How to install ChromeOS Flex on an old laptop and why you should

Your trusty old laptop is sitting in a corner, gathering dust. It’s slow, noisy, and starts up in what feels like an eternity. It hasn’t seen the light of day in months because, let’s face it, it can barely open a browser without freezing. Instead of tossing it out, what if you could breathe new life into it?

How? Answer: ChromeOS Flex.

If you’ve been struggling with whether to ditch your old laptop or keep it as a backup, ChromeOS Flex might just be the answer you didn’t know you needed. It’s simple, light, and incredibly fast. But more importantly, it’s a sustainable and practical solution for both individuals and businesses.

Let’s break down why ChromeOS Flex matters and how you can install it to give your laptop a second lease on life.

Why bother with ChromeOS Flex?

Because old laptops deserve better. Many of us think that when a device slows down, it’s useless. But in most cases, the hardware is perfectly fine—it’s the heavy, outdated software bogging it down. ChromeOS Flex changes that narrative. It’s designed to turn aging devices into fast, secure, and efficient machines.

Here’s why you need it:

1. Breathe New Life Into Old Hardware: Think of ChromeOS Flex as a lightweight operating system that can run smoothly on older devices. Where traditional operating systems require more processing power, ChromeOS Flex works efficiently even on laptops released 8-10 years ago.
2. It’s FREE: Yes, ChromeOS Flex is completely free to download and use. You don’t need to buy licenses, which is especially helpful for businesses looking to repurpose older machines.
3. Sustainability is Key: Millions of devices end up in landfills every year. Most of these are still functional, but they’re written off because they can’t keep up with bloated software. ChromeOS Flex reduces electronic waste by giving these devices a second chance.
4. Perfect for Browsing, Productivity, and Learning: ChromeOS Flex is a streamlined OS designed for web-based activities. Whether you’re working on documents, attending virtual classes, or browsing, it gets the job done without frustrating lags.
5. It’s Secure and Reliable: Traditional laptops often face security vulnerabilities as their software ages and updates stop. ChromeOS Flex provides a secure environment with automatic updates and built-in virus protection.
6. Great for Remote Work or Learning: If you’re looking for a secondary device to use while working remotely or for online learning, ChromeOS Flex is a no-brainer. It’s fast, reliable, and gets the essentials done without hiccups.

What exactly is ChromeOS Flex?

Before we jump into the installation, let’s clarify what ChromeOS Flex is. ChromeOS Flex is a cloud-based operating system developed by Google. Unlike Windows or macOS, which rely heavily on local storage and processing power, ChromeOS Flex is light, web-centric, and designed to run efficiently on older hardware.

It’s basically a version of ChromeOS—the operating system found on Chromebooks—but tailored to work on non-Google devices. If you’re used to a Chromebook, the experience is nearly identical: you get fast boot times, a clean interface, and seamless integration with Google services like Drive, Docs, and Gmail.

How to install ChromeOS Flex on your old laptop

The installation process is straightforward, and you don’t need to be a tech wizard to do it.
Follow these steps:

Requirements to install ChromeOS Flex, what you’ll need:

1. An old laptop (that still powers on)
2. A USB flash drive (8GB or more)
3. A stable internet connection

Step 1: Prepare your USB drive

• Plug the USB flash drive into your working laptop or PC.
• Open the Chrome browser (you’ll need this).
• Install the Chromebook Recovery Utility extension from the Chrome Web Store.
• Launch the extension and select Get Started.

Step 2: Flash ChromeOS Flex on a USB Drive

• When prompted to identify your device, choose Select a model from a list.
• Under Manufacturer, choose “Google ChromeOS Flex.”
• Under Product, select “ChromeOS Flex.”
• Click Continue and follow the prompts to create a bootable USB drive.

The process might take a few minutes as ChromeOS Flex downloads and installs onto your USB drive.

Step 3: Boot your Old laptop from the USB drive

• Plug the bootable USB drive into your old laptop.
• Restart the laptop and access the boot menu. (This usually involves pressing a key like F12, F2, or Esc when the laptop powers on. It depends on the manufacturer.)
• From the boot menu, select the USB drive as your boot device.

Step 4: Test ChromeOS Flex

• Your laptop will boot into ChromeOS Flex. Instead of installing it immediately, you can try it out first to see how it runs. This option lets you experience ChromeOS Flex without overwriting your existing system.

Step 5: Install ChromeOS Flex

• If you’re happy with the performance, you can install ChromeOS Flex permanently.
• On the welcome screen, select Install ChromeOS Flex and follow the prompts.
• Note: This will erase all data on your laptop, so back up anything important beforehand.

Step 6: Enjoy your revived laptop

• Once the installation is complete, your laptop will boot up with ChromeOS Flex. Set up your Google account, connect to Wi-Fi, and you’re good to go.

What can you do with ChromeOS Flex?

After installing ChromeOS Flex, you’ll notice an immediate difference. Your laptop will boot faster, run smoother, and feel far more responsive. Here are just a few things you can do:

• Web Browsing: Stream videos, research, and surf the web without annoying delays.
• Productivity Work: Use Google Workspace tools like Docs, Sheets, and Slides seamlessly.
• Online Learning: Attend classes via Zoom or Google Meet with ease.
• Entertainment: Stream your favorite content on YouTube, Netflix, or Spotify.
• Light Gaming: Play web-based games or use cloud gaming platforms like GeForce Now.

ChromeOS Flex won’t magically transform your old laptop into a gaming powerhouse, but it’s perfect for day-to-day tasks.

Bringing new life to old devices with ChromeOS Flex and Scalefusion UEM

Old laptops aren’t outdated; they’re just waiting for the right operating system to unleash their potential. ChromeOS Flex proves that you don’t need cutting-edge hardware to stay productive, connected, and entertained. It’s a practical solution for individuals, schools, and businesses looking to make the most of their existing devices.

In a business environment, reusing old laptops can be a smart, cost-effective strategy. By refurbishing and repurposing these devices, companies can extend their lifecycle while maintaining operational efficiency. 

Managing these devices through Scalefusion UEM ensures they remain secure, compliant, and properly configured. With Scalefusion, businesses can centrally manage a fleet of refurbished devices, enforce security policies, monitor usage, and protect sensitive data—all while maintaining a seamless user experience for employees.

So, dust off that old laptop, grab a USB stick and give ChromeOS Flex a try. Your “useless” device might just surprise you—and with Scalefusion, it will be just as secure and productive as any brand-new machine, saving you money and boosting your operational efficiency.

Discover how Scalefusion UEM can simplify Chromebook device management. Reach out to our experts to schedule a demo and experience the benefits firsthand. Start your 14-day free trial today!