HT TECH wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe

Old laptop very slow? Chrome OS Flex can breathe life into dated Windows, macOS PC for FREE

Google has rolled out Chrome OS Flex for old Windows and macOS computers. The OS is free to use and runs off a USB drive.

By: HT TECH
Updated on: Aug 22 2022, 10:09 IST
Chrome OS Flex runs all Google apps and services on your old Windows / macOS PC. (Google)
Chrome OS Flex runs all Google apps and services on your old Windows / macOS PC. (Google)

Has your old Windows laptop, or Mac slowed down to frustrating levels? If the answer is Yes, Google has a solution. Meet Chrome OS Flex – a new version of Chrome OS that can be carried around in a USB Drive (pendrive), and run on any computer that runs Windows, or macOS. Chrome OS Flex is completely free to use and brings with itself all the benefits of Chrome OS, including a fully functioning Chrome browser. And if you like it a lot, you can simply install it on your PC as the main operating system instead of Windows or macOS.

Google pitches Chrome OS Flex as a free-to-download operating system for schools and businesses. The OS brings along all of Google could-based services, and even offers popular Google apps built in, such as the Chrome browser and Google Assistant. Enterprises can even use this OS as a cloud-based OS for organisations.

You may be interested in

Laptops Tablets
21% OFF
Acer Swift Go SFG14 41 NX KG3SI 002 Laptop
  • Pure Silver
  • 8 GB RAM
  • 512 GB SSD
₹58,990₹74,999
Buy now
39% OFF
Acer Aspire 5 A515 57G Laptop
  • Gray
  • 16 GB RAM
  • 512 GB SSD
₹54,949₹89,999
Buy now
22% OFF
Acer Aspire 3 A315 24 NX KDESI 004 Laptop
  • Silver
  • 8 GB RAM
  • 512 GB SSD
₹33,499₹42,999
Buy now
39% OFF
Asus VivoBook 15 X515JA BQ322WS Laptop
  • Transparent Silver
  • 8 GB RAM
  • 512 GB SSD
₹31,490₹51,990
Buy now
34% OFF
Xiaomi Pad 6
  • Mist Blue
  • 6 GB RAM
  • 128 GB Storage
₹26,299₹39,999
Buy now
55% OFF
Lenovo Tab M10 5G
  • Abyss Blue
  • 6 GB RAM
  • 128 GB Storage
₹20,999₹47,000
Buy now
32% OFF
Realme Pad 2
  • Imagination Grey
  • 6 GB RAM
  • 128 GB Storage
₹19,790₹28,999
Buy now
Honor Pad X9
  • Gray
  • 4 GB RAM
  • 128 GB Storage
₹14,999
Check details

Chrome OS Flex for old PCs

“Chrome OS Flex provides fast access to web apps and virtualization, all within an intuitive, clutter-free experience for users. Chrome OS Flex boots up in seconds and doesn’t slow down over time. And with system updates that happen in the background, there’s less downtime for users,” says Google in its post.

Chrome OS Flex, just like Chrome OS, does require an antivirus software. Google says that the OS keeps getting regular security updates that protect its against viruses, ransomware, and phishing. “Sandboxing technology keeps threats contained to a specific tab or application, the read-only OS blocks executables where threats often hide, and Google Safe Browsing proactively warns users before navigating to malicious sites. IT can even prevent data loss on lost or stolen devices with remote wipe,” adds Google.

From an environment point of view, Chrome OS Flex can also extend life of ageing PCs, thereby reducing e-waste. Hence, your 8-year-old Windows laptop can be revived with this OS, if the hardware is supported and healthy.

Chrome OS Flex requirements

In order to run Chrome OS Flex, these are the minimum system requirements.

USB Drive: 8GB or higher capacity 

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 that Intel GMA 500, 600, 3600, and 3650 graphics hardware do not meet Chrome OS Flex performance standards.

Catch all the Latest Tech News, Mobile News, Laptop News, Gaming news, Wearables News , How To News, also keep up with us on ,Twitter, Facebook, , and Instagram. For our latest videos, subscribe to our YouTube channel.

First Published Date: 17 Feb, 19:18 IST

Sale

Laptops Tablets
23% OFF
Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 GU603ZX K8024WS Laptop
  • Off Black
  • 32 GB RAM
  • 2 TB SSD
₹174,990₹227,990
Buy now
42% OFF
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 GA401IHR K2067TS Laptop
  • White
  • 8 GB RAM
  • 1 TB SSD
₹92,089₹159,689
Buy now
9% OFF
HP Envy 13 X360 13 ay1035AU 54B71PA
  • Nightfall black
  • 16 GB DDR4 RAM
  • 512 GB SSD
₹78,699₹86,507
Buy now
23% OFF
Dell Alienware X17 R1 D569936WIN9
  • Grey
  • 32 GB RAM
  • 1 TB SSD
₹224,790₹290,055
Buy now
35% OFF
Xiaomi Pad 6
  • Mist Blue
  • 6 GB RAM
  • 128 GB Storage
₹25,925₹39,999
Buy now
38% OFF
Lenovo Tab M10 5G
  • Abyss Blue
  • 6 GB RAM
  • 128 GB Storage
₹20,999₹34,000
Buy now
50% OFF
Realme Pad 2
  • Imagination Grey
  • 6 GB RAM
  • 128 GB Storage
₹12,999₹25,999
Buy now
57% OFF
Honor Pad X8
  • Blue Hour
  • 3 GB RAM
  • 32 GB Storage
₹8,999₹20,999
Buy now
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS