How to install ChromeOS Flex step by step

¿How to install ChromeOS Flex in 2025? If your laptop or desktop computer is struggling to perform, there's an alternative that can revive it in minutes: Chrome OS FlexThis Google system is designed for older or less powerful computers and is installed from a USB drive in a fairly straightforward process. You don't need to be an expert to get it working, but it's best to follow the steps carefully to avoid any data loss issues.

Below you will find a very complete step-by-step guide, based on information already published by Google and specialized media outlets, as well as real-world usage experiences on different devices. You will see two ways to create the installer. the one recommended with the Chromebook Recovery Tool and another manual for downloading the official image to write it to a USB drive. We also review the differences compared to ChromeOS, system requirements, BIOS tips and tricks, and a section for frequently asked questions.

What is ChromeOS Flex and why is it worth it?

ChromeOS Flex is an official adaptation of Google's operating system so you can install it for free on computers that are not Chromebooks, whether they are PC with Windows or Mac. This means you can retire machines that no longer meet the requirements of their original systems and reuse them with a lightweight, secure environment with frequent updates.

The project originated after Google's acquisition of Neverware, the company behind CloudReady. For years, that initiative allowed users to install a Chromium OS variant on standard computers. With Flex, Google consolidates that work and offers it officially. leveraging the same ChromeOS codebase and the update cycle that Chromebooks already enjoy.

However, there are important nuances. Non-Chromebook devices lack Google's integrated security chip, and there is no support for ARM processors. Flex is aimed at x86 architectures (primarily Intel and AMD). In terms of features, official information indicates that it does not include Google Play or Android apps, and does not support Windows virtual machines. Some user experiences report that certain features (such as the Linux development environment) may work in specific configurations, but It's not something that Google guarantees. for Flex.

It's also interesting for businesses: eliminating operating system licenses in large systems results in significant savings. Flex facilitates pre-installation testing from USB and supports network deployment for more professional environments. In any case, The idea is simple.: a minimalist, web-centric system that starts up quickly and minimizes maintenance tasks.

Requirements, compatibility and recommendations

Creating the installation USB drive can be done from a different computer than the one that will receive ChromeOS Flex; in fact, this is the usual practice. You can prepare the installer on ChromeOS, Windows, or macOS if you use the Chrome browser and its extension; or download the official image from Google and burn it manually. In both cases, Use a USB flash drive of at least 8-16 GB (better to speed up the process).

On the target system, Flex runs best on configurations with an SSD and a minimum of 4GB of RAM. It's not mandatory, but it makes a significant difference in performance. While hardware compatibility has improved considerably, there are exceptions: certain Wi-Fi/Bluetooth adapters or older graphics cards may require some patience. The more standard the hardware, the fewer problems. You'll have controllers.

There are very popular devices with extended official support. For example, a 2014 Surface Pro 3 has ChromeOS Flex support until 2026, which proves that Google maintains compatibility on older devicesIn any case, the most practical thing to do is to first try from the USB in "live" mode, check connectivity, screen, sleep and peripherals, and then decide whether to install.

Before you begin, remember: the installation will format the main drive of the target computer. Back up anything important. It's obvious, but it's worth repeating. the best vaccine against fright.

Recommended method: Create the USB drive using the Chromebook Recovery Tool

The simplest and most guided method is to use the official Google extension for the Chrome browser. It works on ChromeOS, Windows, and macOS. This is the recommended route for most users.

Step 1. Install the extension

On the computer you'll use to create the USB drive, open the Chrome browser and go to the Chrome Web Store. Search for "Chromebook Recovery Tool" and click "Add to Chrome." When prompted, confirm with "Add extension." From that point on, The utility will appear as an extension. in your browser.

Step 2. Verify that the extension is enabled

In Chrome, go to the extensions menu (pieces icon) and select "Manage extensions." Make sure the "Chromebook Recovery Tool" switch is enabled; you'll see the same option in "Details." Then, in the extensions panel, click the tool's icon to open it. open the pop-up window with the assistant.

Step 3. Create the installation USB

1. Launch the Recovery Tool from Chrome and click on Start.
2. Choose “Select a model from the list”. Under manufacturer, select Google ChromeOS Flex.
3. In the product field, it brands “ChromeOS Flex” and continues.
4. Connect the USB memory when prompted and select it from the drop-down menu. Make sure you select the correct unit (will be deleted).
5. Click "Continue" and then "Create Now." The utility will download and prepare the media. During the process, it may display unusual percentages; this is normal. do not worry.
6. When finished, you will see a message confirming that the media is ready. Safely remove the USB drive.

With this, you now have the installer. Remember that the Creating the USB drive may take several minutes depending on your connection and memory speed.

Alternative method: Download the official image and burn it manually

This method is intended for administrators or advanced users who are proficient with the command line and third-party tools. It does not require the Chrome browser. Use it if you prefer total control about the writing of the medium.

1. Download the latest ChromeOS Flex installation image to your computer.
2. Unzip the file using your preferred tool.
3. Insert a USB drive and remove any other removable media to avoid confusion. Verify the correct device.
4. Write the image to the USB drive. If you are using Linux and the dd command-line utility, open a terminal and run:sudo dd if=image_name.bin of=/dev/sdN bs=4M status=progress

   Where image_name.bin is the uncompressed file and /dev/sdN The USB path. Adjust these variables to suit your needs. If you use a third-party tool, consult its documentation.

Once the writing process is complete, safely eject the drive. This method is quick and straightforward, but it requires extra attention because An error in the dd destination could erase another drive.

