Interesting timing on Google's part. Microsoft is telling us to just dump our old computers because they won't run there latest and greatest OS even though most of those same computers work just fine. Goggle is, in effect, telling us to give new life to all our old machines by trying Chrome instead of that other OS that's bloated and wants to leave you in the dust! Perfect! I've viewed a couple of other similar videos on installing Flex. As always, yours is the best.
But at the same time google isn’t helping with their end of life thing. They should give updates forever just how they are now for chrome os flex. I hope google changes their ways and stop committing to e waste.
@@Bloxxness Google is helping with eol. They're separating Chrome OS and the Chrome browser, so even 8+ yo chromebooks that no longer have support can still run the latest version of the Chrome browser
@@Ignacio.Romero Do you know how to do this? I have an EOL chromebook running version 76, so I'm stuck with Chrome 76 and it won't run some sites that require a newer version of chrome (for example, Chrome 85.)
@@KevinJhonson It's still a WIP, I think it's only available in the dev channel. This will eventually come as an OS update, meaning that sadly only newer chromebooks (or any chromebook that is still supported) will get standalone browser updates
Thanks, Lon. This is awesome. I was able to install Chrome OS Flex on an underpowered Lenovo laptop designed for school students, and turn it into a usable device.
Lon, thanks for the excellent review from installation to performance. I installed Chrome OS Flex on an older Intel NUC6CAYS (Celeron J3455, 8GB RAM - 120GB Sandisk SSD). Amazing. All mini-PC components are recognized including the internal Intel Wifi card. Boots in 10 seconds or less. Very responsive web browsing including full HD video support on an old 24-inch Viewsonic monitor (VGA + mini plug audio cable), even recognized the internal speakers. Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime and RUclips play flawlessly. Immediately recognized an old Logitech Orb webcam which did not work properly under Windows 10 until I found an old Logitech driver. The Intel NUC6CAYS had been mothballed but it is now out and being used by grandkids. Wish Chrome OS Flex had been available during 2020 when we were homeschooling three grandkids on school provided Chromebooks. The NUC is faster than the school Chromebooks.
@@LonSeidman UPDATE. Turned on Linux in Chrome OS Flex after the lastest Google update - Version 101.0.4937.0 (Official Build) dev (64-bit). Linux apps run right from the Chrome OS Flex desktop so no need for a Linux GUI. LibreOffice Linux version runs with ease. Microsoft Edge Linux installed after the ppa was installed. Edge works just like in Windows 11. Think I could use the old Intel NUC as a daily driver now.
Thanks for this AWESOME tutorial, Lon: clear, concise, comprehensive information presented in a straightforward way that's easy to follow (even for those of us who are technologically challenged). Your students at the University of Hartford must love your classes, Mr. Seidman...!
This is a very good episode: I've been using Flex on multiple laptops with the same USB stick, so when you clarify what happens when you do that, it's very nice to know. Good job.
Ha! I discovered CloudReady a few months ago and installed it on an old Lenovo laptop from ~2012. This was a machine that was about to be scrapped but has found new life as a Chromebook for my kids to use ... something they are very familiar with from using Chromebooks at school. Glad to hear that Google is not scuttling the project.
I dont think, because old PC's doesn't support virtualization. But it support linux apps, because its build on linux. But if you have linux, you can add play market.
FYI. My Dell inspire 1525 worked on the usb but not on the HDD (hard disk Drive) I changed out the HDD for a SSD 120 gig that I had laying around and that worked…..except during the set up. Chrome couldn’t identify the right display settings. So logging into Wi-Fi was a challenge. Once I blindly logged in, it now works great. Great video keep up the good work.
This is a follow up on the dell inspire 1525. Chrome did an update on the software and now the splash screen initialize correctly. My HP also had the problem with Chrome not working on the HHD. But I switched it to another 240 gig SSD and it now works fantastic.
Great video Lon. I'm hoping it can work on the majority of Chromebooks that have reached their end of life. I heard it might work on some. I'm sure someone will find a way to make it portable, probably using Rufus or something. Thanks a million.
Picked up an HP T630 thin client device cheaply and have successfully installed Chrome OS Flex. Runs like a dream with full Wi-Fi and bluetooth support
Something to be wary of - when you are installing to the hard drive, be sure your computer only has 1 hard drive installed or connected, as it does not give you an option of what drive to install to.
As a long time Neverware Cloud Ready OS Home Edition(It's what Chrome OS Flex is based on) user(aunt, mother, and a backup thinkpad) this has been true for a very long time, the installer will find the largest HDD/SSD in the system, and wipe it clean no matter how it's formatted, and yes I've used both Cloudy Ready, and Chrome OS Flex. Also to note once it's installed any optical drives in the system become useless, other than the physical eject button, and it does not like Nvidia graphics very well, only AMD, and Intel, and on some Macbooks keyboard back lights don't work, nor does full WiFi 5Ghz support along with bluetooth being flakey, nor will the system fan spin correctly unless you go into Crosh shell, and input a pain in the ass command every time you turn on the system, or it wakes from sleep (I have a mid-20121 3in Unibody Macbook Pro, so I can verify this). Lastly if you have the ZIP file of the ISO(leave it as a ZIP file) you can burn it to an 8GB USB 2.0 drive(don't ask me why but USB 3.0 drives don't always work) using Etcher on Windows, Mac, or Linux, and it's not hard to find a ZIP file of Chrome OS Flex to download with a Google search.
