Google has released Chrome OS Flex and you can install it for free on a computer, laptop or Mac.

The system requirements for Chrome OS Flex are very basic.

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.

In addition to a computer that meets the minimum requirements, you will need a computer with the Chrome browser installed to create the installation media. You will also need a USB drive with at least 8 GB of storage space.

Just like the regular version of Chrome OS that comes installed on Chromebooks, you will have access to all of Google’s cloud computing services such as Gmail, Drive, Docs and more.

Create Chrome OS Flex Installation Media

Note: Google does caution that the installation may fail with some USB drives. If you find that happens to you try a different USB Drive.

  1. Open Google Chrome on your computer or Mac and go to the Chrome Web Store and install the Chromebook Recovery Utility. https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/chromebook-recovery-utili/pocpnlppkickgojjlmhdmidojbmbodfm
  2. Once the extension has been added to Google Chrome, click the extensions icon in the top right corner and select the Chromebook Recovery Utility from the list.
  3. The Chromebook recovery process will begin.
  4. Insert your USB drive into a USB port and click the get started button.
  5. You will be prompted to identify your Chromebook. Click “Select a model from a list”
  6. From the list that opens, select Google Chrome OS Flex.
  7. In the second drop-down menu select “Chrome OS Flex (Developer-Unstable)”
  8. Click the continue button.
  9. On the next screen you will be prompted to select the media you’d like to use. Select the USB drive you inserted earlier.
  10. Click continue.
  11. You will be warned that any data currently on the USB drive will be deleted. Click the create now button.
  12. The process of downloading and creating the recovery image will begin.
  13. Once complete click the done button, or if you would like to create another USB drive click create another. When finished remove the USB drive.

Install Chrome OS Flex from USB Recovery Media

If there is any data on the hard drive you want to keep be sure to save it before proceeding.

  1. If your computer’s BIOS is not already set to boot from a USB drive, enter the BIOS and go to the boot menu and enable that setting. (You can refer to the manufacturers support manual for directions)
  2. Insert the USB drive into the computer or Mac you want to install Chrome OS Flex on and start the computer.
  3. Click the get started button.
  4. You will have the option to install Chrome OS Flex or try it first. If you choose to install Chrome OS Flex it will overwrite the previous OS and install on the hard drive. If you choose to try it first it will run from the USB drive. Choose to install unless you want to try it first. Then click the next button. Then click install Chrome OS Flex.
  5. You will receive a warning that the hard drive will be erased. Click the install button.
  6. When finished it will say installation complete. Remove the USB drive from the computer. The computer will restart with the new OS installed.