I am using Chrome OS Flex on several Desktops at Home (Dell Optiplex and another Chinese brand) and they work perfectly! We also have several Lenovo Duets running Chrome OS.
Our 2013 school Mac Mini couldn't update to the latest apple OS so we turned it into a Chrome OS flex. Boom, everything works smoothly. The only things people use it for are presenting slides, showing spreadsheets, and typing Google docs. Perfect!
We have an old HP Stream 13 at home. It was running Windows 7 Starter Edition when I bought it. I updated to Windows 10, but it could barery run it, with only 32 GB of disk space. I installed ChromeOS and it's giving it a second life. This is pretty great.
I'm a fan of chrome os, I have been using it for 2yrs now and I love it. My system don't crash ever again. Need more office adaptable apps on chrome/play store.
Interesting video. I use Linux Mint and Debian however I have a Asus Chromebook plus that I'm reasonably happy with. I was recently asked by a local charity to look at Chrome OS Flex as they don't want to change to Windows 11 as it would mean that they need to purchase new machines. They use old HP Pavillion all in one PC's. One of the charity workers uses Flex and because of that familiarity it seems sensible to change to it. I would have used Linux Mint if I was left to my own devices. I use a range of older PC's at home and I've never had an issue with Mint. Thanks for this video especially your discussion on touch screen capability. Flex looks like it is going to work good enough on the old HP computer. I'll be testing it in the next couple of weeks.
I have the same, an Asus Chromebook Plus and have an i7-5600U based laptop with 12Gb ram so stuck Chrome OS flex on it after trying a whole load of Linux distro's and it runs like a dream. Linux app support which just works at least for the apps I need, I installed Flatpak to get the apps and the thing runs a million times better than Windows 10 & 11 that I used to run on it. It gets backed up and I can power wash it at any time and restore including restoring the Linux VM. For older machines its a gift and although Linux is great this is a lot easier to get people back up and running should they have a problem so for a charity its ideal.
@@HATCHETHAS I've tried Flex on several machines now, all on supported devices. They have ran great with no issues running just Chrome OS. I've had issues running Linux software in Linux developer mode. I don't have this issue on my Chromebook plus. I'm assuming that most people won't be interested in Linux on Chrome OS Flex so probably not a huge issue. It will work well for the charity but it's not for me, it is a bit limited, I'm too used to native Linux.
Do you know what ChromeFlex doesn't run on? Older Chromeboxes and Chromebooks. Some of them have modern CPU, 8GBs of RAM but stop receiving updates, and no way to install ChromeFlex
This was my thought! I bought a new Chromebox in 2018. It was a good piece of kit. It stopped updating approx. 2 years later. It's now useless. Yet, I can install Flex into my older laptop. This makes me think that in future it's cheaper to get a laptop and install Flex. It'll last longer 🤔
Look at Veronica Explains, Linux on a Chromebook, my favorite way. I put Linux on a Chromebook using this method and can't think of a reason why Chrome OS won't work. It is a bit of lengthy process and is only for X86 architecture.
Since I use ChromeOS Flex, I am really, really happy with it. It is so easy to use and it runs fast and rock solid. As Linux Apps are well integrated into the system, I recommend it for everyone who wants a OS, that „just works“.
I tried Flex on a N100 mini PC and could not get the WiFi to work. Ended up with Linux Pop OS, which runs great and has all the software available to download you could ever want.
I switched my entire office over to flex, using great 6th and 7th gen systems with flex.. as long as you have a compatible wifi card you're good to go. However, you can scoop great deals, like Best Buy is selling i7 8th gen, upgradeable asus chromebox 3's for as little as 50 dollars.. add ram, upgrade the SSD, maybe a new wifi card and you have a sailing fast system complete with android apps.
I tried but the guys were hardened MacOS and Windows, mix of devs and PMs users and couldn't see beyond their argument of "We like to install stuff and run locally even though all our work was on remote servers that are fronted by Web interfaces and ssh access..". A couple of people liked it but there was just too much resistance - so I gave up with them, ChromeOS does what I need for my own Dev work so I'm ok with it on old h/w.
Great subject, I appreciate your insight Robby. I'm considering putting the surface specific FydeOS on surface go 3. I want a fast tablet with chrome extensions in the smallest form factor and I think Chrome os might be it. BTW miss the podcasts
ChromeOS flex is my go-to to extend the life of my family's old laptops. Running ChromeOS Flex on an old Toshiba Satellite and able to game using GeForce Now. Can't beat it!
Lenovo Y700. 16GB, i7, 17”. Windows 10. Won’t run W11. Installed Flex. Very quick on Flex. When Google ends support, I’ll put Linux on it. Should last for years to come. Nice.
