Google notes that processors and graphics from before 2010 might result in a poor experience. Would you like to sign up for the latest news, offers, and updates from Google for Education? While Google only guarantees the functionality of this operating system on certified models, it is possible to install Chrome OS Flex on other devices. To create the bootable, youll also need Google Chrome installed on a Chrome OS, Windows, or Mac device. While it is officially supported to install your own legacy BIOS bootloader, Chrome OS Flex uses the newer UEFI standard, which is incompatible. As a gamer, I also wonder if Ill ever get official Steam support. Google Drive integration? A few missing features, but a nice way to revive old systems. Currently for Intel/AMD devices at present but ARM64 being worked on, last time I looked. Devices boot quickly, dont slow down over time, and update in the background, reducing device downtime, Experience fast access to VDI and web apps with an intuitive, clutter-free, and reliable experience, Deploy ChromeOS Flex across your fleet via USB or network deployment and a users settings and policies sync to the device almost instantly, Use the Google Admin console to manage updates and configure device policies remotely, Blocked executables and sandboxing technology eliminate the need for antivirus software, IT controls prevent data loss on lost or stolen devices, Refresh your older devices with a modern OS and extend their lifespan to reduce e-waste, Deploy a more energy efficient, sustainable solution while experiencing lower total cost of ownership. SMB file share? Enter your information to get directed to installation instructions and see certified devices for ChromeOS Flex. 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And potentially, that could mean Chrome OS updates beyond the current 8 years of support for new devices. Tips/talk: abner@9to5g.com, Pixel 6a Review: Just in time to replace Pixel 3a, Android audio switching for Pixel Buds Pro announced, Download: The Pixel 6a wallpapers are Google's best, Youre reading 9to5Google experts who break news about Google and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Even on an official Chromebook, your mileage will vary when it comes to hardware support. Or even some Linux desktop releases that simply have hardware requirements beyond these older devices capabilities. Chrome OS Flex is essentially the next version of CloudReady, with Google integrating CloudReady into its Chrome OS software suite. Flex will not only save hardware it will save stress. I expect this to be a temporary issue. The installation process felt similar to resetting a Chromebook with a Powerwash. Someone knowing ArnoldTheBats World of Whimsy | The general witterings of a nerd : is pure Linux and open Chromium. If this was a path they wanted to take it would still be 2-4 years before they would make it happen even now with Google on their side. Installed version Version 102.0.5005.20 (Official Build) dev (64-bit). Which devices can you install Chrome OS Flex on? The absence of Android apps is a real llimitation, though. You realize Google is not claiming this is a direct replacement for Chrome OS on an officially supported Chrome device. You might have issues with firmware and hardware compatibility, installation, and updates. More. Google is planning for the Linux version of Chrome, internally called Lacros, to be the primary browser in Chrome OS. On and after the AUE date, devices no longer receive software updates from Google. I had my old Google Chromebook Pixel 2013 up running Neverware. Or whatever browser you prefer. This news is a huge disappointment. Deploy a cloud-first OS on purpose-built hardware for specialized use cases like kiosks or digital signage. On Twitter, our friend PixelRick noticed that Google recently added a Beta update channel, so progress toward a stable release is definitely being made. Officially supported or not, it works beautifully. Fortunately, a clever Reddit user named Snowwarrior21 has found a workaround. A USB drive is all you need to experience ChromeOS Flex on your PC or Mac. As it stands, the official Chromebook Recovery Utility extension can be used in your Chrome browser to set up the installer. The 16GB worth of storage space and the 2 GB of RAM is going to be its undoing in the long term. Longer support from Google for ChromeOS is welcome, but is not sofort. If you thought Chrome OS Flex was going to be the official method to get additional software support on an old Chromebook, think again. Chromebase, Chromebook, Chromebox, Chrome OS, Pixel Slate and Pixelbook are all registered trademarks of Google. explore Chromebook options for your institution. I updated to the Dev channel last night, and its on 96. This link seems to have at least some of what you are looking for.A good image of the internals including the write protect screw location.Might be a starting point at least. Click the Select a model from a list option. Your email address will not be published. Even still, Ive recently switched to the Beta update channel just in case. This operating system is actually not new at all. You need to do more than have the USB, need to remove write protect screw and update firmware there are instructions out there. Here are the minimum