Thanks Lon for this one! I am able to run CloudReady then the dev version of Chrome OS Flex on a HP Pavilion DV7 I purchased in 2011. Windows 10 slowed it down so much it no longer functioned. Nice to see new life in this laptop again.
Thanks for sharing this, Lon, it's neat! It seems contradictory for Google to buy this company and simultaneously end auto-updates for the official products as they age. Neverware: "Installing CloudReady on an AUE ("auto update end" - also known sometimes as "end of life" or EOL) Chrome OS device is not supported by Neverware, nor is it in our product roadmap."
I bought my daughter a Chromebook 2yrs ago and I just got a notice that in June 2022 no longer supported. This would be cool if you can install this OS on it.
I played around with Cloudready back about 4 or 5 years ago. Worked on some devices fine, some not so much. Seems like the same experience with Linux. Some fine, some not so much.
Definitely test things, but as an indicator for how well, Chrome OS Flex MAY run on older hardware, I ran CloudReady on my Asus Transformer Book t100 (from 2015), and that Atom processor was able to keep up PERFECTLY! It even smoothly played 720p RUclips videos, and loaded said pages, QUICKLY!
Great videos about reusing old tech! I was thinking of you could use the same idea to repurpose another machine as a DIY NAS? Using TrueNAS for instance? Cheers
Just did this today on my acer swift 1 with a pentium and 4gb ram after tring three differnet linux instalations. Honestly chrome os flex isdoing everything i need a laptop for anyway and it's helped me not need to buy a new laptop because it's running really well
If this was a thing at the start of the pandemic, it would have blew up. There was such a large need for this early on. Everyone has chromebooks now. I hope they iron out of the kinks because it’s something different to run. Sometimes Ubuntu gets old. It also seems to be getting worse as time goes on. It just does not like the low end hardware I install it on. I’ve recently been using mint or other light weight distros. Can’t wait to check this out!
Very helpful video. Used it to guide me installing Chromecast OS Flex on a Samsung 700Z Chronos (with Intel core i7). Did have some problems. The boot manager key is F10. But at first didn't give me the option of booting up from a memory stick. Eventually discovered that you need to disable booting up in secure mode (which is the default mode). To achieve this, you need to open Boot Manager, switch to apps tab, where you will find the page to disable secure mode. Now with Flex installed, it's like having a new Chromebook.
At 4:23 made me think about one time I was reinstalling Windows (maybe 20 years ago). I backed up all documents an stuff I wanted to keep to a USB-drive. Then I started the installation CD. At the point where Windows Installation asked me to select partition, I wanted to change from many partitions, to one pne partition on my hard-drive. I selected delete for all partitions,.... then I realized Windows Installer had discovered my USB drive, and it ended up without a partition table on it. Luckily, I was able to recover all files with some tool, because no data were overwritten, except the main partition table.
I don’t have chrome on my main laptop I was able to do this in Brave. But very happy it saved an old laptop with Windows 10 that was super slow now I can at least browse the web and do things
Chrome OS is cool. I use Linux on several older Macbooks. These are laptops that I would have to use a special patcher to run current versions of MacOS but they all run Linux and Cloud Ready or Chrome OS without issue. Don't dump your older Macbook or Windows machine. Sadly companies like MFST and Apple don't want us to use older systems. Notice that Windows 11 won't run on older machines. (yes you can use Rufus to create a USB drive that removes TPM)
I just found and old Toshiba laptop. Need to try this. Now I need to find the power adapter. Back to the basement archives. Hopefully the spiders don’t attack.
Chrome OS is based on gentoo Linux with Google stuff baked in , hence the compatibility with desktop Linux apps. This version is essentially Neverwere's Cloudready , the open source version of chrome OS , based on Chromium . Hope this helps Best Regards
This is so awesome thanks for the video as well I just convert my old mac book air 2011 into a chrome book OS with flex and so far it running very well and the software has all my drivers tooo which is amazing
Great video (as usual). I appreciate the independent review. I have seen other content creators put URLs in a pinned comment. That's appreciated with RUclips app for Android. Links in the description open in a browser within the app, then I have to manually open externally, then go back to the browser within the app to close that browser to get back to the RUclips app. Links in a comment open in an external browser, then I just switch app to get back to RUclips.
Anything that reduces high Tech waste from old computers gets my vote. I realize it is only a drop in the bucket and that it fits only certain use cases, but for the sake of the environment, we need to change the mindset of throwing away perfectly good computers just because they are old.
I had an old Dell laptop, and I installed Linux Mint onto it instead. It now works almost identical to that of an old-school Windows-XP computer, which is way better than any Chromebook could ever be. I now run the video converting program 'Handbrake' on it, something you can't do with a Chromebook. I recommend that people should first try Linux Mint (Linux OS) before they go all the way and install ChromeOS.
true. I run Ubuntu on an old hp. run everything in my browser including Netflix. but if flex can be as stable as Linux i don't see much of a difference. I mean besides the word processor and few utilities, linux is a pretty much a digital desert.
I wanted to install it in a separate partition on the SSD but it doesn't give any option like that. Just gives a scary warning that everything will be wiped from SSD which I don't want to do
I have an HP Stream that I turned into a Chromebook, using Brunch to boot. It currently runs the relm image. I used to run Cloudready until I heard about Brunch. Now I get everting including android app support. Should've probably chosen a newer image, but the computer that image was made for almost identically matched my HP, so that's what I went with.
