What is Chrome OS Flex?

Summary: What is Chrome OS Flex? Google’s innovative Chrome OS Flex operating system can turn old PCs into Chromebooks. Chrome OS Flex can help you get a few more years of life out of an old laptop or computer and is a way to update an old operating system.

Can You Update Operating Systems?

Nobody likes to throw out an old computer. By the time you get comfortable with a computer and have everything set up the way you like it, it is outdated, incompatible with some apps, running slowly and on its way out. IT experts proclaim that an eight-year-old computer is like a 30-year-old car. Replacing a laptop after 5 years is common. Still, it feels wasteful to replace it. One solution is to update an old operating system with a newer one. If the rest of the device is in good shape, it makes sense to try this update.

Chrome Flex is One Way to Extend the Life of a Computer

Google’s development team has come up with a promising new way to “refresh” old Windows and Mac hardware with their release of Chrome OS Flex. Chrome OS Flex replaces the operating system on older machines and turns them into Chromebooks for free. Many schools take advantage of this fix. This option could be particularly good news for the millions of users with PCs operating with Windows 10, which will be “retired” by 2025. At the moment, Google states that Chrome OS Flex is still unstable, but they offer “early access” to users who’d like to try it rather than buy new hardware. From a marketing position, Chrome OS Flex is an ingenious offering and a great way to introduce consumers to the benefits of using Chromebooks and how they operate.

Many users hold onto their old computers for far too long. Some users might adapt them for limited purposes or use them for parts when they get old. What’s cool about Chrome OS Flex is that it completely replaces Windows, Mac iOS, and all of their files.

The challenge for Google and Chrome OS Flex is compatibility with the plethora of computer hardware available. Google has posted a list of certified models (for PCs and Macs) with the blunt disclaimer that users “might run into minor issues” and adds, “This operating system is still in early access on the dev channel—you may experience some instability,”

Is Chrome OS Flex Worth Trying?

If you are one step away from throwing out your old PC and have the time, there is no reason not to try it. You may lose some functionality, but if it works for you, it might be a great backup computer or one reserved for narrow, designated tasks. Warning: If your old PC is your only machine and you need it daily, you should consider waiting until you have a new PC to try Chrome OS Flex on your old one. You should also back up important data before you update operating systems.

Is Chrome OS Flex Free?

There is no cost to install Chrome Flex operating system. Chrome Flex is free for personal use and widely used in schools. There may come a time when it is no longer supported by Google, so look for transition plans from them when it happens. There are a few other lesser-known operating system updates available, too (check with your IT technician for current advice on which alternative operating system to use, and if it is worth it to install).

Security Tip: Data Wiping Old Tech Devices

Sometimes computer and laptop issues are more than just operating system issues and are not worth fixing. If you decide to get a new device, it is important to fully data-wipe (decommission) the old device before discarding, donating or recycling it. Large amounts of private and business data remain on devices, hidden in multiple places. Placing these old, unused items on a shelf or in a drawer or handing them to recycling programs in schools or office supply stores can expose you or your business to data breaches and cyberattacks. Autosaved credit card information, sign-in credentials and access to banking apps and social media accounts may become available to strangers and cybercriminals posing as recyclers.

Have your IT technician professionally data-wipe old devices to Department of Defense standards for a nominal fee. It is well worth the effort to protect your identity and reduce the risk of a data breach.

Need Help Updating to Chrome OS Flex?

There are risks with DIY computer repair and maintenance. If you are not sure you want to upgrade operating systems on your own or you do not have time to spend on the task, contact a residential or small business IT professional. They can perform this service quickly (sometimes as a remote service). They can also assess your computer and correct any other issues noted.

Whether you work from a company office or remotely from your home office, it is essential to know when it is time to engage the assistance of professional computer repair and maintenance services. IT professionals can assess all aspects of your computer system and network, recommend solutions and keep your system running reliably. A modest investment in professional IT assistance is a smart way to protect computers, networks, mobile devices and data while freeing up your time to concentrate on more substantial business or personal tasks.