We're running Flex on a couple of 8-10 year old Dell Latitudes at work. These are loaner devices that take minutes to deploy. So much nicer than having to build out a full Windows or Mac laptop as just a loaner. My biggest issue though is Corporate VPN support. The major vendors need to update their extensions. Cisco hasn't updated AnyConnet since 2018. And Fortinet pulled their Chrome extension 2 years ago. :(
Yeah I used those clear computers in my classrooms when I was locked up in a juvenile detention center. I spent a lot of time behind bars in my early years. From 2017-2019 and 2021-2022
I ran ChromeOS Flex as my main driver for over a year. Highly recommended. The main limitation that I found was not the absence of Android but the lack of any advanced memory management.
@@markbracegirdle7110 I have run some low resource hungry Linux, os's on very old hardware. Peppermint OS ran pretty well on some extremely old Pentium 4 computers. I've run this version of Chrome. In my opinion, Linux runs much more efficiently and is a full-fledged desktop.
If you look at Linux peppermint OS 10, the system requirements are much less than Chrome OS flex 1. Gig of RAM 10. Gigs of storage space Intel x86. Just processor. Just saying I've run it on extremely old hardware and it worked fine.@@markbracegirdle7110
Funny you post this the day after I learned how to make Windows installs unattended and decided to place this on the spare USB 3 thumb drive which used to have Windows 11 without restrictions.
I have been running Flex on an LG Thin Client with a 34" monitor for almost a year. Operations have been almost flawless and simple to use. The only issue I have is when binge-watching UA-cam. Occasionally, the audio will drop, and you have to restate the session in another tab to resolve the issue. That seems to have been fixed in version 127. I enjoy having the 34" monitor; it is easy on the eyes. While this solution is not portable, it works for me.
I wonder if ChromeOS Flex can revive those EOL Chromebook devices, since I have an old HP Chromebook here running outdated ChromeOS v103 and no more official updates...
So, I spent all day trying to get ChromeOS Flex to install on two ten year old PCs with high specs for 10 years ago, and an old laptop. None would load. The issue with all 3 was that the wireless cards weren't supported. So I got out some USB WiFi dongles - still no joy. So, searching online reveals endless common problems and incompatibilities that people were having, but everything works so easily for Chrome Unboxed? I guess when you are sponsored, the likely problems, they're just not worth mentioning?
I have an HP Chromebook 13 G1 with an m3 processor. I bought an HP X360 i7 with 16GB of internal memory as a replacement, but in terms of build quality, annoying fan noise, heat and dissepointing display, I definitely don't see it as an improvement. So I'm still using the old HP 13 G1... It would be great if the ChromeOS Flex team could make an upgrade-pad to Flex for EOL Chromebooks because the M3 processor is still super fast. Unlike Windows, ChromeOS becomes more efficient with each update.
Running on a very old Mac Mini where Chrome for Mac had stopped being updated and which took ages to boot. Now it's a dependable desktop that the whole family can use. It's great.
I wish Chrome OS/Flex will add playstore support by default in the future. Also support other ARM chips like Rockchip aside from Mediatek and Qualcomm/Snapdragon.
I want to love ChromeOS but it barely supports Bluetooth on my Pixel Slate from Google. It just disconnects constantly, the drivers are terrible and I searched for updates and fixes for years. The degree to which Google abandoned that device is wild.
I know you dropped Intel Gen numbers into the video - But the flex team should have given you 'human understandable' dates of the *ALL* devices you showcased. I use a mix of ChromeOS and Flex for a couple of years now and someone asked me - would it work on a 15 year old laptop ? to which I replied I've run it on a Gen 4, which means nothing to them. Maybe add dates alongside Gen numbers :)
Important note to know is that Chrome Flex OS has experation dates!!! Not sure what that means. If it means for updates then most of these devices can downoad the Flex OS, but they won't get any security updates at all or not for long. Any infoormation on this?
Those dates regard certified compatibility with Flex. When that date expires, it doesn’t mean that the device won’t get updates anymore, but rather that Google cannot guarantee complete device compatibility with future ChromeOS updates. It’ll essentially become the same as an unsupported device. Might work just fine, but there’s no guarantee.
Linux is the way to go once the support ends as it has much much wider support, even some Linux distros still supports early Windows XP machine from 2005!
I've had this happen on both an old laptop and an old imac....If I logout of an account or turn off the device. When I try to log back in, Flex tells me I have to wait 30 + min and to keep the device powered on. This happened with two different accounts.
Nice video! I have a chromebook plus and i found android apps not super useful, but that is a question of taste and specific case. Tested chrome OS flex on many machines, its running on almost anything, and super fast. Hardware is not always supported, like keyboard backlight on a MacbookAir 2012. Or weird old sound hardware. I like it over Linux when installing OS for very non-tech people. People learned to use Android, so they feel at home with the UI of flex OS.