system requirements to install Chrome OS Flex from Google. As someone who has followed Cloudready / Neverware / Flex for a long time I know how slow things are developed by the team. Everything I need to do is done via ssh sftp & web browser. Even a certified model may not work at full capacity, with features like automatic screen rotation, Bluetooth, keyboard shortcuts, touchscreens, and SD card slots not guaranteed to work. Create a bootable ChromeOS Flex USB drive to try ChromeOS Flex prior to installing it. Select the USB drive from the dropdown menu. Buy a new one. thank you for this info. But Chrome OS Flex has to be installed like Linux and doesnt have Android support. Has your Chromebook reached AUE? I have been happily running cloudready on my first gen Toshiba since it stopped getting updates at Chrome os 75 (the ability to do so didnt stop my replacing it with my new daily driver though). Manage devices remotely in Google Admin console, use 3rd party UEM solutions, or use Chrome Policy API to manage at scale. To install Chrome OS Flex, youll need a USB drive to create a bootable device, with a capacity of at least 8GB. Theres no guarantee this approach will extend the life of Chromebooks either, but its possible.Profile creation in Lacros. Step 3: Deploy Chrome OS Flex to more devices in your organization via USB drive or over your network. If thats not there, why bother? For a PC, the boot key is usually F1, F2, F9, F12, Delete, or Esc. Unless Google goes out of its way to hinder the process, it should work OK for most users trying to do it, disclaimers from Google aside. Additionally, Google officially recommends you dont use Chrome OS Flex on computers that have reached AUE/EOL. You can turn oldCBs into Linux devices, but they have this crazy warning that comes up everytime you boot.. And if you press the wrong key it will reset things. Youre just a few steps away from ChromeOS Flex. It only takes a few minutes to get set up, and we'll walk you through it. Power the system on by pressing the power button and immediately start hitting the boot key to access the boot menu. (Mr. Chromebox Script etc.). This early build of Chrome OS Flex is a version of Chrome OS made to modernize your schools existing PCs and Mac devices at no additional cost. One of Chromebooks' Achilles' heels is how long they receive updates. not recommended to install Chrome OS Flex on your, 9to5 Google sleuthed out the support page, separate the Chrome browser from Chrome OS is a better answer, beyond the current 8 years of support for new devices, Chrome OS Flex turns PCs and Macs into Chromebooks, Chrome OS 100 brings the first look at animated screensavers for Chromebooks, How to install ChromeOS Flex the hard way, First look: ChromeOS 105 partial split window options. Now, Google is giving us all an option to install Chrome OS on PC and Mac devices. The minimum requirements for official Steam support are an Intel Core i7 and 8GB of RAM. Google will provide a recovery image named reven to install Flex. Also some models you will have to remove the rewrite screw.ree Once you handle that the Chromebook will be able to boot from USB. It might not work and Google wont provide any support. For a Mac, its the Option key. When youre ready, install ChromeOS Flex on your PC or Mac to replace your operating system. It's possible to install Chrome OS Flex on a Chromebook. I mostly agree with one exception.Regarding: new versions dont run well on older hardwareIve recently finished updating a 4th machine to MS Windows 11.All 4 are very different hardware models, and ages are 4,5,7 & 8 years old.None had specs fully sanctioned by MS for the upgrade.They are all working normally and receiving updates.Of course, I did have to circumvent the standard update / install methods,since Microsoft is pretty actively discouraging this kind of thing. Learn more. The longer answer is yes, but its complicated. Click Select a productand scroll to find Chrome OS Flex (Developer-Unstable). For now, then, Chrome OS Flex isnt the solution for updates after a set support date. List disks3. ChromeOS flex does not replace the Chromebook, because I make a lot of use of Android apps. Everything is working and it is quick to start and web pages take not much longer to load than on my Samsung CB Pro, but perfectly acceptable. Links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. Flex is nothing more than a Google trying to get PC and Mac users to try Chrome OS on their ageing devices. How? Click here to get started.Looking to install on a personal device? Follow these steps. Chrome OS has become a viable alternative to Windows and macOS, especially on the lower end of the market. on Chrome OS Flex isnt the solution for Chromebooks past their software support date, Chrome OS Flex isnt the solution for Chromebooks past their software support date. In 2020, Google announced that some Chromebooks would be eligible for nine years of updates. It is intended to be used just as Google said in its announcement: A way to repurpose old PCs and Macs into Chrome OS devices. What is a Chromebook, and what can it do? Well keep an eye on that and report back if Flex is ever added to the list. Chrome Enterprise Upgrade unlocks the built-in business capabilities of ChromeOS Flex devices. To install Chrome