How did you get it to work on that MacBook? What Wi-Fi drivers do you have? I have a MacBook Pro only slightly older, 2009, but Wi-Fi doesn't work neither on Chrome OS Flex (just tried it) nor on Linux distributions; I can only use distros that come with proprietary drivers built in.
I see audio is working for you,n wasnt there some kind of driver issue that many people were dealing with? Has that been solved or is your device one of the ones that are supported?
thanks, great video. how to install the drivers? also will other softwares like audacity, shotcut run? how to? please make one video for that too. thanks again
Great video Lon. I can see this is going to be helpful for a lot of people in the months and years ahead. By the way, do you plan to review the mini pc Aerofara 2 Pro?
I have a Flash Drive with Linux and Windows OS's, I wish I can just download Chrome Flex, and just add it to my list and now do all of these extra steps.
Only if the HP BIOS will let you boot with UEFI secure boot, as I have an HP slimline Desktop, and despite it being released in late 2011/early 2012 with a 64bit dual core pentium CPU that can support UEFI, the HP bios only boots in legacy GRUB mode, which is a no go for Chrome OS Flex.
No it takes over the entire drive, and make sure you have all HDD/SSD you don't want to Install to disconnected, as it will install to the largest drive in the system, so again just have the boot drive in the system, also you can't use optical media drives fir the Install, or after it's done.
I'm just curious is it really better to use the Chrome OS instead of just using a regular lightweight distro to it since that will give you more freedom?
Thank you so much for this video. In my openion the best os for old mac lsptops is MX 19.2 Linux, I have instslled this os in different old macbooks and it was a great choice.
So what about getting google updates for Chrome os and chrome browser? Most important problem is Google's update policy that ends on older Chrome laptops.
I gave Chrome OS Flex on my 2013 Macbook Air. Really liked it but I found it a bit limited. I wanted to find a web based email client that would be able to bring in multiple email account in one unified Inbox but I couldn't find anything. I also couldn't find any good, simply IRC clients. So, I reinstalled Big Sur. A bit sluggish but can do what I need.
@@TonyPadgett Seems my reply was removed? But to repeat it, the answer is yes, it should work since Peppermint is based on Ubuntu and Ubuntu works on the 2013 MacBook Air. You could also try the MATE edition of Ubuntu, as that's very lightweight as well.
@@AAWinnerMichaelCaine the latest version of Peppermint dropped Ubuntu for a pure Debian base, and some things got screwed up on the process, so it's one step forward, but 2 steps back, so I'm going to recommend Linux Mint DE(Debian Edition), or Solus w/Budgie DE which is my main Linux distro, and one of the most stable rolling releases I've used, even on a dual core pentium with 4GB o RAM. Just use Etcher to make the bootable USB key.
Does this os supports windows apps? Or is there a way to emulate them? I want to install mswlogo software for my kid to learn, is that possible? I have a old Acer tablet..
Lon, great presentation. I'm one of the neanderthals that prefers to work with a mouse rather than a touchpad, but the touchpad always seems to be activated inadvertently even while working with the mouse. Is there a way in CloudReady/ChromeOS Flex to disable the touchpad when the mouse is plugged in? There is such a method on Windows, Linux, and the Chromebook itself, but on the Chromebook it requires the use of the Search key, which would not be present on a laptop on which ChromeOS Flex has been installed. Just thought I would ask.
I'm running Chrome OS Flex on my MacBook Air 7,2 early 2015. Works great from thumb drive! That said I'm not installing it anytime soon! Not on the Certified models list.
Ooooor... you can install linux. Though I suspect flex will be attractive for educational enviroments or volunteer groups making use of off lease machines where the ywant the sandbox chrome provides. Kepe in mind I was one of the beta testers. I loved my cr48 (though I would have loved it more with a core duo, a decoder chip for codecs, and four gigs of ram, but eh.) So don't take my 'but linux' too personally. My biggest complaint mostly is that you can't install android apps to this (yet.) Adding android capability to chromeOS really helped shore up it's native weaknesses.
can you sync 2 chromebooks to one profile? meaning 1 chromebook at home, 1 chromebook in the office and they seamlessly sync and you have all files on the cloud. you can use all files on both books when you need to, correct?
Could have been a faulty hard drive was the issue with the MacBook rather than Chrome OS not being able to run from it? Or maybe a hardware driver was missing?
Sounds simple enough, but when I attempted, yesterday, to download the installer file to my USB stick, I wound up with nothing found on my USB stick or in my Downloads folder. I ran through this entire process three or four times. Still, no installer file was ever downloaded, so my 11-year old Lenovo 11e laptop, which is on the list of computers "certified" by Google to be compatible with installing Chrome OS Flex, remains Chrome OS-free. Now, one thing, though: I did see something, during all this, that said there have been "issues" with using SanDisk USB sticks, and mine is a SanDisk Cruzer, so....maybe that's the problem? Am I going to have to buy a new non-ScanDisk brand USB stick just to get this done?
I was planning to install Chrome OS to my old Macbook but your video proved too be not possible due to some hardware issues. Have you got a fix for it?
is chrome os flex the same as chrome? im asking because my chromebook wont get any more software updates in june. and will i get software updates after i install chrome os flex?