I bought a new Chromebox in 2018. It was a good piece of kit. It stopped updating approx. 2 years later. It's now useless. Yet, I can install Flex into my older laptop. This makes me think that in future it's cheaper to get a laptop and install Flex. It'll last longer 🤔
It doesn't make sense to load Flex until the expiry date because the original OS is still slightly better. The comments also suggest that Flex OS might have some minor issues, so you might as well wait for the expiry date. My Chromebook is set to expire in June next year. It will carry on receiving updates throughout June, so I'll wait till the 1st of July before I install Flex OS.
I have a Beelink N5105 U59 Pro running CrOS Flex. It is running off a USB WIFI dongle. The built in BE200 WIFI card isn't supported yet. Dual boots W11.
Similar issue. I wanted to deploy Minisforum PC's for a new office. But lack of support for recent WiFi and Bluetooth had me move to Zorin. We are a 22 year old user of Google Workspaces client, expanding into global markets. However, getting Chromebooks in India is a pain. Hense the desire to set up chromebox like high performance devices in country is a strong desire. FlexOs needs to be kept more current for it to be serious competition.
I hacked a Lenovo N22 Chromebook that was EOL and I installed ChromeOS Flex. It worked fine except the sound didn't work because a lot of Chromebooks use a stupid sound chip that is very proprietary with limited driver support. I even tried various Linux distros and none have working sound. So the irony here is that an equivalent Windows laptop (same CPU, same manufacturer, same chassis) will most likely have working sound using Chrome OS Flex, but a hacked Chromebook using ChromeOS Flex will have broken sound.
I ran Flex on my old original Google pixel Chromebook after opening it up and removing the Bios write screw and installing the open Bios on it. Mr Chromebook had all the files. Now I run Batocera on it since the grackpad stopped working - Batocera uses a game controller for everything.
@@ytguy2010@ ytguy2010 But I've seen videos where Flex/Lacros was installed on a really old Chromebook (from 2017) and there were no issues with sound. Are you still having that issue?
Hello, when I try to run Chrome OS Flex via USB, I cannot browse as a guest and I get the error "Could not mount cyrpthome". Do you have a solution for this?
I would like to know what the minimum requirements are for running Chrome OS Flex. I have a Microsoft Surface RT and would like to upgrade it to Chrome OS Flex. Can it be done?
I tried running ChromeOS Flex on a HP Probook 450 G8 and it had graphics issues in Meet. G8 isn't on the supported list yet even though its not that new.
Following all the instructions and adding the Chrome Recovery Utility i CAN NOT fully download Chrome OS Flex..... it gets stuck at the last stage (downloading 0% complete) and stays their. the Chrome OS Fles IOS always "missing file" so WHERE can i get a copy of this?? going REALLY CRAZY thanks in advance
i downloaded chrome os flex on my macbook pro 2012 but my backlit keyboard no longer works ever since i got chrome os flex, is there any way of fixing this?
Flex (like normal chromebooks ) just enable developer mode (Debian) , Yes I run VScode , Containers Maybe but tbh I access remote debian servers for dedicated docker , Steam not tried but if it's games then why not look at Geforce Now for you steam games ( remote gaming works ) . No to Android Apps. Basically I have a Chromebook at home , but in the office I'd re-purpose a old laptop and login and all my webapps are replicated.
Is there any tablet still in the market based on Chrome OS? I want to buy one and try is Chrome OS is right for me (my iPad is dying), I have noticed Lenovo Duet is facing out and I can not find options … thanks for any suggestion
I have a question. If I put Chrome OS flex on an unsupported computer, will it still receive security updates? Chrome's literature seems to be saying that it won't, could someone confirm please.
I've read the documents through again and I have the answer to my own question. As far as I understand, unsupported machines do get updates just nothing is guaranteed to work. I'll know how well it works on unsupported hardware in a couple of days as it is going to be installed on a Hp Pavilion all in one PC.
Does any one have experience with Flex on a first gen Surface Laptop? It's just too slow to enjoy Windows anymore, and Microsoft does not let it receive 11.
I was able to install chrome os with neverware with no trouble on my old laptop and it worked great, but I wiped it to try out a linux distro....recently I felt like trying Chrome os Flex ..but I couldn't, it wouldn't connect to the internet..it didn't recognise any wifi. Disappointed
For some reason, CrOS Flex does not work on a laptop of mine. After installation or trying it, I can't get forward because the wifi does not show up. It's a bit odd, just like that, I've tried FydeOS and for some reason, the wifi board was working fine lik
Not all WiFi adapters are supported. You can search online for MT7601-based USB adapters, they're a bit oldschool/slow, but perfect for devices without (working) WiFi. I use them with HP T630 thin clients running Flex.
Your wifi card is not supported. A fairly common occurrence with CrOS Flex. You can get a USB wifi dongle that works with Flex. Don't recall the specs but you can do a google search as this is a known issue. I have found that FydeOS supports a much wider range of hardware. I have been using FydeOS on an 11" Windows laptop that wouldn't work with Flex due to touchpad and screen issues.
