Google's Tool Revives Old Laptops Without Needing to Buy New Ones

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Google has introduced ChromeOS Flex, a free cloud-based operating system designed to convert old PCs or Macs into Chromebooks.

ChromeOS Flex was developed by Google following its acquisition of Neverware, the creator of CloudReady. The system is specifically tailored for schools and companies still using numerous computers or laptops whose performance has declined after years of use.

Google states that these old devices can be rejuvenated by removing Windows or macOS and replacing them with ChromeOS Flex. This operating system is lighter, relies on the cloud, and remains stable even on devices with low specifications.

ChromeOS Product Director for Enterprise and Education, Thomas Riedl, said that ChromeOS Flex provides a user experience almost identical to ChromeOS. Key features such as Google Assistant, the Chrome browser, and Android integration are also available within it.

“With Chromebooks, Chromeboxes, and Chromebases, you get comprehensive optimisation between hardware and software with strong security and the largest app ecosystem via the Google Play Store,” Riedl wrote in a blog, quoted from Gizmodo, on Monday (13/4/2026).

Google also confirms that ChromeOS Flex uses the same code base as ChromeOS. This means the system will receive updates and security support at the same rhythm as Chromebooks.

ChromeOS Flex is considered suitable for companies running a mix of old devices and new Chromebooks. With the Chrome Enterprise Upgrade, all devices can be managed in the same Google admin console, facilitating migration when companies upgrade hardware.

Interestingly, Google claims that ChromeOS Flex can run on devices up to 13 years old. Even old laptops that are nearly unusable can be brought back into service without needing to purchase new ones.

In addition to saving costs, Google highlights the environmentally friendly aspect. Reviving old laptops is seen as a way to reduce the growing electronic waste each year.

However, ChromeOS Flex has several limitations. Because it runs on devices not specifically designed for ChromeOS, some features like keyboard shortcuts and certain drivers may not function optimally. Even the webcam on some MacBook models is reportedly incompatible.

Google also acknowledges that the security level of ChromeOS Flex does not fully match that of Chromebooks due to differences between hardware and software. However, the company will release a list of certified devices along with supported features.

To try ChromeOS Flex, users simply need to run it via a USB flash drive. The installation process is estimated to take about 30 minutes and can be tested without risk before replacing the main operating system.

ChromeOS Flex is still in the early stages, and Google admits it has not conducted large-scale testing. Through this early access, users can try the OS and provide feedback before the full launch. Users can test it via USB as a “risk-free” method before fully replacing the OS.

Google says the stable version of ChromeOS Flex will be available in the coming months, and users are expected to encounter bugs in the current version. CloudReady users will be upgraded to ChromeOS Flex for free.