Hi...I see you have installed the chromeOS on your MacBook Pro an 2010 like mine but I cannot install it on MacBook Pro..I only have the logo of chromeOS flex I have changed the USB port but it seems it doesn't work ...the only thing is that I have opencore legacy patcher that I have Sonoma installed..have you any idea to help me?..I would appreciate it.. Thanks
i have an old laptop that i want to try installing chrome OS. unfortunately i don't have any chrome laptop so i can download it. where can i purchase ready to install chrome OS USB stick?
i installed it on an old laptop ( old dell 54xx) boots from usb fine , as soon as you try and install it .. the mbr wont load ... i think this is an error with the laptop rather than flex.. ill try some more pc's and laptops, i have now subscribed as it was a very good review
Lon, can you take out the usb drive after it boots or do you need to keep it plugged in while the laptop is powered on? Does putting the machine into sleep/standby change that? Thanks for taking a look at this new option for older hardware.
@@LonSeidman Thanks. I figured I'd ask as I'm always afraid that I'll knock the usb hanging out the side loose and damage the port when moving a laptop.
@@LtCdrRoyFokker I use the very small thumb drives ( Samsung's and SanDisk's) in my Chromebook and PC's for a few years and have never had any issues. Rarely do I pull them out when I need to transfer files
@@LS22153 Thanks. Mine are all pretty old and/or cheap so I should probably invest in at least a single good one with a size that won't worry me too! :)
Hii !! Great video!! I did install Chrome OS flex ,model Compaq cq60,wifi network is not showing up ,wifi is on but theres no network showing up :( what to do? Any recommendations ?
Macbooks and boot loops are like peanut butter and jelly. Sorry it didn't work out for you but this is a great opportunity to put the superior Ubuntu on it. :)
Tried to install the latest Flex build on a Lenovo Miix 320, a sort of 2-in-1 Windows 10 tablet that didn't really have enough juice to run Windows properly. Couldn't get it to boot from USB no matter what I tried. Very frustrating.
so i have a dell studio 1555 or 1550 i dont exactly know to be honest but the processor i use is Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T6600 so will flex work or not?
Good video! :) While I was watching, I was wondering if this can be a solution to Chromebooks that have reached their endlife and don't have support anymore. With this Flex, maybe they will still receive updates, as long as it's x86 based, of course.
Hi Lon! I tried this on both a HP 600 g3 and a HP 800 g3, i7 6700, and I have a blank black screen, but if I hit escape I'll get audio from chrome. Could it be because I have an Nvidia GPU? (both desktops are on the approved list)
Wasn't the original point of Chrome OS to be able to run on really low powered hardware without it chugging like Windows does? That would be nice to be able to use old computers for basic tasks like surfing the web or writing an essay.
"Linux is your friend" to extend their life. Most versions can be previewed (test drive) by running the Linux OS in "live mode" before committing to a hard drive install to insure the older computer hardware is comparable and capable.
November 22: Flex works perfectly on my girlfriend's computer. She only needs the same basics as on her phone and Android TV, with connectability between all three, so not much to ask. EDIT: It's some crappy little laptop that she bought about five years ago. Didn't take me because the deal was sooo good. I would have laughed if I didn't care. She got what she was willing to pay for. Five years later, it does what she wanted! LOL!
Your macbook would have worked if you turned off Filevault first before trying to install Any other OS. Now if you pull the hard drive and reformat it it might work. I've never tried that way i've only done it with removing the Filevauld first.
Interesting timing on Google's part. Microsoft is telling us to just dump our old computers because they won't run there latest and greatest OS even though most of those same computers work just fine. Goggle is, in effect, telling us to give new life to all our old machines by trying Chrome instead of that other OS that's bloated and wants to leave you in the dust! Perfect! I've viewed a couple of other similar videos on installing Flex. As always, yours is the best.
I wonder how many people will dump perfectly good hardware because they don't know how to enable TPM.
But at the same time google isn’t helping with their end of life thing. They should give updates forever just how they are now for chrome os flex. I hope google changes their ways and stop committing to e waste.
@@Bloxxness Google is helping with eol. They're separating Chrome OS and the Chrome browser, so even 8+ yo chromebooks that no longer have support can still run the latest version of the Chrome browser
@@Ignacio.Romero Do you know how to do this? I have an EOL chromebook running version 76, so I'm stuck with Chrome 76 and it won't run some sites that require a newer version of chrome (for example, Chrome 85.)
@@KevinJhonson It's still a WIP, I think it's only available in the dev channel. This will eventually come as an OS update, meaning that sadly only newer chromebooks (or any chromebook that is still supported) will get standalone browser updates
Thanks, Lon. This is awesome. I was able to install Chrome OS Flex on an underpowered Lenovo laptop designed for school students, and turn it into a usable device.
Lon, thanks for the excellent review from installation to performance. I installed Chrome OS Flex on an older Intel NUC6CAYS (Celeron J3455, 8GB RAM - 120GB Sandisk SSD). Amazing. All mini-PC components are recognized including the internal Intel Wifi card. Boots in 10 seconds or less. Very responsive web browsing including full HD video support on an old 24-inch Viewsonic monitor (VGA + mini plug audio cable), even recognized the internal speakers. Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime and RUclips play flawlessly. Immediately recognized an old Logitech Orb webcam which did not work properly under Windows 10 until I found an old Logitech driver. The Intel NUC6CAYS had been mothballed but it is now out and being used by grandkids. Wish Chrome OS Flex had been available during 2020 when we were homeschooling three grandkids on school provided Chromebooks. The NUC is faster than the school Chromebooks.
That is awesome!!