Thanks . My HP Envy17 at beginning of installation couldn't find any wifi network but I plugged Ethernet cable worked , finished install. But I want WiFi. Tried multiple times multiple ways no go . My old Acer mini laptop worked first try . Any ideas ? Other than what you mentioned above.
@@Ninurtha1 Sorry, from what I have read that is the only solution unless you want to get out your soldering iron and replace the wifi chip to something supported. You can't update or add drivers to Flex like you can Linux.
ChromeOS has had no ransom attacks? Wasn't it derived from Linux? Is it more secure than Linux.? Or did it enherit security from Linux? Uhhh. Where can I get a laptop with an optical drive built in?
Wow, you got lucky on that machine that wasn't certified! My experience has been that CrOSFlex doesn't work on most Windows laptops because you need specialized drivers for things like WiFi, touch-screens, trackpads and things like that because the H/W is not supported. Unlike Linux, where you can install the drivers you need, you can't do that on Flex. I have tried many a cheap Windows laptop that would be perfect for Flex and one thing or another didn't work. If anyone cares, Flex works great on the ASUS L210 laptop. Very cheap and one of the lightest 11.6" laptops out there at 1kg.
Hi, can I tell you something? If this Chrome OS Flex is installable everywhere, why not buy a Chromebook at this point, not to mention that there are people who have also installed the real Chrome OS with Play Store? What do you think?
I am using Chrome OS Flex on several Desktops at Home (Dell Optiplex and another Chinese brand) and they work perfectly! We also have several Lenovo Duets running Chrome OS.
Our 2013 school Mac Mini couldn't update to the latest apple OS so we turned it into a Chrome OS flex. Boom, everything works smoothly. The only things people use it for are presenting slides, showing spreadsheets, and typing Google docs. Perfect!
We have an old HP Stream 13 at home. It was running Windows 7 Starter Edition when I bought it. I updated to Windows 10, but it could barery run it, with only 32 GB of disk space. I installed ChromeOS and it's giving it a second life. This is pretty great.
I was running Cloudready on some ASUS CN62 Chromeboxes and it automatically switched to Chrome OS Flex succesfully.
I'm a fan of chrome os, I have been using it for 2yrs now and I love it. My system don't crash ever again. Need more office adaptable apps on chrome/play store.
Interesting video. I use Linux Mint and Debian however I have a Asus Chromebook plus that I'm reasonably happy with. I was recently asked by a local charity to look at Chrome OS Flex as they don't want to change to Windows 11 as it would mean that they need to purchase new machines. They use old HP Pavillion all in one PC's. One of the charity workers uses Flex and because of that familiarity it seems sensible to change to it. I would have used Linux Mint if I was left to my own devices. I use a range of older PC's at home and I've never had an issue with Mint. Thanks for this video especially your discussion on touch screen capability. Flex looks like it is going to work good enough on the old HP computer. I'll be testing it in the next couple of weeks.
I have the same, an Asus Chromebook Plus and have an i7-5600U based laptop with 12Gb ram so stuck Chrome OS flex on it after trying a whole load of Linux distro's and it runs like a dream. Linux app support which just works at least for the apps I need, I installed Flatpak to get the apps and the thing runs a million times better than Windows 10 & 11 that I used to run on it. It gets backed up and I can power wash it at any time and restore including restoring the Linux VM. For older machines its a gift and although Linux is great this is a lot easier to get people back up and running should they have a problem so for a charity its ideal.
@@HATCHETHAS I've tried Flex on several machines now, all on supported devices. They have ran great with no issues running just Chrome OS. I've had issues running Linux software in Linux developer mode. I don't have this issue on my Chromebook plus. I'm assuming that most people won't be interested in Linux on Chrome OS Flex so probably not a huge issue. It will work well for the charity but it's not for me, it is a bit limited, I'm too used to native Linux.
Omg he’s back. I thought they sold the channel or something
"It feels like the ones you can just throw in the back of a pickup." you know how wild that sounds? xD
Do you know what ChromeFlex doesn't run on? Older Chromeboxes and Chromebooks. Some of them have modern CPU, 8GBs of RAM but stop receiving updates, and no way to install ChromeFlex
This was my thought! I bought a new Chromebox in 2018. It was a good piece of kit. It stopped updating approx. 2 years later. It's now useless. Yet, I can install Flex into my older laptop. This makes me think that in future it's cheaper to get a laptop and install Flex. It'll last longer 🤔
Look at Veronica Explains, Linux on a Chromebook, my favorite way. I put Linux on a Chromebook using this method and can't think of a reason why Chrome OS won't work. It is a bit of lengthy process and is only for X86 architecture.
my 1gig and 2 gig, no?
Since I use ChromeOS Flex, I am really, really happy with it. It is so easy to use and it runs fast and rock solid. As Linux Apps are well integrated into the system, I recommend it for everyone who wants a OS, that „just works“.
