Find out how to set up Chrome OS in your outdated Mac or PC

Now we have all been in a scenario when our laptop computer (or PC) reaches the top of its life cycle. Issues turn out to be gradual and it is general tough to make use of. We hold on to it for some time earlier than it lastly rests within the desk drawer for the remainder of its life. Nonetheless, there is a distinctive answer to this downside that may breathe new life into these outdated gadgets: Google’s Chrome OS Flex.

Google unveiled its Chrome OS Flex again in February final yr. This light-weight and cloud-first OS is straightforward on the {hardware}, so it may possibly run easily in your outdated laptop computer. Powered by the Chrome net browser, it ensures you have got entry to all of the necessities by way of the web. Better of all, it is free and might be simply put in in your outdated Mac or Home windows gadget.

Nonetheless, earlier than we go forward and clarify the method of putting in Chrome OS, let’s first perceive why you need to go for Chrome OS over different working methods corresponding to Ubuntu or Fedora. We’ll additionally talk about the conditions it’s essential to fulfill earlier than putting in Chrome OS, and at last, we’ll present a information to put in the OS.

Why must you 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 net browser at its core, it nonetheless supplies desktop-like expertise. Along with working Chrome net browser easily, Chrome OS Flex is able to performing practically all duties you’d sometimes do on a Home windows or Mac gadget. Whether or not you need to watch Netflix, create displays on Google Slides, stream sporting occasions, conduct on-line conferences, or simply browse Google, Chrome OS has you lined.

Now you may 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 of 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 Chrome OS Flex is a light-weight working system that may even on {hardware} that is a decade outdated. Furthermore, it is free to obtain and set up, so that you can provide it a try to resolve for your self.

Putting in chromeOS Flex on Mac or PC: Issues it’s essential to know

Earlier than we undergo the method of putting in Chrome OS Flex in your outdated laptop computer, right here are some things that you just want to bear in mind:

• Chrome OS Flex does not assist Android apps in the meanwhile, however it might arrive sooner or later.
• You may want a special 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 at the least 8 GB of storage. It is also price mentioning that every one the contents on the USB drive will probably be erased.
• Verify in case your outdated Home windows laptop computer or MacBook is Chrome OS appropriate or not by going to the full listing of licensed gadgets.
• Nonetheless, even when your outdated gadget shouldn’t be on the listing of official supported gadgets, don’t be concerned. In case your outdated pc meets the {hardware} necessities, you’ll set up Chrome OS Flex on the gadget. Listed here are the minimal necessities from Google to run Chrome OS Flex in your outdated pc:

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

Find out how 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) comply with 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 gadget. It’s going to be erased so be certain to again up any information that’s within the drive.
• Now choose Get began.

• On the subsequent web page, click on on Choose a mannequin from an inventory.
• Now, choose Google ChromeOS Flex because the Producer and ChromeOS Flex because the Product.

Word: The picture above exhibits Product as Chrome OS Flex (Developer-Unstable), however it is possible for you to to pick Chrome OS Flex (Steady) 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 be aware it may 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, comply with these steps:

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

• On the subsequent 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 attempt Chrome OS Flex in your outdated laptop computer. To take action, choose Attempt it first.
• Join the laptop computer along 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 possibility to begin utilizing Chrome OS Flex immediately.
• Comply with the phrases and situations and choose Settle for and proceed.

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

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

That is it! Now you can begin utilizing Chrome OS Flex in your outdated 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 completely happy to assist out!