@@LonSeidman UPDATE. Turned on Linux in Chrome OS Flex after the lastest Google update - Version 101.0.4937.0 (Official Build) dev (64-bit). Linux apps run right from the Chrome OS Flex desktop so no need for a Linux GUI. LibreOffice Linux version runs with ease. Microsoft Edge Linux installed after the ppa was installed. Edge works just like in Windows 11. Think I could use the old Intel NUC as a daily driver now.
Thanks for this AWESOME tutorial, Lon: clear, concise, comprehensive information presented in a straightforward way that's easy to follow (even for those of us who are technologically challenged). Your students at the University of Hartford must love your classes, Mr. Seidman...!
Nice
This is a very good episode: I've been using Flex on multiple laptops with the same USB stick, so when you clarify what happens when you do that, it's very nice to know. Good job.
Ha! I discovered CloudReady a few months ago and installed it on an old Lenovo laptop from ~2012. This was a machine that was about to be scrapped but has found new life as a Chromebook for my kids to use ... something they are very familiar with from using Chromebooks at school. Glad to hear that Google is not scuttling the project.
I'm hoping that Google adds the Android app functionality to Chrome OS Flex soon.
Agreed
without android apps is like coffee without cream and sugar
I dont think, because old PC's doesn't support virtualization. But it support linux apps, because its build on linux. But if you have linux, you can add play market.
FYI. My Dell inspire 1525 worked on the usb but not on the HDD (hard disk Drive) I changed out the HDD for a SSD 120 gig that I had laying around and that worked…..except during the set up. Chrome couldn’t identify the right display settings. So logging into Wi-Fi was a challenge. Once I blindly logged in, it now works great. Great video keep up the good work.
This is a follow up on the dell inspire 1525. Chrome did an update on the software and now the splash screen initialize correctly.
My HP also had the problem with Chrome not working on the HHD. But I switched it to another 240 gig SSD and it now works fantastic.
Great video Lon. I'm hoping it can work on the majority of Chromebooks that have reached their end of life. I heard it might work on some. I'm sure someone will find a way to make it portable, probably using Rufus or something. Thanks a million.
There is a way! I used Rufus because the normal way wouldn’t work. If you like I can send you the ISO
Picked up an HP T630 thin client device cheaply and have successfully installed Chrome OS Flex. Runs like a dream with full Wi-Fi and bluetooth support
Welcome to the party, pal! (John McClane, 1988). You're a little late out of the gate, but your videos are always straight to the point.
Something to be wary of - when you are installing to the hard drive, be sure your computer only has 1 hard drive installed or connected, as it does not give you an option of what drive to install to.
As a long time Neverware Cloud Ready OS Home Edition(It's what Chrome OS Flex is based on) user(aunt, mother, and a backup thinkpad) this has been true for a very long time, the installer will find the largest HDD/SSD in the system, and wipe it clean no matter how it's formatted, and yes I've used both Cloudy Ready, and Chrome OS Flex.
Also to note once it's installed any optical drives in the system become useless, other than the physical eject button, and it does not like Nvidia graphics very well, only AMD, and Intel, and on some Macbooks keyboard back lights don't work, nor does full WiFi 5Ghz support along with bluetooth being flakey, nor will the system fan spin correctly unless you go into Crosh shell, and input a pain in the ass command every time you turn on the system, or it wakes from sleep (I have a mid-20121 3in Unibody Macbook Pro, so I can verify this).
Lastly if you have the ZIP file of the ISO(leave it as a ZIP file) you can burn it to an 8GB USB 2.0 drive(don't ask me why but USB 3.0 drives don't always work) using Etcher on Windows, Mac, or Linux, and it's not hard to find a ZIP file of Chrome OS Flex to download with a Google search.
It install on the PRIMARY Hard Drive.
Thanks Lon for this one! I am able to run CloudReady then the dev version of Chrome OS Flex on a HP Pavilion DV7 I purchased in 2011. Windows 10 slowed it down so much it no longer functioned. Nice to see new life in this laptop again.
You're welcome and thank you for the support!!
Thanks for sharing this, Lon, it's neat! It seems contradictory for Google to buy this company and simultaneously end auto-updates for the official products as they age.
Neverware: "Installing CloudReady on an AUE ("auto update end" - also known sometimes as "end of life" or EOL) Chrome OS device is not supported by Neverware, nor is it in our product roadmap."
Yeah I need to see if I can get this working on my Mom's out of date Chromebook!
I bought my daughter a Chromebook 2yrs ago and I just got a notice that in June 2022 no longer supported. This would be cool if you can install this OS on it.
thanks LON for uploading this, I really didnt know about google buying cloudready, a step forward in a good direction 👍🏻
I had Cloud Ready working on a Core2 Duo Mac Mini a year or two ago. Great software to revive old computers.
I played around with Cloudready back about 4 or 5 years ago.
Worked on some devices fine, some not so much.
Seems like the same experience with Linux.
Some fine, some not so much.
I remember that cloudready stuff, never really much cared for it.
I'd love this if it had the Google Play Store. No point without it.
Try brunch os instead.
If I load this onto my Chromebook that's 7 years old, will my security updates return?
Definitely test things, but as an indicator for how well, Chrome OS Flex MAY run on older hardware, I ran CloudReady on my Asus Transformer Book t100 (from 2015), and that Atom processor was able to keep up PERFECTLY! It even smoothly played 720p RUclips videos, and loaded said pages, QUICKLY!
Uhhh I'm guessing maybe you should have added that other 2GB of ram ie the total 4GB that it said was required.
