Google’s Chrome OS Flex has formally arrived to rejuvenate previous PCs and Macs, by turning them into Chromebooks. Eventually, your Mac or PC will battle to run after being slowed down with software program or crippled from put on and tear following in depth use. It might take just a few years or a decade, relying on varied elements, however there may be virtually no escaping the inevitable. Instead of repurposing or recycling your growing older system, now you can use Chrome OS Flex to transform a PC/Mac right into a Chromebook.

Why would that be any higher? Because, like ChromeOS, Flex is a light-weight cloud-based working system that doesn’t require essentially the most superior parts to run easily. Google claims the OS will boot shortly, obtain the identical replace cadence as Chrome OS, and supply entry to the Chrome browser, Google Assistant, and different options (Family Link accounts, Smart Lock, Instant Tethering, and Nearby Share), all from the identical UI as Chrome OS. It’s additionally straightforward to handle, and ID admins can effortlessly improve to Chrome OS gadgets when the time comes.

Keep in thoughts that Chrome OS Flex is primarily meant for companies and faculties working massive fleets of previous Windows PCs, together with these from Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, LG, and others. It additionally works with Macs, together with some which can be as much as 10 years previous.

An early entry preview for Chrome OS Flex went dwell earlier this 12 months and alerted Google to some 600 bugs. With these mounted, Flex is now rolling out to companies and faculties. To make issues simpler for these establishments, Google put together a list of systems which can be verified to run Chrome OS Flex. At the time of writing, there are some 300 gadgets able to switching to the OS. Below are the capabilities which can be assured to work on licensed machines:

• Installation
• Wi-Fi
• Ethernet
• Internal show (if relevant)
• At least one technique every of audio enter and output
• Sleep and resume
• Touchpad
• Keyboard
• USB
• Non-infrared (IR) webcam (if relevant)

“We’re working on more certifications every day, and even if your device isn’t yet certified, you can still try Chrome OS Flex,” wrote Thomas Riedl, director of product, enterprise, and training at Google.

Chrome OS Flex was made doable after Google acquired Neverware, the makers of CloudReady, in 2020. It has since labored with the group to combine CloudReady right into a Chrome-branded product. To strive Chrome OS Flex, you possibly can boot immediately from a USB with out uninstalling or putting in something. When you’re prepared, you possibly can change your previous OS (again up every part first!) by installing Chrome OS Flex.