ChromeOS Flex is the best alternative to Windows 11 on older PCs

Is your computer unable to handle Windows 11? You're not alone. The high requirements of Microsoft's latest operating system have left more than a few people out of the game. And sticking with Windows 10 isn't an option, as this version will end official support in October 2025. What to do? For many, ChromeOS Flex is the best alternative to Windows 11 on older PCs, and here we explain why.

ChromeOS Flex: The ideal free alternative for older PCs

The arrival of Windows 11 and its high hardware requirements left many users looking for alternatives. Although Install Windows 11 on an old PC It's possible, the result may not be what you expected. And staying with Windows 10 is not recommended because you'll no longer receive official support and updates.

Given this scenario, ChromeOS Flex appears to be an effective option to give old PCs a second chance. This Google operating system is designed to deliver the best possible experience on older hardware, making efficient use of available resources.

The best part is that ChromeOS Flex is free and can be installed on almost any computer., regardless of whether it's from Google or not. Plus, it has a very intuitive interface, similar to the one we see on Android phones, so it's not difficult to learn how to use. Of course, it also has some limitations, but it's sufficient for performing basic tasks in a desktop environment.

What is ChromeOS Flex?

When it comes to reviving older PCs, ChromeOS Flex is one of the best-performing alternatives. This operating system developed by Google It is designed to run on computers that do not meet modern Windows requirements.. Additionally, because it's cloud-based, it makes minimal use of local resources and takes full advantage of online services and remote storage.

You may have already heard about the ChromeOS operating system found on computers Chrome book. Unlike this one, Flex is not dependent on specific hardware and is compatible with most laptops and desktops., including Mac computers. In fact, it can run on machines up to 10 years old, giving them a new lease on life.

Basic installation requirements

As you probably already know, the Requirements for installing or upgrading to Windows 11 are high and beyond the reach of many computers. To start, you need a compatible, latest-generation processor (Intel 8th generation and later). The computer hardware must also have a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, and at least 4GB of RAM and 16GB of storage.

Chrome Flex, on the other hand, has much more modest specifications that allow it to be installed on less recent computers. For example, it only requires a 64-bit processor (Intel or AMD) from 2010 onwards, 16 GB of storage, and a minimum of 2 GB of RAMThis is enough to keep Flex running smoothly, and because it's based on Linux, it consumes less memory and doesn't accumulate background processes, a perennial problem on Windows.

How to download and install ChromeOS Flex

Seriously thinking about it? If you want to give your precious machine a second lease on life, ChromeOS Flex is the best alternative to Windows 11 on older PCs. The best part is that Downloading and installing is very simple and free.. Plus, you can test the operating system before installing it and see if it's the right choice for you.

The first thing you have to do is Verify that your computer is compatible with the light version of ChromeOSIn this regard, Google recommends that the device have at least an Intel or AMD processor, 4 GB of RAM, 16 GB of storage, and internet access for installation and operation.

Additionally, to create the installation drive you will need a USB flash drive or pendrive of 8 GB or moreAnother important detail is that you have the Chrome browser installed on a computer to use the Chrome Recovery Utility, which creates the installation media. It doesn't have to be the same computer where you want to install ChromeOS Flex; it can be any other computer, as long as it has Google's browser installed.

Prepare the installation tool

The first step is to prepare the installation toolTo do this, open the Chrome browser and go to the Chrome Web Store to download and install the extension Chrome Recovery UtilityIf you need help with this step, you can read our article on how to add extensions to chrome. On the other hand, at this point it's time to insert the USB drive into the computer so the installation tool can recognize it.

Once you've installed the Chrome Recovery Utility extension, just run it. To do this, Open the Chrome browser, click on the Extensions button (puzzle icon in the top right corner) and choose the tool from the list. Now click Start and choose the option Select a model from a list. In Select a manufacturer, choose the Google ChromeOS Flex option; and in Select a product, check the ChromeOS Flex option.

Try or install ChromeOS Flex on an older computer

From here, just follow the instructions to prepare your USB drive and create the bootable drive. When it's ready, connect it to the computer where you want to install ChromeOS Flex and restart it. During the restart, access the boot menu, usually by pressing a key like F2, F12, or ESC. When the menu appears, choose the option to boot from the USB drive.

When you boot from the USB, you will see a menu that allows you to test the operating system without installing itBut if you're 100% sure you want to make the switch, choose the option to proceed with the direct installation to your hard drive. Follow the installation steps, and in just a few minutes, your old computer will be ready for its first use with ChromeOS Flex.

Remember that, being a light and cloud operating system, You won't be able to install some programs and applications as you do in Windows.. All in all, Google offers a variety of alternative tools so you can perform basic tasks in desktop environments. You'll soon be convinced that ChromeOS Flex is the best alternative to Windows 11 on older PCs.