Great videos about reusing old tech! I was thinking of you could use the same idea to repurpose another machine as a DIY NAS? Using TrueNAS for instance? Cheers
Just did this today on my acer swift 1 with a pentium and 4gb ram after tring three differnet linux instalations. Honestly chrome os flex isdoing everything i need a laptop for anyway and it's helped me not need to buy a new laptop because it's running really well
If this was a thing at the start of the pandemic, it would have blew up. There was such a large need for this early on. Everyone has chromebooks now. I hope they iron out of the kinks because it’s something different to run. Sometimes Ubuntu gets old. It also seems to be getting worse as time goes on. It just does not like the low end hardware I install it on. I’ve recently been using mint or other light weight distros. Can’t wait to check this out!
Very helpful video. Used it to guide me installing Chromecast OS Flex on a Samsung 700Z Chronos (with Intel core i7). Did have some problems. The boot manager key is F10. But at first didn't give me the option of booting up from a memory stick. Eventually discovered that you need to disable booting up in secure mode (which is the default mode). To achieve this, you need to open Boot Manager, switch to apps tab, where you will find the page to disable secure mode. Now with Flex installed, it's like having a new Chromebook.
Best video on installing Flex.
Awesome video, Lon.
Keep up the great work
At 4:23 made me think about one time I was reinstalling Windows (maybe 20 years ago).
I backed up all documents an stuff I wanted to keep to a USB-drive.
Then I started the installation CD.
At the point where Windows Installation asked me to select partition, I wanted to change from many partitions, to one pne partition on my hard-drive.
I selected delete for all partitions,.... then I realized Windows Installer had discovered my USB drive, and it ended up without a partition table on it.
Luckily, I was able to recover all files with some tool, because no data were overwritten, except the main partition table.
Excellent review! I think this is the best review on the Chrome OS Flex yet.
I don’t have chrome on my main laptop I was able to do this in Brave. But very happy it saved an old laptop with Windows 10 that was super slow now I can at least browse the web and do things
Wish the Playstore and ability to install Android apps was available.
Chrome OS is cool. I use Linux on several older Macbooks. These are laptops that I would have to use a special patcher to run current versions of MacOS but they all run Linux and Cloud Ready or Chrome OS without issue. Don't dump your older Macbook or Windows machine. Sadly companies like MFST and Apple don't want us to use older systems.
Notice that Windows 11 won't run on older machines. (yes you can use Rufus to create a USB drive that removes TPM)
Ironically, Microsoft and Apple do a better job of supporting old Windows and MacOS machines than Google does supporting old Chromebooks.
On the Mac, you could try to setup a Windows Boot Camp partition and install ChromeOS Flex on that.
I just found and old Toshiba laptop. Need to try this. Now I need to find the power adapter. Back to the basement archives. Hopefully the spiders don’t attack.
i enjoy your voice and the way you explain everything.
I'm about to do this to my MacBook air and this was exactly what I needed
Keep up the great work. Also is this basically Linux but made to look like Chrome OS or is it different somehow?
Chrome OS is based on gentoo Linux with Google stuff baked in , hence the compatibility with desktop Linux apps.
This version is essentially Neverwere's Cloudready , the open source version of chrome OS , based on Chromium .
Hope this helps
Best Regards
I already instal it on my celeron laptop, its run great. Really wait for the stable version with playstore
This is so awesome thanks for the video as well I just convert my old mac book air 2011 into a chrome book OS with flex and so far it running very well and the software has all my drivers tooo which is amazing
Great video (as usual). I appreciate the independent review.
I have seen other content creators put URLs in a pinned comment.
That's appreciated with RUclips app for Android.
Links in the description open in a browser within the app, then I have to manually open externally, then go back to the browser within the app to close that browser to get back to the RUclips app.
Links in a comment open in an external browser, then I just switch app to get back to RUclips.
Awesome! How did you get Libre Office installed? Thanks for sharing.
Anything that reduces high Tech waste from old computers gets my vote. I realize it is only a drop in the bucket and that it fits only certain use cases, but for the sake of the environment, we need to change the mindset of throwing away perfectly good computers just because they are old.
I had an old Dell laptop, and I installed Linux Mint onto it instead. It now works almost identical to that of an old-school Windows-XP computer, which is way better than any Chromebook could ever be. I now run the video converting program 'Handbrake' on it, something you can't do with a Chromebook. I recommend that people should first try Linux Mint (Linux OS) before they go all the way and install ChromeOS.
true. I run Ubuntu on an old hp. run everything in my browser including Netflix. but if flex can be as stable as Linux i don't see much of a difference. I mean besides the word processor and few utilities, linux is a pretty much a digital desert.
I think this will be a good OS for those thin client PCs if you want to repurpose it as a lightweight browsing machine
I wanted to install it in a separate partition on the SSD but it doesn't give any option like that. Just gives a scary warning that everything will be wiped from SSD which I don't want to do
For your macbook just upgrade it to 8gb ram and an ssd and patch macOS catalina, big sur, or monterey and it runs fine.
I have revived several old laptops using Linux Mint. Google is ok, but I prefer Linux .I may try it as an experiment. Thanks for the video.
I have an HP Stream that I turned into a Chromebook, using Brunch to boot. It currently runs the relm image. I used to run Cloudready until I heard about Brunch. Now I get everting including android app support. Should've probably chosen a newer image, but the computer that image was made for almost identically matched my HP, so that's what I went with.
