is Chrome OS appropriate or not by going to the complete listing of licensed units. Nevertheless, even when your previous machine is just not on the listing of official supported units, don’t fret. In case your previous pc meets the {hardware} necessities, you can set up Chrome OS Flex on the machine. Listed here are the minimal necessities from Google to run Chrome OS Flex in your previous pc:

Word: Intel GMA 500, 600, 3600, and 3650 graphics {hardware} don’t meet ChromeOS Flex efficiency requirements.

Methods to set up Chrome OS Flex on Mac or PC

First, we’ll must obtain the OS set up file and create a bootable USB drive. In your new laptop computer (aside from the one you need to set up Chrome OS Flex on) observe these steps:

Head over to the Chrome Net Retailer and set up the Chromebook Restoration Utility extension. Subsequent, click on the extension icon within the prime proper nook (subsequent to the hamburger menu) and open the Chromebook Restoration Utility extension. Connect a USB thumb drive to your machine. It’s going to be erased so be certain that to again up any information that’s within the drive. Now choose Get began.

On the following web page, click on on Choose a mannequin from a listing. Now, choose Google ChromeOS Flex because the Producer and ChromeOS Flex because the Product.

Word: The picture above reveals Product as Chrome OS Flex (Developer-Unstable), however it is possible for you to to pick out Chrome OS Flex (Secure) within the drop-down menu.

Hit Proceed. Now you may be prompted to insert your USB drive. From the drop-down menu, choose your USB drive. Click on Proceed > Create now.

Please observe it will possibly take as much as half-hour for creating the USB installer. As soon as the method is full, eject the USB thumb drive out of your laptop computer and decide up the laptop computer/PC on which you need to set up Chrome OS Flex. Now, observe these steps:

Flip off your previous laptop computer. Within the switched-ff state, insert the USB thumb drive that we simply used within the USB port of the machine. Now, press the ability button and the boot key on your previous laptop computer from the desk under. Often, the boot key’s F12, however here’s a listing of boot keys in case F12 does not work:

On the following display screen, choose Chrome OS Flex USB Installer. You’ll now be booted into the Chrome OS Flex working system. Choose Get began on the Welcome to Chrome OS Flex display screen. You’ll be able to first strive Chrome OS Flex in your previous laptop computer. To take action, choose Strive it first. Join the laptop computer together with your Wi-Fi community. You’ll be able to sign up to your Google account, or you may also use the Browse as Visitor choice to begin utilizing Chrome OS Flex straight away. Conform to the phrases and circumstances and choose Settle for and proceed.

Now you may check out Chrome OS in your previous machine. In the event you’re happy with how it’s working in your previous machine, you may completely set up this OS in your previous machine. This is How:

On the primary display screen, an choice to Set up Chrome OS Flex can be offered on the backside. Click on on Set up Chrome OS Flex. Word: You’ll lose all the info of your previous laptop computer. The set up will now happen. You will see a message on the display screen and the machine will flip off robotically. As soon as the machine switches off, look ahead to a couple of minutes. Take away the USB installer out of your machine and swap it on.

That is it! Now you can begin utilizing Chrome OS Flex in your previous laptop computer. When you begin utilizing Chrome OS, you may understand how optimized it’s for older-generation {hardware}. In case you run into some points in putting in Chrome OS Flex, then do drop a remark and tell us. We’ll be blissful to assist out!