After going into early access preview five months ago, ChromeOS Flex is now stable (version 103) and ready for mainstream use.
This follows Google’s decision to relaunch CloudReady, which it acquired in December 2020, as ChromeOS Flex in February. This “free operating system” turns old Macs and Windows computers that no longer receive updates into Chromebooks.
Devices running ChromeOS Flex have the same codebase, tab/app level sandbox, read-only OS, background system updates, release frequency, and boot times of a few seconds.
Other similarities include the Chrome browser, user interface, integration between Android devices, cloud sync (for settings and bookmarks) and Google Assistant, as well as support for Family Link, Smart Lock, Instant Tethering and Nearby Sharing. However, ChromeOS Flex lacks apps for Android and the Play Store, although Linux is supported on modern hardware.
ChromeOS Flex can be installed over the web (perfect for fleets) or via a USB device, allowing you to boot directly and try it out first. Google OS works with Intel or AMD x86 (non-ARM) computers running Windows and macOS.
To date, the company has certified more than 400 devices to work with Flex and expects devices up to ten years old to be compatible. Certification means audio in/out, internal display, network, USB, webcam and other major components will work.
We’re working on new certifications every day, and even if your device isn’t certified yet, you can still try ChromeOS Flex!
Since the launch of the Early Access Program, Google has resolved over 600 issues with the following hardware requirements:
Architecture: Intel or AMD x86-64-bit compatible device. RAM: 4 GB. Internal memory: 16 GB. Boot from USB. BIOS: full administrator access. You will need to boot from the Chrome OS Flex USB installer and make some BIOS changes if you run into problems. Processor and graphics. Components released before 2010 may cause problems.
Note. The Intel GMA 500, 600, 3600, and 3650 graphics hardware does not meet Chrome OS Flex performance standards.
ChromeOS Flex can be installed free of charge for all users – full instructions – via the Chromebook Recovery Utility extension (Chrome browser). Enterprise users need to pay for Chrome Enterprise or Education Upgrades to get fleet management and support. Existing CloudReady clients will be updated to the new interface.
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