OS Flex, you need to install the Chromebook Recovery Utility extension in your Google Chrome browser and follow the steps to create a bootable USB drive. There was a minor issue where my speakers and headphone jack both didnt work. Locate the Extensions button at the top right, and click Manage extensions. You get to run the latest and greatest Chrome browser natively. For those who are curious, the last release of CloudReady 1.0 is based on Chromium OS 94. The company acknowledges that it works, but wont be supported: Google does not support installing Chrome OS Flex on a Chrome OS device that has reached its AUE date. You might also need to flash custom (community-made) firmware. I hope my guess turns out to be correct. I have installed ChromeOS Flex on my Acer ES1-132 with a 32GB eMMC and 4GB RAM, albeit with some tinkering to get it to work.As far as warranty goes, Im not expecting anything more than I would get from a normal linux install that is all care and no responsibility. Chrome OS Flex is a new version of Chrome OS. Thats most likely because you have not done the full setup, i.e remove write protect screw or take back out of dev mode. Insert the USB drive to the system you want to install Chrome OS Flex on, while the device is powered off. Click to select it and Continue. Required fields are marked *. Called Chrome OS Flex, this operating system allows Windows and Mac users to test out Chrome OS on their systems, or even install it. That just leaves repurposing your own Chromebooks and -boxes to your own liking. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. Install ChromeOS Flex on your PCs and Macs so they are secure, boot fast, dont slow down over time, update automatically in the background, and can be managed from the cloud. Boot into the bootable drive on your target system to install Chrome OS Flex. Check. Be interesting to see how long Flex is supported on non-Google hardware. While you might be able to install Chrome OS Flex on Intel or AMD x86 Chrome OS devices, we dont support devices that have reached their AUE date. It ran just fine. Bjrn Arild Wisth, Deputy CEO, Nordic Choice Hotels. Unfortunately, this CloudReady 2.0 is not the saving grace we were hoping for and there is no sign of Android support in sight. Maybe. IMHO, It still worth a run. Im using it right now on my old Chromebook. This process involves disabling firmware write protection in Chrome OS that ensures that a device is not tampered with before use. 
Unofficially, it may work on old Chromebooks too. I tried it on my wifes old Acer 15 CB-571 which is Intel Celeron only 2Gb and past the AUE. This is required to help us route your request based on your industry. Congrats on getting early access to Chrome OS Flex on the dev channel. Clean. Chrome OS is available on Chromebook. Then you can install a PC BIOS on your Chromebook, after that you can install any PC operating system (drivers not withstanding). This includes older Chromebooks as well, where the device may be able to run Chrome OS Flex, but if its not officially supported, Google isnt making any promises. Since Google cannot control the distribution of this version, Chrome OS Flex is missing a few features. 
When you have a device from your fleet nearby, follow these two steps to get started. Check. Start here. Here is an update 6 weeks after this post. More at https://ubuntu-web.org/. That would allow a person to disable the security features of Chrome OS in exchange for more control over the operating system. Im pretty sure Google is expecting this use of Flex and perhaps theyll pick up new clients. Choose to roll out updates gradually or automatically with the added option for long-term support channel. Chrome OS Flex is a fast, secure, cloud-first, easy-to-manage operating system for Macs and PCs. Then check out http://mrchromebox.tech it may help you on your journey. Ps within diskpart.. The process typically takes around 20 minutes to complete. Im simply relating myexperience, since it is directly relevant to this question. Select disk __ (from above report)4. Any other tips? Dennis CR never supported Chromebooks either so nothing has changed. Unrestricted access to Android apps and the Play Store was probably not attractive to their paying customers so why pay license fees for the Play Store and other proprietary Google features. This appears to parallel the claims Microsoft has made regarding installingWindows 11 on older machines. CloudReady was monetized to schools and businesses looking to extend the life of their existing Windows or Mac devices. But is it worth it? Its easy to deploy across your fleet or simply try it to see what a cloud-first OS has to offer. Remove the USB drive from the device when Chrome Recovery Utility says your recovery media is ready. Google arent in the slightest bit interested in prolonging the life of your Chromebook. At the end of the day, its refreshing to have updates enabled again on my Chromebook. Check. It would sure be welcome to all of us with old machines laying around everywhere. Enable single sign-on, identity-free login, and configure printers and WiFi networks. I have first hand experience on multiplemachines that shows those stated barriers to be artificial and circumventable.So I remain skeptical regarding how this applies to Chrome