Does your outdated MacBook or laptop computer battle to run the newest Home windows or macOS? Here is how one can revive it by putting in ChromeOS Flex.
Why do you have to set up Chrome OS Flex?
Chrome OS is Google’s working system that’s designed to run on low-end {hardware}. It is easy to arrange and straightforward to navigate. Whereas it is a net browser at its core, it nonetheless offers desktop-like expertise. Along with operating Chrome net browser easily, Chrome OS Flex is able to performing practically all duties you’d sometimes do on a Home windows or Mac system. Whether or not you wish to watch Netflix, create shows on Google Slides, stream sporting occasions, conduct on-line conferences, or simply browse Google, Chrome OS has you coated.
Now you would possibly surprise why not go for one other working system? Whereas Home windows and Ubuntu are possible options, they don’t seem to be optimized for older {hardware}. In case your laptop computer struggles to run the OS it got here with, it in all probability will not be capable of run different modern-day working techniques like Home windows 11, the newest macOS, and even Ubuntu. Chrome OS Flex is a light-weight working system that may even on {hardware} that is a decade outdated. Furthermore, it is free to obtain and set up, so that you can provide it a attempt to determine for your self.
Putting in chromeOS Flex on Mac or PC: Issues you might want to know
Earlier than we undergo the method of putting in Chrome OS Flex in your outdated laptop computer, right here are some things that you just want to remember:
- Chrome OS Flex would not assist Android apps in the mean time, however it could arrive sooner or later.
- You may want a unique PC or Mac (aside from the one you wish to set up Chrome OS Flex on) to create an set up picture and a USB drive with at the very least 8 GB of storage. It is also value mentioning that each one the contents on the USB drive can be erased.
- Examine in case your outdated Home windows laptop computer or MacBook is Chrome OS appropriate or not by going to the full record of licensed units.
- Nonetheless, even when your outdated system just isn’t on the record of official supported units, don’t be concerned. In case your outdated pc meets the {hardware} necessities, you’ll set up Chrome OS Flex on the system. Listed below are the minimal necessities from Google to run Chrome OS Flex in your outdated pc:
| Minimal Required Specs | |
|---|---|
| Structure | Intel or AMD x86-64-bit appropriate system |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Inner Storage | 16GB |
| BIOS | Full administrator entry. You may have to boot from the Chrome OS Flex USB installer and make some changes within the BIOS in the event you run into points. |
| Processor and graphics | Elements made earlier than 2010 would possibly end in a poor expertise. |
Be aware: Intel GMA 500, 600, 3600, and 3650 graphics {hardware} don’t meet ChromeOS Flex efficiency requirements.
set up Chrome OS Flex on Mac or PC
First, we’ll have to obtain the OS set up file and create a bootable USB drive. In your new laptop computer (aside from the one you wish to set up Chrome OS Flex on) comply with these steps:
- Head over to the Chrome Internet Retailer and set up the Chromebook Restoration Utility extension.
- Subsequent, click on the extension icon within the prime proper nook (subsequent to the hamburger menu) and open the Chromebook Restoration Utility extension.
- Connect a USB thumb drive to your system. It will be erased so be sure to again up any knowledge that’s within the drive.
- Now choose Get began.
- On the subsequent web page, click on on Choose a mannequin from a listing.
- Now, choose Google ChromeOS Flex because the Producer and ChromeOS Flex because the Product.
Be aware: The picture above exhibits Product as Chrome OS Flex (Developer-Unstable), however it is possible for you to to pick Chrome OS Flex (Secure) within the drop-down menu.
- Hit Proceed.
- Now you will be prompted to insert your USB drive.
- From the drop-down menu, choose your USB drive. Click on Proceed > Create now.
Please word it might take as much as half-hour for creating the USB installer. As soon as the method is full, eject the USB thumb drive out of your laptop computer and decide up the laptop computer/PC on which you wish to set up Chrome OS Flex. Now, comply with these steps:
- Flip off your outdated laptop computer.
- Within the switched-ff state, insert the USB thumb drive that we simply used within the USB port of the system.
- Now, press the facility button and the boot key in your outdated laptop computer from the desk under. Normally, the boot key’s F12, however here’s a record of boot keys in case F12 would not work:
| Producer | Boot key |
|---|---|
| Acer | F2 |
| Apple | Maintain Choice (subsequent to the ⌘ key) |
| Asus | Del |
| Dell | F12 |
| Gateway | F1 |
| HP | F9 |
| Intel | F2 |
| Lenovo | F12 |
| Toshiba | F2 or F12 |
| Different | Strive urgent Esc, any of F1-F12 keys, or Enter |
- On the subsequent display screen, choose Chrome OS Flex USB Installer. You’ll now be booted into the Chrome OS Flex working system.
- Choose Get began on the Welcome to Chrome OS Flex display screen.
- You may first strive Chrome OS Flex in your outdated laptop computer. To take action, choose Strive it first.
- Join the laptop computer together with your Wi-Fi community.
- You may sign up to your Google account, or you may also use the Browse as Visitor choice to start out utilizing Chrome OS Flex straight away.
- Conform to the phrases and circumstances and choose Settle for and proceed.
Now you’ll be able to check out Chrome OS in your outdated system. Should you’re happy with how it’s operating in your outdated system, you’ll be able to completely set up this OS in your outdated system. Here is How:
- On the primary display screen, an choice to Set up Chrome OS Flex can be offered on the backside.
- Click on on Set up Chrome OS Flex. Be aware: You’ll lose all the information of your outdated laptop computer.
- The set up will now happen. You may see a message on the display screen and the system will flip off routinely.
- As soon as the system switches off, watch for a couple of minutes.
- Take away the USB installer out of your system and change it on.
That is it! Now you can begin utilizing Chrome OS Flex in your outdated laptop computer. When you begin utilizing Chrome OS, you will notice how optimized it’s for older-generation {hardware}. In case you run into some points in putting in Chrome OS Flex, then do drop a remark and tell us. We’ll be pleased to assist out!