I tried Flex on a N100 mini PC and could not get the WiFi to work. Ended up with Linux Pop OS, which runs great and has all the software available to download you could ever want.
Point of note. The drivers magically just working compared to Windows is thanks to Linux, the same could be said for Fedora or Ubuntu.
I do run ChromeOS Flex in a 2008 iMac and it works perfectly. I just replaced the old hdd with an ssd
T490, pretty old but 32Gb RAM and touchscreen is absolutely perfect with Chrome OS Flex!
4:15 I really thought it was the laptop from 1995 Hackers movie that Dade was sent. LOL
I switched my entire office over to flex, using great 6th and 7th gen systems with flex.. as long as you have a compatible wifi card you're good to go. However, you can scoop great deals, like Best Buy is selling i7 8th gen, upgradeable asus chromebox 3's for as little as 50 dollars.. add ram, upgrade the SSD, maybe a new wifi card and you have a sailing fast system complete with android apps.
Best buy does not sell used i7 chromeboxes that are that cheap.
I tried but the guys were hardened MacOS and Windows, mix of devs and PMs users and couldn't see beyond their argument of "We like to install stuff and run locally even though all our work was on remote servers that are fronted by Web interfaces and ssh access..". A couple of people liked it but there was just too much resistance - so I gave up with them, ChromeOS does what I need for my own Dev work so I'm ok with it on old h/w.
Great subject, I appreciate your insight Robby. I'm considering putting the surface specific FydeOS on surface go 3. I want a fast tablet with chrome extensions in the smallest form factor and I think Chrome os might be it. BTW miss the podcasts
ChromeOS flex is my go-to to extend the life of my family's old laptops. Running ChromeOS Flex on an old Toshiba Satellite and able to game using GeForce Now. Can't beat it!
Lenovo Y700. 16GB, i7, 17”. Windows 10. Won’t run W11. Installed Flex. Very quick on Flex. When Google ends support, I’ll put Linux on it. Should last for years to come. Nice.
We're running Flex on a couple of 8-10 year old Dell Latitudes at work. These are loaner devices that take minutes to deploy. So much nicer than having to build out a full Windows or Mac laptop as just a loaner.
My biggest issue though is Corporate VPN support. The major vendors need to update their extensions. Cisco hasn't updated AnyConnet since 2018. And Fortinet pulled their Chrome extension 2 years ago. :(
Does it have to be installed through a browser extension?
@@exzld yes sadly. Security policies require it. And the native VPN set I chrome is doesn’t support Cisco ASA configs.
If you don't mind answering , what is your job ?
@@abdulrahmanmuhammed1880 Sr IT Admin
Flex on old 2017 MacBook Air... Perfect. Great grab and go.
That is what I was thinking of using or Mac Mini with Intel i5 chip. What is the experation date for your Macbook Air? Flex OS has experation dates.
@@PLANETWATERMELON Apple Macbook Air 7,2 Certified to 2027! Not bad huh?
@@astroimagers I was hoping for longer like 2030. I guess it's 10 years from that devices release date.
Google really sent you the jail laptop? That's hilarious!
Ironic for me as someone who has spent much of my early adult life in and out of "institutions".
Yeah I used those clear computers in my classrooms when I was locked up in a juvenile detention center. I spent a lot of time behind bars in my early years. From 2017-2019 and 2021-2022
I ran ChromeOS Flex as my main driver for over a year. Highly recommended. The main limitation that I found was not the absence of Android but the lack of any advanced memory management.
Why is that not in ChromeOS Flex?
@@vincentlivoti4184 ChromeOS runs much better than Linux on low end devices.
@@Maxible It might be a licensing issue.
@@markbracegirdle7110 I have run some low resource hungry Linux, os's on very old hardware. Peppermint OS ran pretty well on some extremely old Pentium 4 computers. I've run this version of Chrome. In my opinion, Linux runs much more efficiently and is a full-fledged desktop.
If you look at Linux peppermint OS 10, the system requirements are much less than Chrome OS flex 1. Gig of RAM 10. Gigs of storage space Intel x86. Just processor. Just saying I've run it on extremely old hardware and it worked fine.@@markbracegirdle7110
Funny you post this the day after I learned how to make Windows installs unattended and decided to place this on the spare USB 3 thumb drive which used to have Windows 11 without restrictions.
I have been running Flex on an LG Thin Client with a 34" monitor for almost a year. Operations have been almost flawless and simple to use. The only issue I have is when binge-watching UA-cam. Occasionally, the audio will drop, and you have to restate the session in another tab to resolve the issue. That seems to have been fixed in version 127.
I enjoy having the 34" monitor; it is easy on the eyes. While this solution is not portable, it works for me.
Hi, was version 127 installed automatically as an update or did you manually have to install it?
@@ryokan9120 It was an automatic update. I am now on version 129, and everything is going well.