OS Flex. Ive had issues enabling it and have tried everything under the sun to get it working. I encourage skepticism on such claims.How this issue affects ChromeOS vs. Flex remains to be seen. And its easy to manage Chrome OS Flex devices alongside existing Chromebooks like Chromebooks, management and enrollment is all done with. However, regardless of that, its still a great way for many people to get Chrome OS on their existing devices. Type help for list of commands. But one should expect no help from Google in this endeavor. Once I grabbed my old Chromebook Pixel 2, used the MrChromebox.tech script to install a modified version of Coreboot, and got Chrome OS Flex onto a flash drive, I was ready to go! What is it like using Chrome OS Flex? If you read all of the support information provided by Google about Flex. After installing Flex it seems to run perfectly although a bit noisy as the fan seems to be always on. This operating system is still in early accessyou may experience some instability while exploring. Really if this could happen why not just support the Chromebook for longer than 8 years anyway given how little difference there is between flex and normal Chrome OS. All fields are required. This is required to help us route your request based on company size. Essentially Flex will most likely just replace CR on your Toshiba one update day. I have been looking for instructions on how to install on an Acer 720 cannot find anything. wanting to do this on a 720p. Chrome OS Flex is currently in early access testing and not suited for production use, Google warns. The major distinguishing feature for end-users is Android apps. Same specs, then compare ChromeOS and Windows Compare facility from update and support from Google and Microsoft.I have Windows since al long time, and now Win11. The most difficult part about converting a standard Chromebook to Chrome OS Flex is unlocking the bootloader. For one, you cant officially enable Developer mode yet. However, this varies by model. For my day job at a tech company, I desperately need to run containers and Linux workloads, so for me personally, this is a deal-breaker. Additionally, hardware support is only present for certified models. Just because they dont officially support doesnt mean CR wont work on Chromebooks as you have found out. Reduce threats with no need for antivirus, Refresh a Mac or PC with Chrome OS Flex and Chrome Education Upgrade. Step 1: Create a bootable Chrome OS Flex USB drive and use it to try the OS prior to installing it. Now on to the ugly: lets talk about Android and Linux support. Or Brave. heyradar that should work but Ive had that issue with USBs for many years and never managed to fix. Step 2: When you are ready, install Chrome OS Flex on your PC or Mac to replace your operating system. All has been working well. I use Chrome OS because its very secure, fast, zero maintenance time, good value for money, no-nonsense without time heavy or high maintenance updates, easy to use and very hard to find yourself going down a path where things can go very wrong or waste your weekend in a terminal / online forum. Chromebooks, Chrome OS and Google Chrome browser news. Other than lacking security updates, my old Motorola G7 Power hasnt gotten an update to the OS for a couple of years. Steam is finally here and available on select Chromebooks. But where theres a will, theres a way. Select the bootable USB installer from the list as the boot device, and boot into the drive. Some Sandisk drives may not work. Everything seems to work really well. After getting started, you will receive an installation guide to help get your devices up and running. In short, its not a straightforward process like on Macs or PCs. Ok it should be easy because its Chromebooks, but the team working on this is tiny very tiny and has a gazillion other jobs. Over 8 years of experience with cloud computing and software development. AboutChromebooks.com is not affiliated with Google. This will wipe all garbage and let you create a new partition and format it. You go to Mr Chromebox, and look up the model of your Chromebook, if its in there and it can be dealt with the instructions are there. No. It is designed to refresh older devices, increasing their performance for more efficient teaching and learning. Whatever that means? There are a few limitations with the installation. This isnt expected to change any in the future. Additionally, this site participates in various affiliate programs and may earn a small commmission on sales through any product links. Sometimes I forget Im working off of Flex and that my Chromebook shouldnt be getting updates. Well, thats anyones guess. On Windows,1. Of course, its not like the AUE was a surprise for anyone, so why should we expect it to be different now that CrOS Flex is on the way? Chrome OS Flex runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux devices. Windows PC and Mac have also limited time of support for users, new versions dont run well on older hardware. These all add up to such limiting factors that this old Chromebook wouldnt be my first pick to throw in my bag when traveling for work or vacation. Not something you can give to kids, or computer illiterate people. Since then it has upgraded to 103.0.5035.0. Using proper Linux, Mac or