I did on my 2010 MacBook but it just gets stuck in the chrome book flex boot screen when I turn it on. I haven’t fully installed the OS yet
flex is cool to use on a old pc slow but it works and saves the planet.
Can Flex run on a VM? and if so, which VM software?
How did you get it to work on that MacBook? What Wi-Fi drivers do you have? I have a MacBook Pro only slightly older, 2009, but Wi-Fi doesn't work neither on Chrome OS Flex (just tried it) nor on Linux distributions; I can only use distros that come with proprietary drivers built in.
I see audio is working for you,n wasnt there some kind of driver issue that many people were dealing with? Has that been solved or is your device one of the ones that are supported?
thanks, great video. how to install the drivers? also will other softwares like audacity, shotcut run? how to? please make one video for that too. thanks again
Ohhh wow I didn't even know I could do that. I have a NUC that will work perfectly for that! Thanks
Great video Lon. I can see this is going to be helpful for a lot of people in the months and years ahead. By the way, do you plan to review the mini pc Aerofara 2 Pro?
Probably won't get to that one. Sorry!
@@LonSeidman Thanks for letting me know.
I have a Flash Drive with Linux and Windows OS's, I wish I can just download Chrome Flex, and just add it to my list and now do all of these extra steps.
Seems like Flex might be a good choice for an older HP Stream machine?
Only if the HP BIOS will let you boot with UEFI secure boot, as I have an HP slimline Desktop, and despite it being released in late 2011/early 2012 with a 64bit dual core pentium CPU that can support UEFI, the HP bios only boots in legacy GRUB mode, which is a no go for Chrome OS Flex.
Can you dual-boot instead of wiping the OS that's already installed on your drive?
Was thinking this, too!
No it takes over the entire drive, and make sure you have all HDD/SSD you don't want to Install to disconnected, as it will install to the largest drive in the system, so again just have the boot drive in the system, also you can't use optical media drives fir the Install, or after it's done.
I'm just curious is it really better to use the Chrome OS instead of just using a regular lightweight distro to it since that will give you more freedom?
Thank you so much for this video. In my openion the best os for old mac lsptops is MX 19.2 Linux, I have instslled this os in different old macbooks and it was a great choice.
So what about getting google updates for Chrome os and chrome browser?
Most important problem is Google's update policy that ends on older Chrome laptops.
I gave Chrome OS Flex on my 2013 Macbook Air. Really liked it but I found it a bit limited. I wanted to find a web based email client that would be able to bring in multiple email account in one unified Inbox but I couldn't find anything. I also couldn't find any good, simply IRC clients. So, I reinstalled Big Sur. A bit sluggish but can do what I need.
Try Peppermint OS. It's an extremely lightweight Linux distro with a focus on cloud, while still making it easy to install and use proper programs.
@@AAWinnerMichaelCaine Can I install that on my 2013 Macair?
@@TonyPadgett Seems my reply was removed? But to repeat it, the answer is yes, it should work since Peppermint is based on Ubuntu and Ubuntu works on the 2013 MacBook Air. You could also try the MATE edition of Ubuntu, as that's very lightweight as well.
@@AAWinnerMichaelCaine the latest version of Peppermint dropped Ubuntu for a pure Debian base, and some things got screwed up on the process, so it's one step forward, but 2 steps back, so I'm going to recommend Linux Mint DE(Debian Edition), or Solus w/Budgie DE which is my main Linux distro, and one of the most stable rolling releases I've used, even on a dual core pentium with 4GB o RAM. Just use Etcher to make the bootable USB key.
It seems like my first reply just disappeared, My answer was maybe Mozilla Thunderbird could work for you
I am using this to upgrade old laptops with cheap SSDs and then donate them through Rotary. Yes, ChromeOS Flex.
Nice detailed review Lon.
Does this os supports windows apps? Or is there a way to emulate them? I want to install mswlogo software for my kid to learn, is that possible? I have a old Acer tablet..
Lon, great presentation. I'm one of the neanderthals that prefers to work with a mouse rather than a touchpad, but the touchpad always seems to be activated inadvertently even while working with the mouse. Is there a way in CloudReady/ChromeOS Flex to disable the touchpad when the mouse is plugged in? There is such a method on Windows, Linux, and the Chromebook itself, but on the Chromebook it requires the use of the Search key, which would not be present on a laptop on which ChromeOS Flex has been installed. Just thought I would ask.
Can you uninstall Chrome browser?
Does Linux applications install native or is it through an emulator like the normal Chromebooks?
I'm running Chrome OS Flex on my MacBook Air 7,2 early 2015. Works great from thumb drive! That said I'm not installing it anytime soon! Not on the Certified models list.
a 2015 air should support mac os monterrey, look up open core legacy patcher
Ooooor... you can install linux.
Though I suspect flex will be attractive for educational enviroments or volunteer groups making use of off lease machines where the ywant the sandbox chrome provides.
Kepe in mind I was one of the beta testers. I loved my cr48 (though I would have loved it more with a core duo, a decoder chip for codecs, and four gigs of ram, but eh.)
So don't take my 'but linux' too personally.
My biggest complaint mostly is that you can't install android apps to this (yet.) Adding android capability to chromeOS really helped shore up it's native weaknesses.
how to boot directly into chrome os on mac mini, when booting, if you do not press the option key, the mac will show a flashing folder image
can you sync 2 chromebooks to one profile? meaning 1 chromebook at home, 1 chromebook in the office and they seamlessly sync and you have all files on the cloud. you can use all files on both books when you need to, correct?
