Everything You Need to Know About Chrome OS Flex

Recently Google announced a new operating system “Chrome OS Flex” for PCs (Windows, Linux) and Macs. Many people are having several questions in their minds related to this new OS and in this article, we’ll try to answer all these questions.

What is Chrome OS Flex?

Chrome OS Flex is a new free-to-download operating system released by Google. This new OS can be used on PCs and Macs. Chrome OS Flex is a modified version or edition of Google’s popular Chrome OS which has been developed specifically for old computers having outdated hardware.

Chrome OS Flex is a cloud-first operating system which means it requires Internet connectivity and supports cloud-based management.

Chrome OS Flex is best suitable for businesses and schools having lots of old computer devices. They can install Chrome OS Flex on these old devices and can bring them online.

Difference Between Chrome OS Flex and CloudReady

In 2020, Google acquired Neverware company, the creator of CloudReady product. CloudReady allowed users to turn old PCs and Macs into Chromebook devices. The new Chrome OS Flex is based on CloudReady but comes with a few differences as mentioned below:

• Chrome OS Flex doesn’t allow system level access including command-line access using Shell or TTY (teletype).
• It doesn’t allow disabling rootFS verification.
• It’ll allow enrollment into a Google domain for device management.
• Chrome OS Flex will not carry any standalone license cost.
• Chrome OS Flex supports live USB booting which means you can boot and run Chrome OS Flex using a bootable USB drive.
• Chrome OS Flex comes with Chrome browser and Google Assistant built-in.
• Chrome OS Flex comes in a single ISO or image file containing all available editions.

More details about the differences can be read at official Chrome OS Flex Help page.

How to Download and Install Chrome OS Flex?

Google has launched Chrome OS Flex in early access mode which means Chrome OS Flex is under development and testing phase at the moment.

If you want to test drive Chrome OS Flex in your PC or Mac, you can download Chrome OS Flex from following official page:

Download Google Chrome OS Flex

You can create a bootable live USB drive to direct run Chrome OS Flex in your computer system without installing it. Once tested, you can install the OS using the same USB drive.

Minimum Hardware Requirements for Chrome OS Flex

If you are worried whether your computer will be able to run Chrome OS Flex or not, here are the minimum hardware specifications provided by Google officially:

• Architecture: Intel or AMD x86-64-bit compatible device
• RAM: 4 GB
• Internal storage: 16 GB
• Bootable from USB drive
• BIOS: Full administrator access. You’ll need to boot from the Chrome OS Flex USB installer and make some adjustments in the BIOS if you run into issues.
• Processor and graphics: Components made before 2010 might result in a poor experience. Note: Intel GMA 500, 600, 3600, and 3650 graphics hardware do not meet Chrome OS Flex performance standards.

How to Create Bootable USB Drive to Install or Run Chrome OS Flex?

Google has provided all the details required to create a bootable USB drive to test drive Chrome OS Flex.

First you’ll need to install Chromebook Recovery utility in Chrome browser using following link:

Install Chromebook Recovery Utility in Chrome

Then you can create bootable USB drive using the installed extension.

Full details can be read at following official link:

How to Create Chrome OS Flex Bootable USB Drive

When will Chrome OS Flex Stable Version Release to Public?

Google plans to release stable version of Chrome OS Flex in coming months once the testing is completed and all bugs and issues are fixed.

Also Check:

[Changelog] What’s New in Google Chrome 90 and Later Versions