Windows is like going back to School every 5 minutes maths tests, teachers or students bullying you with their snobby opinions or attitudes, waste of time mostly, forced, expensive. Linux is listed in settings, but from my experiences and that of others as well, it generally doesnt work. I use a Chromebook for most daily tasks, but find it useful to have a windows machine available. Removed a write protect screw and used the Mr. Chromebox scripts. I really dont need any apps tbh. Well, I almost couldnt tell that I wasnt on the real Chrome OS. Your email address will not be published. For content more relevant to your region, we suggest: South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, This early build of Chrome OS Flex is a version of Chrome OS made to modernize your schools existing PCs and Mac devices at no additional cost. Google uses cookies to deliver its services, to personalize ads, and to analyze traffic. But it didnt run well. Whether youre just learning about ChromeOS or looking to accelerate your cloud-first OS deployment, ChromeOS Flex makes it easier than ever. Please. 9to5 Google sleuthed out the support page, which reads as follows: Each Chromebook, Chromebase, and Chromebox has an Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date. So any such devices that reach the AUE without Google having implemented LaCrOS are likely to remain unsupported/unnoticed; Google wont be going back and providing support retroactively. Check out 9to5Google on YouTube for more news: Editor-in-chief. What about Steam support? I see this philosophy still at work with Flex. But this isnt a long-term, official solution to having a Chromebook thats no longer receiving software updates from Google. If you want to run any type of other system on your old Chromebook, you have to reflash the bios. There will presumably also be impacts to performance. Additionally, the Intel GMA 500, 600, 3600, and 3650 graphics hardware does not meet Chrome OS Flex performance standards. Click Continue. Speaking of stability, the first recovery image is in the Developer update channel with no option to switch to Stable yet. Once its out of technical preview, it will be perfect for reviving an old computer and handing it off to the non-technical folks in your life. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Not sure they would every want to allow this from a business / legal or tech perspective. Chrome OS Flex is here, and it can turn any old Mac or PC into a Chromebook. So not just PCs and Macs of Googles choosing. DoH!Also, the USB was the good for nothing.The chromebook could not format it, and neither could Windows.One dud USB stick now thrown in the bin. Ubuntu already runs on chromebooks and this is a variant that focuses on web functionality as Chrome OS does. I found that only GalliumOS (discontinued) and Fedora came with all the necessary drivers set up for my Acer Chromebook R11. Under Select a manufacturer, scroll to find Google Chrome OS Flex and select it. This means that end-users will have to completely replace their bootloader with something like Coreboot. It will be hosted alongside recovery images for Chromebooks. The number one complaint about CloudReady has always been its lack of Android support. I havent researched this, but maybe turn old CBs into pure Linux devices? While you might be able to install Chrome OS Flex on Intel or AMD x86 Chrome OS devices, we dont support devices that have reached their AUE date. Chrome OS is Linux-based, and basically secure appliance computing. Deploy ChromeOS Flex to more devices in your organization via a USB drive or network deployment. Can you hook me up with a link? Try the cloud-first, fast, easy-to-manage, and secure operating system for PCs and Macs. Google has generally ignored any Chrome OS device that has reached its AUE date. If your device meets these requirements, its possible it could be a gaming machine one day. In fact, Google makes several disclaimers about what Chrome OS Flex is not. Pull insightful reports including 7-day active metrics, OS versions, and crash reports. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Since it still supports modern pps, it keeps chugging along. I installed Cloudready on a Toshiba 2015 Chromebook after it passed AUE. Google does not support installing Chrome OS Flex on a Chrome OS device that has reached its AUE date. It is the successor to CloudReady. Additional hardware features, such as CD/DVD drives, fingerprint readers, FireWire ports, Infrared (IR) and face recognition cameras, proprietary connectors and docks, stylus and active pen input, and Thunderbolt. As a Linux power user myself, it was a sorely missed feature. Easily try modern computing with cloud-based management on existing devices. There is no other OS that has as many bases covered so well. Reduce e-waste and extend the life of your existing devices by transforming them with a modern OS. My take on Flex is somewhat historical. Devices used reach AUE in as little as five years. By day, I showcase the value of cloud products to potential stakeholders and how they help to solve their needs. