Why ChromeOS Flex Is the Sustainable OS Upgrade for PCs and Macs

In February this year Google launched the "new" operating system ChromeOS Flex, and after more than five months of early‑preview testing, the stable version (103) was released, meaning any interested user can now install and use it.

ChromeOS Flex differs from regular ChromeOS: it can be installed on devices that originally run Windows or macOS (Intel or AMD processors, ARM not supported), turning them into Chromebooks.

Built on the CloudReady project acquired by Google in 2020, ChromeOS Flex targets enterprises and education users who want to extend the life of existing hardware, making it a green, sustainable solution with low configuration demands.

Globally, 40 million tons of electronic waste are generated each year—equivalent to discarding 800 laptops every second. Upgrading devices to ChromeOS Flex instead of replacing them is an effective way to reduce waste and combat this growing problem.

Google has already certified over 400 devices, confirming that audio I/O, display, networking, USB, webcam, and core components function correctly. Certification will continue to expand, and lack of certification does not mean a device cannot run ChromeOS Flex.

Since the early‑preview program began, Google has resolved more than 600 issues. The minimum hardware requirements are:

Architecture: Intel or AMD x86‑64‑bit compatible device

Memory: 4 GB

Storage: 16 GB

Bootable from USB

BIOS: full administrator access

Processor and graphics: components produced before 2010 may lead to poor experience; Intel GMA 500, 600, 3600, 3650 graphics are not supported

Devices running ChromeOS Flex share the same codebase, application sandbox, read‑only OS, background updates, rapid boot speed, Chrome browser, user interface, cloud sync for settings and bookmarks, Google Assistant, and support for Smart Lock, Instant Tethering, and Nearby Sharing. However, ChromeOS Flex does not support Android apps and lacks the Play Store.

ChromeOS Flex can be booted directly from a USB device without installation, and existing CloudReady users can upgrade automatically.

For detailed installation instructions, refer to the official documentation: https://chromeenterprise.google/os/chromeosflex/

Related links:

https://cloud.google.com/blog/products/chrome-enterprise/chromeos-flex-ready-to-scale-to-pcs-and-macs