I wonder if ChromeOS Flex can revive those EOL Chromebook devices, since I have an old HP Chromebook here running outdated ChromeOS v103 and no more official updates...
I have used Chrome OS as my personal computer since CR-48.
Thanks for posting this video
That clear laptop is so cool.
So, I spent all day trying to get ChromeOS Flex to install on two ten year old PCs with high specs for 10 years ago, and an old laptop. None would load. The issue with all 3 was that the wireless cards weren't supported. So I got out some USB WiFi dongles - still no joy. So, searching online reveals endless common problems and incompatibilities that people were having, but everything works so easily for Chrome Unboxed? I guess when you are sponsored, the likely problems, they're just not worth mentioning?
Would be nice to see if they fixed it to work in dual screen Asus laptops
I have an HP Chromebook 13 G1 with an m3 processor. I bought an HP X360 i7 with 16GB of internal memory as a replacement, but in terms of build quality, annoying fan noise, heat and dissepointing display, I definitely don't see it as an improvement. So I'm still using the old HP 13 G1... It would be great if the ChromeOS Flex team could make an upgrade-pad to Flex for EOL Chromebooks because the M3 processor is still super fast. Unlike Windows, ChromeOS becomes more efficient with each update.
I’ve been using chromeOS flex on an Intel NUC i5 16gb of ram ssd drive and love it fast never crashes just a shame android isn’t supported on it
What would you do even if it did? I just wondering. Never used android on the chromeos before, never saw the point
Running on a very old Mac Mini where Chrome for Mac had stopped being updated and which took ages to boot.
Now it's a dependable desktop that the whole family can use. It's great.
Why not Linux
@@yghhhhrffv Sure. You could, we have Chromebooks in the house though so it all seemed to run off the peg in a very familiar way.
I wish Chrome OS/Flex will add playstore support by default in the future. Also support other ARM chips like Rockchip aside from Mediatek and Qualcomm/Snapdragon.
I read somewhere else that you can use Linux to download apps, but it's not something I can verify.
I want to love ChromeOS but it barely supports Bluetooth on my Pixel Slate from Google. It just disconnects constantly, the drivers are terrible and I searched for updates and fixes for years. The degree to which Google abandoned that device is wild.
The cost of the BeeLink box and similar mini pcs make the pricing for regular chromeboxes look pretty bad.
I have been using a hp Chromebook as my personal computer for years, so much faster and better battery then my windows work laptop
Used Flex on my Macbook Air. Unfortunately backlit keys do not work. I am desperate to get this going. Someone, please help!
I know you dropped Intel Gen numbers into the video - But the flex team should have given you 'human understandable' dates of the *ALL* devices you showcased. I use a mix of ChromeOS and Flex for a couple of years now and someone asked me - would it work on a 15 year old laptop ? to which I replied I've run it on a Gen 4, which means nothing to them. Maybe add dates alongside Gen numbers :)
I really wish auto rotate worked on my Dell Venue 11 7139.
Would make a fantastic Chrome tablet
Important note to know is that Chrome Flex OS has experation dates!!! Not sure what that means. If it means for updates then most of these devices can downoad the Flex OS, but they won't get any security updates at all or not for long. Any infoormation on this?
Those dates regard certified compatibility with Flex. When that date expires, it doesn’t mean that the device won’t get updates anymore, but rather that Google cannot guarantee complete device compatibility with future ChromeOS updates. It’ll essentially become the same as an unsupported device. Might work just fine, but there’s no guarantee.
@@nickmcquade thanks
Linux is the way to go once the support ends as it has much much wider support, even some Linux distros still supports early Windows XP machine from 2005!
I've had this happen on both an old laptop and an old imac....If I logout of an account or turn off the device. When I try to log back in, Flex tells me I have to wait 30 + min and to keep the device powered on. This happened with two different accounts.
Ngl the prison laptop slaps! Beautiful hardware.
Nice video! I have a chromebook plus and i found android apps not super useful, but that is a question of taste and specific case. Tested chrome OS flex on many machines, its running on almost anything, and super fast. Hardware is not always supported, like keyboard backlight on a MacbookAir 2012. Or weird old sound hardware. I like it over Linux when installing OS for very non-tech people. People learned to use Android, so they feel at home with the UI of flex OS.
What happened to the chrome cast podcast? Nothing since July on Spotify? Has golf put an end to chrome unboxed? Content disappearing :(
I bought a new Chromebox in 2018. It was a good piece of kit. It stopped updating approx. 2 years later. It's now useless. Yet, I can install Flex into my older laptop. This makes me think that in future it's cheaper to get a laptop and install Flex. It'll last longer 🤔
It doesn't make sense to load Flex until the expiry date because the original OS is still slightly better. The comments also suggest that Flex OS might have some minor issues, so you might as well wait for the expiry date. My Chromebook is set to expire in June next year. It will carry on receiving updates throughout June, so I'll wait till the 1st of July before I install Flex OS.