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Follow the remaining process on screen to set up Chrome OS Flex. Relying on an unofficial solution usually ends up in disappointment, however. Google announced Chrome OS Flex yesterday as a way to turn old Macs and Windows PCs into Chromebooks. Im not advocating for Windows or Microsoft, but just pointing out that the stated barriersregarding updates on older hardware are not always what they seem. Yes, I created the installation USB and tried it on my old Acer 11 (AUE this summer).The chromebook totally ignored the presence of the USB. Most people cannot easily install a different operating system on their Chromebook, and others will simply want to upgrade to a new and more powerful Chromebook. While Chrome OS Flex is a version of Chrome OS, it still differs quite a lot from Chrome OS. Kevin Im confused about this Flex thing. Want to give it a spin? Will it get updates? For those who dont mind getting their hands dirty, Installing Chrome OS Flex is a fun way to breathe new life into your old device. And, theres no evidence that Chrome OS Flex wont work, or at least mostly work, on an older Chromebook. The typical method for changing the drive to install to involves opening up a terminal, something that is currently blocked on this recovery image. Im helping people with problems with Windows: even with the needed specs there are problems with printers, ssd,.
Unofficially, it may work on old Chromebooks too. I tried it on my wifes old Acer 15 CB-571 which is Intel Celeron only 2Gb and past the AUE. This is required to help us route your request based on your industry. Congrats on getting early access to Chrome OS Flex on the dev channel. Clean. Chrome OS is available on Chromebook. Then you can install a PC BIOS on your Chromebook, after that you can install any PC operating system (drivers not withstanding). This includes older Chromebooks as well, where the device may be able to run Chrome OS Flex, but if its not officially supported, Google isnt making any promises. Since Google cannot control the distribution of this version, Chrome OS Flex is missing a few features. When you have a device from your fleet nearby, follow these two steps to get started. Check. Start here. Here is an update 6 weeks after this post. More at https://ubuntu-web.org/. That would allow a person to disable the security features of Chrome OS in exchange for more control over the operating system. Im pretty sure Google is expecting this use of Flex and perhaps theyll pick up new clients. Choose to roll out updates gradually or automatically with the added option for long-term support channel. Chrome OS Flex is a fast, secure, cloud-first, easy-to-manage operating system for Macs and PCs. Then check out http://mrchromebox.tech it may help you on your journey. Ps within diskpart.. The process typically takes around 20 minutes to complete. Im simply relating myexperience, since it is directly relevant to this question. Select disk __ (from above report)4. Any other tips? Dennis CR never supported Chromebooks either so nothing has changed. Unrestricted access to Android apps and the Play Store was probably not attractive to their paying customers so why pay license fees for the Play Store and other proprietary Google features. This appears to parallel the claims Microsoft has made regarding installingWindows 11 on older machines. CloudReady was monetized to schools and businesses looking to extend the life of their existing Windows or Mac devices. But is it worth it? Its easy to deploy across your fleet or simply try it to see what a cloud-first OS has to offer. Remove the USB drive from the device when Chrome Recovery Utility says your recovery media is ready. Google arent in the slightest bit interested in prolonging the life of your Chromebook. At the end of the day, its refreshing to have updates enabled again on my Chromebook. Check. It would sure be welcome to all of us with old machines laying around everywhere. Enable single sign-on, identity-free login, and configure printers and WiFi networks. I have first hand experience on multiplemachines that shows those stated barriers to be artificial and circumventable.So I remain skeptical regarding how this applies to Chrome OS Flex. Ive had issues enabling it and have tried everything under the sun to get it working. I encourage skepticism on such claims.How this issue affects ChromeOS vs. Flex remains to be seen. And its easy to manage Chrome OS Flex devices alongside existing Chromebooks like Chromebooks, management and enrollment is all done with. However, regardless of that, its still a great way for many people to get Chrome OS on their existing devices. Type help for list of commands. But one should expect no help from Google in this endeavor. Once I grabbed my old Chromebook Pixel 2, used the MrChromebox.tech script to install a modified version of Coreboot, and got Chrome OS Flex onto a flash drive, I was ready to go! What is it like using Chrome OS Flex? If you read all of the support information provided by Google about Flex. After installing Flex it seems to run perfectly although a bit noisy as the fan seems to be always on. This operating system is still in early accessyou may experience some instability while exploring. Really if this could happen why not just support the Chromebook for longer than 8 years anyway given how little difference there is between flex and normal Chrome OS. All fields are required. This is required to help