Boot from USB, test the system, and decide.

Connect the USB drive to the target computer and boot from it. Depending on the manufacturer, the boot menu can be accessed by pressing keys such as Esc, F12, F11, or similar, or by configuring it in the BIOS/UEFI. If it doesn't appear immediately, Repeat the attempt and look for “Boot menu” or “Boot order” in the settings.

When you load the ChromeOS Flex installer, you can choose between trying the system without installing or going directly to the installation. The live test lets you check Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, sound, display, sleep/wake, and peripherals. Keep in mind that, since it runs from USB, performance will be lower to that of a disk installation.

If you decide to stay in "live" mode for a while, you can sign in with your Google account, sync bookmarks and extensions, and get a feel for the workflow. Many of the key features of the Google ecosystem are there, including Chrome-centric navigation and cloud services.

Tip: If you can't find an option in the BIOS or the wizard itself, use the interface search function or restart your computer to refresh any stuck options. Sometimes a power cycle resolves the issue. seemingly inexplicable situations.

Final installation and data warnings

Once you're sure everything is working as expected, return to the wizard and choose "Install ChromeOS Flex." The process is quick and straightforward: select the destination and confirm. Keep in mind that The main unit of the computer will be erased.If you need anything from that disk, make a copy first.

During installation, the wizard will download the necessary files, write the system, and restart your computer. On first boot, configure your language, keyboard input method, connect to the internet, and sign in with your Google account. In just a few minutes, you'll be at your desktop, with an experience very similar to that of a Chromebook, focused on the browser and progressive web apps. Just enough to work without distractions.

Real-world examples: Surface Pro 3 and an Intel Compute Stick

An interesting case is that of a 2014 Microsoft Surface Pro 3 (4th generation Core i5, 8 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of storage). With ChromeOS Flex installed, everything works flawlessly: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, sleep and resume, physical and touch keyboards, and the screen aspect ratio fits well. Performance is responsive and system loading is fastFor a team with a decade of history, it's a second youth.

Another useful example: an Intel Compute Stick with an M3-6Y30 processor, 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of storage. On this mini-PC, which no longer meets Windows 11 requirements, Flex transforms the device into an ideal hub for the TV or for basic everyday tasks. It doesn't play 4K at 60 Hz, but Navigation and office software use are smooth.With 4 GB of RAM, the limit is noticeable, although the system is optimized to work lightly.

In multi-person households, each user can sign in with their own Google account and maintain a separate space; children's profiles are well managed with Family Link's parental controls. On compatible machines, the overall feeling is one of a well-maintained and predictable system, with updates that arrive in the background and without the headaches of traditional antivirus software.

Platform-specific variations for creating and booting the USB

Depending on the system you use to prepare the installer or configure the startup settings, the paths and menus may vary slightly. The following reference summarizes typical actions to help you avoid getting lost among the different configuration names. Consider it a quick guide.

Consumer Relations Platform	Typical action or route	Notes
Windows	Settings > Update & Security > Recovery (advanced boot) or boot menu key (F12/F11/Esc)	If something goes wrong when creating the USB drive, restart the service of the utility or reconnect the memory.
MacOS	System Preferences / System Settings > Boot disk or hold Option on startup	If you are experiencing connectivity problems, reset your Wi-Fi/Bluetooth settings. Try starting it again.
ChromeOS	Install the Recovery Tool from the Chrome Web Store and follow the wizard.	Guided procedure. Choose the manufacturer “Google ChromeOS Flex” and the product “ChromeOS Flex”.
Linux	Download the image and save it using dd or an equivalent tool.	Confirm the device destination to avoid overwriting another disk. Extreme caution with dd.

How to install ChromeOS Flex in 2025: Troubleshooting and FAQs+

If the computer doesn't boot from the USB drive, check the boot order in your BIOS/UEFI settings and try other ports. Sometimes it's helpful to recreate the USB drive using a different flash drive or from another computer. A faulty USB drive is more common than it seems.

1. The installer does not detect the USBDisconnect other media, change ports, re-prepare the drive, and check tool permissions.
2. It gets stuck at a strange percentage.The Recovery Tool may display unintuitive numbers; please wait a few extra minutes before aborting.
3. No Wi-Fi after starting upTry a different USB adapter or temporarily connect via Ethernet to update. Also, check the wireless chip's compatibility.
4. I don't see the startup optionUse the manufacturer's boot menu key (Esc/F12/F11) or enable USB boot in the BIOS/UEFI.

Quick questions:

1. Can I install it on any computer? Generally yes, if the hardware is x86 and meets certain minimum requirements, but the experience varies depending on drivers and devices.
2. Is it reversible? You can revert to your previous system by reinstalling it from its own installer or from a backup. Save your data before installing Flex.
3. What do I do if the installation is interrupted? Restart the process, recreate the USB drive, and if possible, use a different memory stick or port.
4. Do I need a Google account? It is highly recommended to sync and use all the functions; without an account, some features lose their meaning.

Trademarks: Google, ChromeOS, and related logos are owned by Google LLC. All other company and product names mentioned belong to their respective owners.

Opting for ChromeOS Flex on an older machine is, in many cases, the perfect shortcut to staying productive: guided installation from a USB drive, two methods for creating the installation media, a Linux base that inherits Chrome's lightweight nature, and a polished web experience that reduces maintenance and headaches. As long as you take precautions with backups and confirm basic compatibility, The switch to Flex is quick, clean, and cost-effective.For more information, please see their website. official websiteNow you know everything about How to install ChromeOS Flex in 2025.