Right now, that may not be the case, given that there is an infinite number of possible PC configurations out there. The idea here is to bring the full Chrome OS experience to virtually any computer. There is an obvious sustainability angle here. Built on top of CloudReady, which Google acquired in 2020, Chrome OS Flex is aimed at enterprises and educational users who want to prolong the lifetime of their existing devices, but anyone with access to a USB drive can use it to give an older PC - or maybe even a low-powered new one - a new lease on life. Updates will automatically be handled in the background.įor those who have old hardware laying around, installing Neverware and Chromium OS could breathe new life into it and give you a fast computer for browsing.Google today announced Chrome OS Flex, an early preview of a new initiative that aims to bring Chrome OS to virtually any PC (and older Intel-based Macs). They will have access to the same web apps from the Chrome Web Store and Chrome OS conveniences like automatic updates and a fast boot time. Once finished, users will boot into an interface remarkably similar to Chrome OS. Neverware has detailed instructions on the installation, but all users need is an 8GB flash drive and the Chrome Web Store to install the Chromebook Recovery Utility.Īfterwards, a setup tool will guide users through the process and give them the option to setup dual-booting.

In the past, installing CloudReady would wipe the previous OS and all other data. The new feature allows users to dual-boot into Chromium OS and their previous Mac or Windows operating system. While schools have to pay a license fee, it is free to download for everyone else and an update today adds a new dual-booting capability. Unsurprisingly, it has gained traction with budget-strapped schools that have aging laptops laying around. Neverware makes Chromium OS, the open-source version of Chrome OS, easy to install on any PC or Mac.

Install chrome os on old laptop