Installing Chromebook-like software on an old Mac that can’t run the newest macOS and no longer receives security updates from Apple may give it a new lease on life as a more secure Chromebook.
When it comes to older computers and Macs, Google has launched an early version of Chrome OS Flex, which provides a mechanism to replace the operating system so users can take advantage of a totally cloud-based method of working. Installing the cloud-first operating system implies that your Mac will be safe to use because of frequent upgrades and should boot quickly.
After Google purchased the startup Neverware, which developed a software called CloudReady for converting outdated PCs into Chrome OS computers, Chrome OS Flex was born.
Google Assistant, Chrome browser, and Nearby Sharing are all included in Chrome OS Flex since it is developed on the same code base as Chrome OS. Google has detailed a few system-level restrictions of OS Flex that separate it from Chrome OS on the company’s own devices, including the fact that there is no Google Play Store.
What You’ll Need
- Mac released after 2010 with 16GB of free storage.
- Chrome browser installed on your Mac
- USB drive with 8GB or more of storage space.
Installing Chrome OS Flex
However, schools and organisations utilising CloudReady will continue to be paid a price and subscription rate for OS Flex usage, which is free for individual users.
It’s also worth noting that this is an early access version, so anticipate some issues (the OS can also be loaded from a USB stick). A stable version of the operating system should be available in the near future.
- Select the Chromebook Recovery Utility from the Chrome online store on your Mac.
- Add to Chrome in the upper right corner.
- Click Add extension when requested.
- Chromebook Recovery Utility may be activated by clicking Extensions -> Manage extensions in the Chrome browser’s upper-right corner, and then turning the switch to the right to enable it.
- Select “Google Chrome OS Flex” and click “Continue” to begin the recovery process using the Chrome Recovery Utility extension.
- Click Create Now once you insert your USB device and pick it from the dropdown menu that appears.
- Remove the USB drive when it indicates it is ready to be used.
- Re-insert the USB disc after shutting down the Mac and restarting it to use Chrome OS Flex.
- Hold down the Option key when you restart the Mac.
- Press the Enter key after selecting the USB disc in the boot menu.
Installing Chrome OS Flex permanently means deleting and replacing your device’s current operating system with Chrome OS Flex after successfully booting from the USB installer.
Use the USB installer to run Chrome OS Flex while you decide whether or not to install it on your devices. So you can make sure that the device’s functions, such as networking and input tools, are operating as they are supposed to