(Credit: Zooey Liao/PCMag/Google)
Advancements in software are happening faster than the hardware running it. This is how we end up with fully functional computers that are unable to run Windows 11 and vulnerable to security threats without extended support. The temptation during a good spring cleaning is to simply junk these artifacts, but even responsibly recycled electronics yield an unfortunate amount of waste. So, I thought, why not do the planet (and myself) a favor and transform my old computer into a Chromebook? Not only would I be slashing my e-waste, but a lighter OS like ChromeOS Flex can also cut energy use. Here's how I made it happen.
What Do You Get With ChromeOS Flex?
(Credit: Google)ChromeOS Flex is a free cloud-based distribution of Google's operating system intended to make it easy to turn your existing laptop into a Chromebook. It integrates Google products natively, provides a browser-centric workflow, and wraps everything in a familiar Chromebook‑style UI. Be warned that this device is strictly for casual and productivity use, not gaming or content creation. You'd set this up if you only need to browse the web, type out emails and documents, stream video, and do some light multitasking.
Meanwhile, installing ChromeOS Flex on your old PC or Mac is not the same thing as having native ChromeOS on a Chromebook. For instance, Google can't guarantee you will see the same boot speed, battery life, and power savings as you would on a true Chromebook. You'll be able to use a lot of the same major functionality, but will lack (or see limitations for) several features: Verified boot, automatic BIOS/UEFI updates, Google Play Store, virtual Windows and Linux environments, and remote management.
You also don't get the added benefits of your hardware. Features such as disk drives, fingerprint readers, facial-recognition cameras, FireWire and Thunderbolt ports, styluses, and SIM card slots are all unsupported, though they may work to some degree on a per-device basis.
Does Your Old Laptop Support ChromeOS Flex?
While system requirements are very low, there is still a natural cutoff beyond which you're not going to be able to build a machine that functions acceptably with modern software. Too far below those basic requirements, and you're better off donating or recycling. Generally speaking, you'll want to aim for a minimum spec sheet close to the following:
- CPU: Intel or AMD x86‑64
- RAM: 4GB minimum; 8GB for smoother multitasking
- Storage: 64GB is safe; 32GB works if you use cloud storage
- USB drive: An 8GB flash drive or SD card for creating a bootable drive
While ChromeOS Flex can turn many Intel- and AMD-based computers into a Chromebook, only certain models are officially supported. Google maintains a list of certified Macs and Windows PCs, where units are marked as Certified, Minor issues expected, Major issues expected, or Decertified (for when official support ends). Big-name brands that support the software include Acer, Apple, Asus, Dell, HP, Intel, Lenovo, LG, and Toshiba.
Don't see your model? ChromeOS Flex may still work with some limitations, but note that the OS doesn't support Arm or ancient Celeron/Atom models.
ChromeOS Flex can breathe new life into old devices, but extended support doesn't last forever. If you look through the list of supported devices, you'll find units with a single year of support and ones that will continue to receive updates through 2030. The exact lifespan of your Flex device depends on the model. For example, the Lenovo ThinkPad T470s from 2017 has been supported by ChromeOS Flex since 2022 and will continue to get updates until the end of 2028; that's another two years of security patches compared with what Microsoft is offering.
Preparation: Back Up Your Data
First, you'll want to prepare your workspace with some standard digital cleansing. Make sure any photos or docs stored locally on the machine are backed up, either on a physical drive or on a cloud storage service, then either thoroughly declutter or completely reformat the drive. Most ChromeOS-style installs will wipe your drive if you choose to do so during installation.
While the lightweight nature of ChromeOS is already far less demanding than a top-heavy Windows install, I still strongly recommend wiping the slate clean and starting fresh. There's so much cruft in a standard Windows install that it's nearly impossible to remove it all, and on older hardware, you'll want your OS to be as streamlined as possible. Otherwise, it won't function smoothly and speedily, which is the whole point of this exercise.
How to Install ChromeOS Flex
(Credit: Google)Ready to install your new operating system? It's a simple (and free) four-step process. First, you'll need to create a USB installer. Install the Chromebook Recovery Utility extension for Chrome, then launch it. Click Get started, then select your model. Under Manufacturer, click Google ChromeOS Flex, then under Select a product, choose ChromeOS Flex. Click Continue, insert your USB drive, and follow the on-screen instructions to build the boot drive.
Now you just need to boot from the USB drive and follow the instructions to install Flex. To do so, turn off your machine, insert the USB drive, then power it back on. Hit the boot key for your machine: F2 (Acer, Intel), F9 (HP), F12 (Dell, Lenovo), Del (Asus), or Option (Apple). You should see a list of bootable devices; select the USB drive.
You may instead be dropped into your BIOS/UEFI menu, in which case you'll need to find the Boot Order or Startup menu and make sure the USB drive is at the top of the list. Choose Save and Restart or a similar exit option.
It's then a simple matter of following the on-screen instructions to install ChromeOS Flex, including removing old operating systems and disk partitions. Click Get started on the Welcome to ChromeOS Flex screen, then choose how you wish to use the operating system. If you want to trial Flex before you commit, pick Try it first from the Start using ChromeOS Flex screen to continue running the OS from the USB drive. When you're ready to commit, click Install ChromeOS Flex at the bottom of the screen.
ChromeOS Alternative: Go the Linux Route for Lightweight OS
(Credit: PCMag)ChromeOS Flex is Google's official offering for creating a Chromebook‑like environment on a PC or Mac, but there are also lightweight Linux alternatives that offer a similar experience. Linux distros like Lubuntu, Xubuntu, Linux Lite, Peppermint, or Zorin OS provide a great balance between desktop‑style familiarity and low resource use. At the extreme end of the spectrum, there are ultralightweight Linux options such as Puppy and Tiny Core. These are best for truly antique machines with weak hardware; some can be loaded into and run exclusively from RAM.
To set this up, you'll need to download the ISO file for your chosen distro. Linux Lite is a good choice for beginners with a small, curated selection of apps. Xubuntu, the compact version of Ubuntu, is known for being very user-friendly, powerful, and secure. You may also consider Peppermint, which leans into a clean, modern presentation and can be configured to closely mirror a proper Chromebook setup.
Use a tool like Rufus or balenaEtcher to burn the ISO to a USB drive. Be aware that this will erase everything on the USB, so make sure any important files are backed up first. Boot from the USB by entering the laptop’s boot‑selection menu at startup and choosing the USB drive. Like ChromeOS Flex, a lot of Linux distros will let you test the OS before installing, so you can make sure stuff like Wi‑Fi and sound are working and performance is satisfactory before installing.
When you're satisfied, run the installer from the desktop, typically labeled “Install [distro name].” Choose the option to erase the disk or replace the current OS, then follow the prompts for language, keyboard, and disk layout.
Treat Yourself and the Environment
Extending a laptop's lifespan in this way is a great way to slash its carbon footprint. Beyond that, there's something luxurious about having a second (or third or fourth) PC kicking around solely as a portable productivity machine. If you have several old laptops, you could build a dedicated machine for practically every room.
Plus, reviving old hardware that was destined for the bin can be really satisfying. It's a low-stakes way to experiment with things like Linux that you may not want to risk installing on your main machine without some exploratory tinkering first. You can also save some cash by turning an unused PC into a fantastic alternative to buying a new tablet or ereader.