ChromeOS Flex is anoperating system maintained byGoogle that is based onChromeOS. It is designed to be installed on devices that are notChromebooks, such as onWindows computers.[1]
In December 2020, Google purchasedNeverware, developer of Cloudready, a version ofChromiumOS designed to run onWindows andMacOS hardware.[2][3]
On February 15, 2022, Google announced "early access" to the ChromeOS Flex operating system. Google claims that the operating system is intended for older computers that may not properly run their current OS, and that the solution will eliminate the need for users to buy newhardware.[4]
In July 2022, Google officially launched the operating system. The blog post by them explains howNordic Choice Hotels chose to switch to ChromeOS Flex after aransomware attack.[5]
Google offers a list of supported devices on their support site.[6] Unsupported devices may not guarantee stability. The user will need aUSB flash drive, a computer to create the installation media, and the computer to install the operating system on.[7]
Although Google offers a list of supported devices, they offer a general system requirements list. The minimum system requirements for ChromeOS Flex are:[7][8]
The user can use either the Chromebook Recovery Utility extension available from theChrome Web Store, or download the installer image directly.[9] After preparing the installation media, the user will then need toboot the machine from the USB flash drive.[10] After booting into the installer, the user cantry out the operating system before installation, and/or install it onto the machine directly. The user would follow the on-screen instructions of the installer, noting that all data on the device will be erased during the installation.[11] After installation, the user can set up device management on the devices.[12]
ChromeOS Flex shares much of the same features asChromeOS. However, there are some differences between the two. For example, there are some security differences, especially with hardware, lack ofGoogle Play andAndroid app support, and differences in guarantees of performance and stability.[13]