us route your request based on company size. Essentially Flex will most likely just replace CR on your Toshiba one update day. I have been looking for instructions on how to install on an Acer 720 cannot find anything. wanting to do this on a 720p. Chrome OS Flex is currently in early access testing and not suited for production use, Google warns. The major distinguishing feature for end-users is Android apps. Same specs, then compare ChromeOS and Windows Compare facility from update and support from Google and Microsoft.I have Windows since al long time, and now Win11. The most difficult part about converting a standard Chromebook to Chrome OS Flex is unlocking the bootloader. For one, you cant officially enable Developer mode yet. However, this varies by model. For my day job at a tech company, I desperately need to run containers and Linux workloads, so for me personally, this is a deal-breaker. Additionally, hardware support is only present for certified models. Just because they dont officially support doesnt mean CR wont work on Chromebooks as you have found out. Reduce threats with no need for antivirus, Refresh a Mac or PC with Chrome OS Flex and Chrome Education Upgrade. Step 1: Create a bootable Chrome OS Flex USB drive and use it to try the OS prior to installing it. Now on to the ugly: lets talk about Android and Linux support. Or Brave. heyradar that should work but Ive had that issue with USBs for many years and never managed to fix. Step 2: When you are ready, install Chrome OS Flex on your PC or Mac to replace your operating system. All has been working well. I use Chrome OS because its very secure, fast, zero maintenance time, good value for money, no-nonsense without time heavy or high maintenance updates, easy to use and very hard to find yourself going down a path where things can go very wrong or waste your weekend in a terminal / online forum. Chromebooks, Chrome OS and Google Chrome browser news. Other than lacking security updates, my old Motorola G7 Power hasnt gotten an update to the OS for a couple of years. Steam is finally here and available on select Chromebooks. But where theres a will, theres a way. Select the bootable USB installer from the list as the boot device, and boot into the drive. Some Sandisk drives may not work. Everything seems to work really well. After getting started, you will receive an installation guide to help get your devices up and running. In short, its not a straightforward process like on Macs or PCs. Ok it should be easy because its Chromebooks, but the team working on this is tiny very tiny and has a gazillion other jobs. Over 8 years of experience with cloud computing and software development. AboutChromebooks.com is not affiliated with Google. This will wipe all garbage and let you create a new partition and format it. You go to Mr Chromebox, and look up the model of your Chromebook, if its in there and it can be dealt with the instructions are there. No. It is designed to refresh older devices, increasing their performance for more efficient teaching and learning. Whatever that means? There are a few limitations with the installation. This isnt expected to change any in the future. Additionally, this site participates in various affiliate programs and may earn a small commmission on sales through any product links. Sometimes I forget Im working off of Flex and that my Chromebook shouldnt be getting updates. Well, thats anyones guess. On Windows,1. Of course, its not like the AUE was a surprise for anyone, so why should we expect it to be different now that CrOS Flex is on the way? Chrome OS Flex runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux devices. Windows PC and Mac have also limited time of support for users, new versions dont run well on older hardware. These all add up to such limiting factors that this old Chromebook wouldnt be my first pick to throw in my bag when traveling for work or vacation. Not something you can give to kids, or computer illiterate people. Since then it has upgraded to 103.0.5035.0. Using proper Linux, Mac or Windows is like going back to School every 5 minutes maths tests, teachers or students bullying you with their snobby opinions or attitudes, waste of time mostly, forced, expensive. Linux is listed in settings, but from my experiences and that of others as well, it generally doesnt work. I use a Chromebook for most daily tasks, but find it useful to have a windows machine available. Removed a write protect screw and used the Mr. Chromebox scripts. I really dont need any apps tbh. Well, I almost couldnt tell that I wasnt on the real Chrome OS. Your email address will not be published. For content more relevant to your region, we suggest: South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, This early build of Chrome OS Flex is a version of Chrome OS made to modernize your schools existing PCs and Mac devices at no additional cost. Google uses cookies to deliver its services, to personalize ads, and to analyze traffic. But it didnt run well. Whether youre just learning about ChromeOS or looking to accelerate your cloud-first OS deployment, ChromeOS Flex makes it easier than ever. Please. 