Could have been a faulty hard drive was the issue with the MacBook rather than Chrome OS not being able to run from it? Or maybe a hardware driver was missing?
Sounds simple enough, but when I attempted, yesterday, to download the installer file to my USB stick, I wound up with nothing found on my USB stick or in my Downloads folder. I ran through this entire process three or four times. Still, no installer file was ever downloaded, so my 11-year old Lenovo 11e laptop, which is on the list of computers "certified" by Google to be compatible with installing Chrome OS Flex, remains Chrome OS-free. Now, one thing, though: I did see something, during all this, that said there have been "issues" with using SanDisk USB sticks, and mine is a SanDisk Cruzer, so....maybe that's the problem? Am I going to have to buy a new non-ScanDisk brand USB stick just to get this done?
I've got this old Windows Tablet. Insignia Flex 11 inch. It's a pile of junk but I'm curious if Chrome would make this tablet worthwhile.
Hi Lon, Can you turn an old out of date chromebox/chromebook into a Chrome OS Flex?
You could just use a lightweight version Linux on old computers. It's more powerful and customizable.
Please!!! upload a video on installing Chrome Flex OS on i386 cpu.
It's really important for OLD Laptops
I was planning to install Chrome OS to my old Macbook but your video proved too be not possible due to some hardware issues. Have you got a fix for it?
is chrome os flex the same as chrome? im asking because my chromebook wont get any more software updates in june. and will i get software updates after i install chrome os flex?
Hi...I see you have installed the chromeOS on your MacBook Pro an 2010 like mine but I cannot install it on MacBook Pro..I only have the logo of chromeOS flex I have changed the USB port but it seems it doesn't work ...the only thing is that I have opencore legacy patcher that I have Sonoma installed..have you any idea to help me?..I would appreciate it..
Thanks
i have an old laptop that i want to try installing chrome OS. unfortunately i don't have any chrome laptop so i can download it. where can i purchase ready to install chrome OS USB stick?
i installed it on an old laptop ( old dell 54xx) boots from usb fine , as soon as you try and install it .. the mbr wont load ... i think this is an error with the laptop rather than flex.. ill try some more pc's and laptops, i have now subscribed as it was a very good review
Excellent Video... One of the best on this amazing process. THANKS👍
Lon, can you take out the usb drive after it boots or do you need to keep it plugged in while the laptop is powered on? Does putting the machine into sleep/standby change that? Thanks for taking a look at this new option for older hardware.
I haven't tried removing it but my guess is that it'll have to stay in as I'm sure the browser cache, cookies, etc are getting written back to disk.
@@LonSeidman Thanks. I figured I'd ask as I'm always afraid that I'll knock the usb hanging out the side loose and damage the port when moving a laptop.
@@LtCdrRoyFokker I use the very small thumb drives ( Samsung's and SanDisk's) in my Chromebook and PC's for a few years and have never had any issues. Rarely do I pull them out when I need to transfer files
@@LS22153 Thanks. Mine are all pretty old and/or cheap so I should probably invest in at least a single good one with a size that won't worry me too! :)
Hii !! Great video!! I did install Chrome OS flex ,model Compaq cq60,wifi network is not showing up ,wifi is on but theres no network showing up :( what to do? Any recommendations ?
Macbooks and boot loops are like peanut butter and jelly. Sorry it didn't work out for you but this is a great opportunity to put the superior Ubuntu on it. :)
Tried to install the latest Flex build on a Lenovo Miix 320, a sort of 2-in-1 Windows 10 tablet that didn't really have enough juice to run Windows properly. Couldn't get it to boot from USB no matter what I tried. Very frustrating.
so i have a dell studio 1555 or 1550 i dont exactly know to be honest but the processor i use is Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T6600 so will flex work or not?
Good video! :) While I was watching, I was wondering if this can be a solution to Chromebooks that have reached their endlife and don't have support anymore. With this Flex, maybe they will still receive updates, as long as it's x86 based, of course.
Hi Lon! I tried this on both a HP 600 g3 and a HP 800 g3, i7 6700, and I have a blank black screen, but if I hit escape I'll get audio from chrome. Could it be because I have an Nvidia GPU? (both desktops are on the approved list)
Wasn't the original point of Chrome OS to be able to run on really low powered hardware without it chugging like Windows does? That would be nice to be able to use old computers for basic tasks like surfing the web or writing an essay.
"Linux is your friend" to extend their life. Most versions can be previewed (test drive) by running the Linux OS in "live mode" before committing to a hard drive install to insure the older computer hardware is comparable and capable.
Thanks for all the Info - sure Helps
Excuse me, Sir. Can you turn on the keyboard's backlight? I can't.
Would it also work on unsupported Acer tablets from 2014? I can not upgrade Android etc
November 22: Flex works perfectly on my girlfriend's computer. She only needs the same basics as on her phone and Android TV, with connectability between all three, so not much to ask.
EDIT: It's some crappy little laptop that she bought about five years ago. Didn't take me because the deal was sooo good. I would have laughed if I didn't care. She got what she was willing to pay for. Five years later, it does what she wanted! LOL!
How much space on the USB Drive is needed?
Will this give me problems if I’m using an SD card?
Your macbook would have worked if you turned off Filevault first before trying to install Any other OS. Now if you pull the hard drive and reformat it it might work. I've never tried that way i've only done it with removing the Filevauld first.
Did you try to add RAM to the mac? 2GB is kinda small.