I have a Beelink N5105 U59 Pro running CrOS Flex. It is running off a USB WIFI dongle. The built in BE200 WIFI card isn't supported yet. Dual boots W11.
Similar issue. I wanted to deploy Minisforum PC's for a new office. But lack of support for recent WiFi and Bluetooth had me move to Zorin. We are a 22 year old user of Google Workspaces client, expanding into global markets. However, getting Chromebooks in India is a pain. Hense the desire to set up chromebox like high performance devices in country is a strong desire. FlexOs needs to be kept more current for it to be serious competition.
What about chromebook pixel 2015 and other EOL chromebooks?
I hacked a Lenovo N22 Chromebook that was EOL and I installed ChromeOS Flex. It worked fine except the sound didn't work because a lot of Chromebooks use a stupid sound chip that is very proprietary with limited driver support.
I even tried various Linux distros and none have working sound.
So the irony here is that an equivalent Windows laptop (same CPU, same manufacturer, same chassis) will most likely have working sound using Chrome OS Flex, but a hacked Chromebook using ChromeOS Flex will have broken sound.
I ran Flex on my old original Google pixel Chromebook after opening it up and removing the Bios write screw and installing the open Bios on it. Mr Chromebook had all the files. Now I run Batocera on it since the grackpad stopped working - Batocera uses a game controller for everything.
@@ytguy2010@ ytguy2010 But I've seen videos where Flex/Lacros was installed on a really old Chromebook (from 2017) and there were no issues with sound. Are you still having that issue?
@@ryokan9120 I got rid of my Lenovo N22 Chromebook so I cannot test the sound with current Linux distros or current Chrome OS Flex.
Can you use Chrome OS Flex to extend the life of an old Chromebook that no longer receives updates?
Only if its x64 device from 2010 and beyond and not an arm device could it be revived with flex
For refrence i believe most chrome devices from factory run arm not x64 someone correct me if im wrong
That's what the video claims, so I'm guessing the answer is almost certainly yes.
I want to securebook so bad because its clear. If it had a couple of ports I would have already bought it.
Hello, when I try to run Chrome OS Flex via USB, I cannot browse as a guest and I get the error "Could not mount cyrpthome". Do you have a solution for this?
Need something that will run on ARM based devices. Arm version of Surface for instance or ARM chromebooks like ASUS c100.
We need something like this to run on older Android tablets
damn, clear body looks pretty cool
Need to get locked in a slammer, you can get one 😂
I would like to know what the minimum requirements are for running Chrome OS Flex. I have a Microsoft Surface RT and would like to upgrade it to Chrome OS Flex. Can it be done?
Download flex on a thumb drive and run it off the drive. If it works... You'll know immediately. Worth a try.
I tried running ChromeOS Flex on a HP Probook 450 G8 and it had graphics issues in Meet. G8 isn't on the supported list yet even though its not that new.
Following all the instructions and adding the Chrome Recovery Utility
i CAN NOT fully download Chrome OS Flex..... it gets stuck at the last stage (downloading 0% complete) and stays their.
the Chrome OS Fles IOS always "missing file"
so WHERE can i get a copy of this?? going REALLY CRAZY
thanks in advance
Hp Prodesk 400 G1 i3 4160t. By no means a powerhouse to modern pc's but good enough for office with flex.
I wish they certified some tablet PC's like the Asus VivoTab M81C
So, is this a solution for those of us with older Chrome devices (Samsung) yhat have had their last official update?
I low-key want that POS tablet, for no other reason than that it's weird.
Walgreens uses those in their pharmacies; they are nice kit.
i downloaded chrome os flex on my macbook pro 2012 but my backlit keyboard no longer works ever since i got chrome os flex, is there any way of fixing this?
With Flex I always want to know if it can run VSCode, Docker containers, Steam and Android apps
Flex (like normal chromebooks ) just enable developer mode (Debian) , Yes I run VScode , Containers Maybe but tbh I access remote debian servers for dedicated docker , Steam not tried but if it's games then why not look at Geforce Now for you steam games ( remote gaming works ) . No to Android Apps. Basically I have a Chromebook at home , but in the office I'd re-purpose a old laptop and login and all my webapps are replicated.
Are any Atom CPU items certified?
any decent linux distro would work on those laptops try doing zorin lite in all of them and welcome to be free
6:20 I'm running ChromeOS Flex on a HP Elitebook G4 and when I flip the screen over it changes into tablet mode
Nice! 👍
Is there any tablet still in the market based on Chrome OS? I want to buy one and try is Chrome OS is right for me (my iPad is dying), I have noticed Lenovo Duet is facing out and I can not find options … thanks for any suggestion
There's a new Duet
@@deanstyles2567 I saw it, I will buy on Black Friday 😂
I have a question. If I put Chrome OS flex on an unsupported computer, will it still receive security updates? Chrome's literature seems to be saying that it won't, could someone confirm please.
