ChromeOS Flex is Google’s lightweight operating system designed to bring new life to old Windows and Mac computers. To install it, you first need to create a bootable USB drive. If you’re already using a Chromebook, the process is actually very simple, because Google provides an official tool that works perfectly on ChromeOS.
Unlike Windows or macOS, you don’t need third-party software, command-line tools, or ISO files. Everything can be done directly from your Chromebook using a Chrome extension. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process step by step.
How to Create Chrome OS Flex Installation Media
To create the Chrome OS Flex installation media, make sure you have at least an 8GB USB drive and the necessary extension installed. Once that’s ready, you can begin creating your installation media.
Here’s how you can do that:
1. Open the Google Chrome browser on your device.
2. Visit the Chrome Web Store and search for the Chromebook Recovery Utility tool.
3. Click Add to Chrome to install the extension.
4. Once added, you should see the extension icon in your Chrome browser. Click on it to launch the Chromebook Recovery Utility.
5. In the Chromebook Recovery Utility window, click on the Get Started button.
6. Click on Select a model from a list.
7. From the Select Manufacturer dropdown menu, choose Google Chrome OS Flex.
8. From the Product dropdown menu, select Chrome OS Flex.
9. Click Continue to move to the next step.
10. Now, you’ll need to insert your USB pen drive into your computer. Once it’s connected, from the dropdown menu, select your USB drive.
11. Click Continue to proceed.
12. Once you’ve selected your USB drive, you’ll be ready to create the installation media. Simply click on the Create Now button.
13. Once the process is finished, you’ll see a Done button. Click on it to close the utility, and you’ve successfully created the Chrome OS Flex installation media on your USB drive.
Now you’re all set to use your bootable USB drive to install Chrome OS Flex on any older device that supports it.
Can You Install ChromeOS Flex on a Chromebook Itself?
No, you can’t install ChromeOS Flex on a Chromebook. Chromebooks already run a built-in version of ChromeOS that’s specifically optimized for their hardware and firmware, which is different from what ChromeOS Flex uses.
ChromeOS Flex is designed for older Windows PCs and Macs, not Chromebooks. The USB installer you create is meant to replace traditional operating systems like Windows or macOS, so it won’t work on a Chromebook.
Wrapping Up
With that, we wrap up our detailed guide on how to make a ChromeOS Flex bootable USB on a Chromebook. Thanks to Google’s official Chromebook Recovery Utility, the process is straightforward, safe, and beginner-friendly, no ISO files or complex steps required.
If you’re planning to revive an old PC or Mac, creating the ChromeOS Flex USB on a Chromebook is actually one of the easiest ways to get started
