Chrome OS is a new operating system that’s designed for Chromebooks. It’s fast, secure, and easy to use. Plus, it can be used on old PCs. Here’s how you can turn your old PC into a Chromebook.

  1. Start by opening Chrome OS and signing in with your Google account.
  2. On the main screen, click on the three lines in the top left corner of the screen to get a list of available devices.
  3. If your PC is not listed, you may need to update it to Chrome OS by clicking on the link in the bottom right corner of the screen and following the instructions.
  4. Once your PC has been updated, open Chrome OS and sign in with your Google account again.
  5. Click on the three lines in the top left corner of the screen again to get a list of available devices again. This time, select your PC from among them and click on “Add.”
  6. In the “Device Type” field, select “PC.” You may also want to check “Use an existing hard drive.” If you do not have an existing hard drive, you will need to create one first by clicking on “Create New Hard Drive” and following instructions. Once your hard drive has been created, add it to your computer and sign in with your Google account again.

Google announced today that Chrome OS Flex is leaving early access, and is now stable enough to rely on for typical day-to-day use. Just like the CloudReady OS that Neverware used to offer before it was aquired by Google, Chrome OS Flex is an installable operating system that looks and works just like the Chrome OS software on Chromebooks. There are a few differences, like the Google Play Store missing (so you can’t run Android apps), but it’s more or less the same experience as using a Chromebook.

Google is pitching Chrome OS Flex to large companies and organizations, since it offers most of the benefits of Chromebooks (especially regarding security and remote management) without spending money to replace fleets of laptops and desktops. Chrome OS Flex is also available to download for personal use too, which can be a great alternative to Windows or desktop Linux for older PCs.

Compatibility is still a toss-up with Chrome OS Flex, but Google has now certified over 400 devices, so you might be able to tell if the software will work with your PC before you try it. Some of the computers tested to work include the Mid-2012 MacBook Pro, 2018 ASUS Vivobook Flip 14, and Dell XPS 13 9300. Chrome OS Flex can also run from a bootable USB drive without any installation first, much like most desktop Linux distributions.

Google previously said that anyone running the older CloudReady OS would be automatically upgraded to Flex once it was stable, so that should be happening soon. You can try out Chrome OS Flex on your own PC by visiting Google’s website.