Just Plug In: Google's Device Revives Old Laptops

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Google has brought a solution for outdated devices by introducing ChromeOS Flex, a free cloud OS that can turn a PC or Mac into a Chromebook.

This system is specifically designed for schools and companies that are still using many computers or laptops whose performance has declined after years of use.

ChromeOS Flex was developed by Google after they acquired Neverware, the maker of CloudReady.

Google states that old devices can be rejuvenated by removing Windows or macOS and replacing it with ChromeOS Flex.

This operating system is lighter, relies on the cloud, and remains stable even when run 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 in it.

“With Chromebook, Chromebox, and Chromebase, you will get comprehensive optimisation between hardware and software with strong security and the largest app ecosystem through the Google Play Store,” Riedl wrote in a blog, quoted from Gizmodo, Thursday (23/4/2026).

Google also ensures that ChromeOS Flex uses the same codebase 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 combination of old devices and new Chromebooks. With Chrome Enterprise Upgrade, all devices can be managed in the same Google admin console, making migration easier when companies upgrade hardware.

Interestingly, Google claims ChromeOS Flex can run on devices up to 13 years old. Even old laptops that are almost unused can be reused without having to buy new devices.

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

However, ChromeOS Flex has several limitations. Because it is run 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 reported to be 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 only about 30 minutes and can be tried without risk before replacing the main operating system.

ChromeOS Flex is still in the early stage 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 try it via USB as a “no-risk” way 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.