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The effortless approach to bring ChromeOS to your desktop or laptop
Are you considering installing Chrome OS on your PC? Chromium OS (or Chrome OS) is a lightweight, open-source operating system developed by Google for their Chromebook line of personal computers. Chrome OS is a cloud-based OS that demands less hardware compared to other operating systems. Installing Chrome OS on an old PC or laptop can rejuvenate its performance. Fortunately, Google offers Chrome OS Flex, an official Chrome OS distribution designed for installation on Windows PCs, Macs, and Linux computers. The only difference between Chrome OS on Chromebooks and Chrome OS Flex is the absence of the Google Play Store, and you can't install Android apps on it. This Mytour guide walks you through the process of installing Chrome OS Flex on your PC.
Essential Information
- You'll need an 8 GB USB Drive to create a bootable USB drive for Chrome OS Flex installation.
- Chrome OS Flex performs optimally on certified computer models. While it may work on uncertified models, it might lack full functionality, performance, or stability.
- Installing Chrome OS Flex will erase your current OS entirely. You can test Chrome OS Flex before committing to a full installation.
Installation Steps
Preliminary Checks
Verify if your computer is certified. Google regularly evaluates and maintains Chrome OS Flex compatibility across various computer models. Chrome OS Flex is expected to function well on certified devices. You can find a comprehensive list of certified devices here.
- Although Chrome OS Flex may operate on uncertified devices, there could be performance, functionality, or stability issues. Google also identifies computers with major and minor issues.
Review your computer's specifications. Your Windows PC, Mac, or Linux machine must meet these minimum requirements to run Chrome OS Flex:
- Intel or AMD x86-64-bit compatible processor
- 4 GB of RAM or more
- 16 GB of internal hard drive space or more
- Bootable from a USB drive
- Full administrative access to BIOS
- Processors and graphics cards manufactured after 2010. Intel GMA 500, 600, 3600, and 3650 graphics cards do not meet Chrome OS Flex's minimum standards.
- A stable internet connection
Acquire a USB drive. You'll need a USB drive with a minimum of 8 GB of storage space. Installing Chrome OS Flex on the USB drive will erase all existing data on it.
Backup all your data. Installing Chrome OS Flex on your PC will erase your hard drive and replace your current OS entirely. Ensure to back up all data and files you wish to retain on both your computer and USB drive.
- Considering Chrome OS Flex installation, backing up your data to Google Drive could be advantageous.
Creating a USB Drive
Launch Google Chrome. Use the Chromebook Recovery Utility browser extension in Google Chrome to generate a bootable USB drive for installing Chrome OS Flex. Click the Google Chrome icon in your Windows Start menu or the Applications folder on Mac to open it.
- If you don't have Google Chrome, you can download and install it from https://www.google.com/chrome/
Install the Chromebook Recovery Utility extension. Follow these steps:
- Go to https://chrome.google.com/webstore/category/extensions to access the webstore.
- Type chromebook recovery utility in the search bar and hit Enter.
- Select Chromebook Recovery Utility.
- Click Add to Chrome.
- Click Add extension.
Insert your USB drive. Insert it into any available USB port on your PC. Ensure you've backed up all the data you want to keep before proceeding, as this process will erase all data on your USB drive.
Access the Chromebook Recovery Utility extension. Click the icon resembling a puzzle piece in the upper-right corner of Google Chrome to view all your extensions. Then, select Chromebook Recovery Utility from the list of extensions.
Click Get Started. Locate and click the blue button in the lower right corner of the window.
Click Select a model from the list. Find and click the small blue text below the text bar. This action will display two new drop-down menus.
Select 'Google Chrome OS Flex' and click Continue. From the top drop-down menu labeled 'Manufacturer,' choose 'Google Chrome OS Flex.' Then, from the bottom drop-down menu labeled 'Select a product,' choose 'Chrome OS Flex.' Finally, click Continue in the lower-right corner.
Select your USB drive and click Continue. Use the drop-down menu to select your USB drive. Then, click Continue in the lower-right corner.
Click Create Now. This action writes Chrome OS Flex to the USB drive. It may take several minutes to complete.
- If you intend to reuse the USB drive after installing Chrome OS Flex, you must erase the Chrome OS Flex installation media. To do this, insert your USB drive and open the Chromebook Recovery Media in Google Chrome. Then, click the gear icon in the upper-right corner and select Erase recovery media.
Click Done. Once the USB recovery media creation is finished, a screen will appear confirming its successful completion. Click Done to close the screen.
Booting from the USB Recovery Media
Access the BIOS. When starting your computer, look for the prompt indicating the key to press to enter the BIOS settings. Common keys include F2, F12, F10, or Del. If your computer boots too quickly, follow these steps from within Windows to access the BIOS:
- Open the Windows Start menu.
- Select Settings.
- Choose Update & Security (Windows 10) or System (Windows 11).
- Click on Recovery.
- Click Restart now under or next to 'Advanced start-up.'
- Choose Troubleshoot.
- Select Advanced options.
- Click on UEFI Firmware Settings.
- Press Restart.
Ensure the boot order prioritizes the USB drive. BIOS menus differ, but look for options like 'Boot Order' or 'Boot Options.' Ensure the USB drive is set as the first boot device before the hard drive. Save changes and exit the BIOS.
- Alternatively, some BIOS menus allow direct selection of the boot drive. In such cases, choose the USB drive.
Power off your computer. Ensure your computer is fully powered off, not in sleep mode.
Insert your USB drive and start your computer. Your computer should boot from the USB drive, allowing you to either try or install Chrome OS Flex.
- If you're using a Mac with an Apple Silicon processor, press and hold the Power button while booting until the Startup options menu appears. For Macs with an Intel processor, hold the 'Option' key during startup to access the startup options menu. Then, select your USB drive to boot your Mac from the USB drive.
Installing Chrome OS Flex
Click Get Started. Once your computer boots from the USB drive, you'll see the Chrome logo followed by the Welcome screen. Click Get Started located at the bottom of the screen.
Click Install Chrome OS Flex. Located at the bottom of the screen, this will prompt a warning about data erasure.
- If you're not yet ready to replace your current OS and prefer to test Chrome OS Flex first, click Try it first.
Click Install Chrome OS Flex. Initiates the installation process, which may take a few minutes. Once done, your computer will shut down automatically.
- Warning: This action will erase your current OS and all data on your hard drive. Proceed only after backing up everything you want to keep.
Eject your USB drive and start your computer. Ensure this is done before restarting. Upon booting, Chrome OS Flex will become your new operating system.
Useful Tips
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Consider clicking Try it first to experience Chrome OS Flex before committing to installation.
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For optimal performance and automatic updates, it's advisable to install Chrome OS Flex rather than run it from a USB drive.
Warnings
- If you opt to install Chrome OS Flex, be aware that it will erase everything on your computer's hard drive, including documents, pictures, files, and videos. Back up your data beforehand to avoid loss.
- Chrome OS Flex does not support the installation of the Google Play Store or Android apps.
Essentials
- USB drive (8GB or larger)
- Spare computer (optional)
- Computer
- Internet connection (Chrome OS Flex requires Internet access)
