Earlier in February 2022, Google introduced a freeware lightweight Chrome OS Flex. This operating system can be installed on any PC, including aged hardware. Chrome OS Flex grew out of Newerware's CloudReady project. The Newerware company was acquired by Google at the end of 2020.
The software is very close to the regular Chrome OS. But unlike the latter, it doesn't include support for Android apps.
Google points that Chrome OS Flex will help to reduce e-waste. It will allow the user to continue using their outdated devices. The OS heavily depends on the cloud and reminds of a thin client. This allows it to not consume a lot of power, and be highly power efficient.
To give it a try, you need to prepare a bootable USB drive and start your PC from that drive. If you are going to try it, check out this official guide.
The minimum hardware requirements look as follows.
Chrome OS Flex hardware requirements
- Architecture: x86-64, chips from Intel or AMD
- RAM: 4 GB
- Storage: 16 GB
- USB Boot Support
- BIOS: Full access to boot from USB and write changes.
- Processor and Graphics: Components released before 2010 may cause problems with the OS.
Keep in mind that Intel's GMA 500, 600, 3600, and 3650 graphics do not meet Chrome OS Flex performance requirements and aren't recommended.
Devices that meet the system requirements will be certified by Google. Currently, more than 400 devices have been certified.
Finally, If you are using the CloudReady operating system, it will automatically receive Chrome OS Flex as an upgrade.
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