I've read the documents through again and I have the answer to my own question. As far as I understand, unsupported machines do get updates just nothing is guaranteed to work. I'll know how well it works on unsupported hardware in a couple of days as it is going to be installed on a Hp Pavilion all in one PC.
Does optical drive work on Chrome Book Flex?
Google needs to add support for Surface devices ASAP
Need to get rid of Windows
Need playstore support 😊
I like chrome os, but I like more debian/ubuntu or a more traditional linux without loggin with an account.
Does any one have experience with Flex on a first gen Surface Laptop? It's just too slow to enjoy Windows anymore, and Microsoft does not let it receive 11.
I wish I could run Chrome OS Flex on my old ASUS c302 Chromebook that no longer gets updates ☹️
Not compatible with any ARM or RISC-V CPU still
Installed it on a win 8.1 desktop. Crashes / freezes all the time to this date. "Send crash report" to google for the last year, still crashes.
Potential hardware issues ? Have you looked at the chrome://chrome-urls/ in the browser and extracted any info from those ?
Do sucks a bit it won't be on the raspberry pi 4/5. They both capable enough as seen by openfyde.
I was able to install chrome os with neverware with no trouble on my old laptop and it worked great, but I wiped it to try out a linux distro....recently I felt like trying Chrome os Flex ..but I couldn't, it wouldn't connect to the internet..it didn't recognise any wifi. Disappointed
Is it just base on Linux
ChromeOS has Linux underneath, yes.
For some reason, CrOS Flex does not work on a laptop of mine. After installation or trying it, I can't get forward because the wifi does not show up. It's a bit odd, just like that, I've tried FydeOS and for some reason, the wifi board was working fine lik
Not all WiFi adapters are supported. You can search online for MT7601-based USB adapters, they're a bit oldschool/slow, but perfect for devices without (working) WiFi. I use them with HP T630 thin clients running Flex.
Your wifi card is not supported. A fairly common occurrence with CrOS Flex. You can get a USB wifi dongle that works with Flex. Don't recall the specs but you can do a google search as this is a known issue. I have found that FydeOS supports a much wider range of hardware. I have been using FydeOS on an 11" Windows laptop that wouldn't work with Flex due to touchpad and screen issues.
Thanks . My HP Envy17 at beginning of installation couldn't find any wifi network but I plugged Ethernet cable worked , finished install. But I want WiFi. Tried multiple times multiple ways no go . My old Acer mini laptop worked first try . Any ideas ? Other than what you mentioned above.
@@Ninurtha1 Sorry, from what I have read that is the only solution unless you want to get out your soldering iron and replace the wifi chip to something supported. You can't update or add drivers to Flex like you can Linux.
Pixel review when Sir?
No Play Store, no dice.
ChromeOS has had no ransom attacks? Wasn't it derived from Linux? Is it more secure than Linux.? Or did it enherit security from Linux?
Uhhh. Where can I get a laptop with an optical drive built in?
Biggest challenge for me running osflex was newer device Bluetooth and WiFi would often not be supported.
True, although you could always add them via a USB dongle
@@oronjoffe that's exactly what I did. 😁
Anyone try this on Dell XPS 9510?
11:11 😤
Will ChromOS Flex run on any of Apple's devices running macOS?
some are ok but some older ones odd things happen e.g. 2011 models etc
Just pause the video @0:00
the property sells itself.
Chrome os Flex Update Google play store?
I have Asus flip c100.
20:53 Flexibox?
It's great BUT bluetooth compatability is TERRIBLE!
Chrome flex, resurrecting dead PCs.
I would just install Linux.
Thay spoiled it , wifi dose not work if you have new Intel chipset 😂
can you do a video about dual boot for windows and chrome os flex so as we can use windows for software that still require windows platform to operate
There are some hacks like Brunch, but ChromeOS Flex does not support dual boot.
Dual boot In that case is running OS Flex on a thumb drive when you want to use it... Unplug when you don't.
@@paulalsup8838 running it on a pendrive won't be that efficient in terms of speed and power consumption for the laptop; unless i'm wrong.
Wow, you got lucky on that machine that wasn't certified! My experience has been that CrOSFlex doesn't work on most Windows laptops because you need specialized drivers for things like WiFi, touch-screens, trackpads and things like that because the H/W is not supported. Unlike Linux, where you can install the drivers you need, you can't do that on Flex. I have tried many a cheap Windows laptop that would be perfect for Flex and one thing or another didn't work. If anyone cares, Flex works great on the ASUS L210 laptop. Very cheap and one of the lightest 11.6" laptops out there at 1kg.
Hi, can I tell you something? If this Chrome OS Flex is installable everywhere, why not buy a Chromebook at this point, not to mention that there are people who have also installed the real Chrome OS with Play Store? What do you think?
It was made to revive or extend the life of old hardware among other capabilities...