9to5 Google sleuthed out the support page, which reads as follows: Each Chromebook, Chromebase, and Chromebox has an Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date. So any such devices that reach the AUE without Google having implemented LaCrOS are likely to remain unsupported/unnoticed; Google wont be going back and providing support retroactively. Check out 9to5Google on YouTube for more news: Editor-in-chief. What about Steam support? I see this philosophy still at work with Flex. But this isnt a long-term, official solution to having a Chromebook thats no longer receiving software updates from Google. If you want to run any type of other system on your old Chromebook, you have to reflash the bios. There will presumably also be impacts to performance. Additionally, the Intel GMA 500, 600, 3600, and 3650 graphics hardware does not meet Chrome OS Flex performance standards. Click Continue. Speaking of stability, the first recovery image is in the Developer update channel with no option to switch to Stable yet. Once its out of technical preview, it will be perfect for reviving an old computer and handing it off to the non-technical folks in your life. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Not sure they would every want to allow this from a business / legal or tech perspective. Chrome OS Flex is here, and it can turn any old Mac or PC into a Chromebook. So not just PCs and Macs of Googles choosing. DoH!Also, the USB was the good for nothing.The chromebook could not format it, and neither could Windows.One dud USB stick now thrown in the bin. Ubuntu already runs on chromebooks and this is a variant that focuses on web functionality as Chrome OS does. I found that only GalliumOS (discontinued) and Fedora came with all the necessary drivers set up for my Acer Chromebook R11. Under Select a manufacturer, scroll to find Google Chrome OS Flex and select it. This means that end-users will have to completely replace their bootloader with something like Coreboot. It will be hosted alongside recovery images for Chromebooks. The number one complaint about CloudReady has always been its lack of Android support. I havent researched this, but maybe turn old CBs into pure Linux devices? While you might be able to install Chrome OS Flex on Intel or AMD x86 Chrome OS devices, we dont support devices that have reached their AUE date. Chrome OS is Linux-based, and basically secure appliance computing. Deploy ChromeOS Flex to more devices in your organization via a USB drive or network deployment. Can you hook me up with a link? Try the cloud-first, fast, easy-to-manage, and secure operating system for PCs and Macs. Google has generally ignored any Chrome OS device that has reached its AUE date. If your device meets these requirements, its possible it could be a gaming machine one day. In fact, Google makes several disclaimers about what Chrome OS Flex is not. Pull insightful reports including 7-day active metrics, OS versions, and crash reports. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Since it still supports modern pps, it keeps chugging along. I installed Cloudready on a Toshiba 2015 Chromebook after it passed AUE. Google does not support installing Chrome OS Flex on a Chrome OS device that has reached its AUE date. It is the successor to CloudReady. Additional hardware features, such as CD/DVD drives, fingerprint readers, FireWire ports, Infrared (IR) and face recognition cameras, proprietary connectors and docks, stylus and active pen input, and Thunderbolt. As a Linux power user myself, it was a sorely missed feature. Easily try modern computing with cloud-based management on existing devices. There is no other OS that has as many bases covered so well. Reduce e-waste and extend the life of your existing devices by transforming them with a modern OS. My take on Flex is somewhat historical. Devices used reach AUE in as little as five years. By day, I showcase the value of cloud products to potential stakeholders and how they help to solve their needs. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Follow the remaining process on screen to set up Chrome OS Flex. Relying on an unofficial solution usually ends up in disappointment, however. Google announced Chrome OS Flex yesterday as a way to turn old Macs and Windows PCs into Chromebooks. Im not advocating for Windows or Microsoft, but just pointing out that the stated barriersregarding updates on older hardware are not always what they seem. Yes, I created the installation USB and tried it on my old Acer 11 (AUE this summer).The chromebook totally ignored the presence of the USB. Most people cannot easily install a different operating system on their Chromebook, and others will simply want to upgrade to a new and more powerful Chromebook. While Chrome OS Flex is a version of Chrome OS, it still differs quite a lot from Chrome OS. Kevin Im confused about this Flex thing. Want to give it a spin? Will it get updates? For those who dont mind getting their hands dirty, Installing Chrome OS Flex is a fun way to breathe new life into your old device. And, theres no evidence that Chrome OS Flex wont work, or at least mostly work, on an older Chromebook. The typical method for changing the drive to install to involves opening up a terminal, something that is currently blocked on this recovery image. Im helping people with problems with Windows: even with the needed specs there are problems with printers, ssd,.