Google launches access to Chrome OS Flex for PCs, Macs and Linux systems

Google has opened early access for Chrome OS Flex. This essentially makes it possible to install Chrome OS on older PCs and Macs, for example. Chrome OS Flex is based on CloudReady, a service that turns old PCs into a Chromebook.

Google has a special page opened for those interested in trying out an early version of Chrome OS Flex. It is a free operating system for PCs, Macs and Linux devices that, according to Google, can be installed within minutes via a USB stick. Google says Chrome OS Flex will run on most computers with Intel or AMD processors, but it won’t work on the Arm architecture. Google has a list of certified models published.

The new version of Chrome OS is primarily intended for businesses and schools. Chrome OS Flex will look and feel the same as regular Chrome OS in terms of user experience, Google tells The Verge. The new OS is built from the same code and will also follow the same release cycle.

That does not mean that Chrome OS Flex is completely identical and that all features of Chrome OS are supported. Some features will not be present, such as Android apps, Verified Boot, automatic BIOS or UEFI firmware updates and the Trusted Platform Module. These omissions are related to the fact that these features are also not supported by CloudReady. Current CloudReady users are automatically migrated to Chrome OS Flex.

CloudReady developer Neverware was acquired by Google in 2020. Neverware was founded in 2011 with the aim of, for example, being able to continue to use old laptops with an operating system for as long as possible. In 2015, the company released CloudReady, a Chromium-based operating system. The Chrome OS fork can be placed on x86 Windows systems via a USB installer and also works on Macs.