CONTENTS CLOSE

We have all been in a situation when our laptop (or PC) comes to the end of its life cycle. It becomes slow and difficult to use. We hang on to it for a while before it finally rests in the desk drawer for the rest of its life. Google has a unique solution for these devices that might give them a reboot.

Google unveiled its new Chrome OS Flex. The new OS comes with most of the features of Chrome OS, like integration with Android, Google Assistant, and cloud sync (for settings, password, bookmarks, etc) with other devices. It's free and you can install easily it on your old Mac or Windows device and give it a breath of fresh air.

POCKETNOW VIDEO OF THE DAY

But before we go ahead and explain the installation procedure of Chrome OS, let's learn why you should go with Chrome OS and not some other operating system, pre-requirements that you need to take care of before Chrome OS installation, and then finally the guide to install the OS.

Why should you install Chrome OS Flex?

Chrome OS is Google's operating system that is designed to run on low-end hardware. It's simple to set up and easy to navigate. It's a web browser at its core but still has that desktop experience feel. In addition to running Chrome smoothly, Chrome OS can do almost everything you would do on a Windows or a Mac device. Want to watch Netflix? Make presentations on Google Slides? Stream sports? Search Google? Attend online meetings via Zoom? Chrome OS has got you back.

But why not install another operating system? Windows and Ubuntu are viable options, but they are not optimized for old hardware. If your laptop cannot run the OS it came with, it probably won't be able to run other operating systems, such as Ubuntu. Chrome OS Flex is a lightweight operating system that can even run on 10-year old hardware. Plus, it's free to download and install.

Installing Chrome OS on Mac or PC: Things you need to know

There are a few things that you need to keep in mind before installing Chrome OS:

Here are the minimum requirements from Google to run Chrome OS Flex on your old computer:

Note: Intel GMA 500, 600, 3600, and 3650 graphics hardware do not meet Chrome OS Flex performance standards.

How to install Chrome OS on Mac or PC

First, we'll need to download the installation file and create a bootable USB drive. For this:

Once the process is complete, turn off the laptop/PC on which you want to install Chrome OS Flex and follow these steps:

Manufacturer	Boot key
Acer	F2
Apple	Hold Option (next to the ⌘ key)
Asus	Del
Dell	F12
Gateway	F1
HP	F9
Intel	F2
Lenovo	F12
Toshiba	F2 or F12
Other	Try pressing Esc, any of F1-F12 keys, or Enter

---

That's it. That's how you can get Chrome OS Flex running on your Mac or Windows laptop. Once you start using Chrome OS, you'll realize how optimized it is for older-generation hardware. Ran into some issues? Drop a comment and let us know. We'll be happy to help out.

Read More

Chrome OS

Google will soon allow you to disable Chrome OS automatic updates

Google will reportedly allow Chromebook users to disable automatic Chrome OS updates. Click here for more details.

By Sanuj BhatiaMarch 4, 2022, 7:00 amApps

These Chromebooks will support Steam for Chrome OS at launch

A new report has detailed the Chromebooks that will be able to run Steam for Chrome OS at launch. Click here to know if your Chromebook is eligible.

By Sanuj BhatiaFebruary 21, 2022, 3:25 pmChrome OS

Chrome OS Flex turns old PCs and Macs into Chromebooks

Google has announced a new OS called Chrome OS Flex. Chrome OS Flex installs on your old Mac or PC and turns it into a Chromebook. Learn more about it here.

By Sanuj BhatiaFebruary 16, 2022, 3:00 amChromebooks

Low Chromebook sales makes us think it needs a Pixel 6 like rejuvenation

According to a new report from IDC, Chromebook shipment fell by over 60% in Q4 2021 (in comparison to the same quarter of the previous year). We think it's time for Google to rejuvenate it like the Pixel 6 series.

By Sanuj BhatiaFebruary 2, 2022, 7:45 am

Follow Us

Search

Search

Latest Articles

Accessories

Best clear iPhone SE 2022 cases

These are the best Apple iPhone SE 2022 clear phone cases. We've collected some of the best transparent, rugged, silicone, thin, and light clear cases that we could find on Amazon. Check them out!

By Roland UdvarlakiMarch 18, 2022, 11:00 ammac

Apple Studio Display has a low quality camera, but Apple will fix it with an update

Many reviews claim that the web camera quality was too low on the Apple Studio Display. Since then, Apple has confirmed the issue and said that it would roll out a software fix to improve the quality of the camera.

By Roland UdvarlakiMarch 18, 2022, 10:00 amAccessories

These are the best iPhone SE 2022 cases

These are the best Apple iPhone SE 2022 phone cases. We've collected some of the best rugged, silicone, thin, and light cases that we could find on Amazon. Check them out!

By Roland UdvarlakiMarch 18, 2022, 9:00 amPhones

iPhone SE 2022, iPad Air 2022 are now available

The brand new Apple iPhone SE 2022 and the iPad Air 5th generation are now officially available in the US and other countries. The devices start at $429 and $599, respectively, and you can find them in-store now.

By Roland UdvarlakiMarch 18, 2022, 8:00 amAndroid

This is what’s new in Android 13 DP2

Google announced the Android 13 Developer Preview 1 in February, and the company started rolling out Developer Preview 2 yesterday. Here are some of the new features new in Android 13.

By Roland UdvarlakiMarch 18, 2022, 6:32 amiOS

EU Digital Markets Act could throw a wrench into the works of Apple

The EU Digital Markets Act, also informally referred to as the anti-Apple bill, could easily pass in a vote and it might impact Apple's business in the European Union

By Anton D. NagyMarch 18, 2022, 1:45 amAndroid

Pocketnow Daily: Google IO is OFFICIAL (Pixel 6a and Watch?), iPhone 14 is THE SAME & more! (video)

On today’s Pocketnow Daily, we talk about the official dates for the next Google I/O, new CAD renders for the iPhone 14, and more.

By Samuel MartinezMarch 18, 2022, 12:21 amDeals

Click here to save on the Xbox Series S bundled with a wireless controller, the latest iPad Pro models and more

Check out the latest deals on the Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch, iPad Pro tablets, and some amazing games

By Samuel MartinezMarch 17, 2022, 9:15 pmPhones

iPhone 14 CAD renders suggest we won’t see significant design changes in the more affordable variants

Check out the latest Apple rumors, where we have alleged CAD renders revealing the design of the more affordable iPhone 14 models

By Samuel MartinezMarch 17, 2022, 7:11 pmDeals

Here’s how you can save on a new Echo Show 8, and other amazing smart home products

Click here to see Amazon's best savings on the Echo Show 8, Echo Show 5, and other great products

By Samuel MartinezMarch 17, 2022, 5:00 pm