Do you have an older Mac that no longer gets security updates from Apple and battles to run the latest macOS? Well, now you don’t have to ditch it. You can fish it out of wherever you’re keeping it and give it new life by turning your Mac into a Chromebook.
This is possible with Chrome OS Flex, a cloud-first operating system that you can install on devices initially built to run macOS (or Windows and Linux). Installing Chrome OS Flex will make your old Mac boot fast. It won’t slow down over time and will keep your device secure with regular updates.
What is Chrome OS Flex?
In 2020, Google bought Neverware, a company that produced CloudReady, which allows users to convert old PCs into Chrome OS machines. Google then introduced Chrome OS Flex, which essentially replaces older operating systems with a way of computing that’s primarily managed in the cloud. It’s similar to Chrome OS because it uses the same code base.
Please note: Using Chrome OS Flex is free for individuals. However, businesses and schools currently using CloudReady will continue to be charged a subscription rate and a fee, respectively.
What’s needed to install Chrome OS flex?
To install Chrome OS Flex and turn your old Mac into a Chromebook, you’ll need a post-2010 Apple Mac that has the Chrome browser installed on it and16GB of free internal storage. If your Mac has components like a processor and graphics card made before 2010, it might perform poorly. You’ll need an Intel or AMD x86-64-bit compatible device with 4GB of RAM. The device must also be bootable from a USB drive you’ll use to install Chrome OS Flex.
The USB drive must have at least 8GB of storage space. You will also need full administrator access to the BIOS to make adjustments there during the installation.
Please note: The graphics hardware for Intel GMA 500, 600, 3600, and 3650 do not meet the performance standards required by Chrome OS Flex.
How to install Chrome OS Flex
Open Chrome Browser
Open the Chrome browser on your Mac and select the Chromebook Recovery Utility in the Chrome web store. At the top right, click Add to Chrome.
Enable Chromebook Recovery Utility
In your Chrome browser window, click Extensions -> Manage extensions, at the top right. Next, go to Chromebook Recovery Utility and turn it on.
Identify Chromebook
In the Chrome Recovery Utility extension under Identify your Chromebook, choose Google Chrome OS Flex, then click Continue.
Create recovery data
When prompted, insert your USB drive, select it from the drop-down menu and click Continue, then click Create Now. Remove the USB drive when it says it’s safe to do so.
Finalize
Shut down the device on which you want to run Chrome OS Flex and then reinsert the USB drive. Hold down the Option key and power up the MAC again. When you see the boot menu, choose USB drive and hit Enter.
Safely install Chrome OS Flex
After successfully following all the steps above and installing Chrome OS Flex from your USB installer, you can erase your device’s existing OS and replace it with Chrome OS Flex.
However, if you’re not yet ready to commit immediately to Chrome OS Flex on your device, you can temporarily run it from the USB installer. This will allow you to test and verify it and make sure it’s what you want and that everything is working as it should. If you’re happy, you can erase your device’s existing operating system and install Chrome OS Flex permanently.
Get a ‘new’ Mac for an old one
It’s like a dream, isn’t it? Your slow old Mac that’s not getting upgrades suddenly transforms into a dazzling, fast machine with a new operating system that bases it firmly in the cloud. Well, it’s not a dream but a reality. Using Chrome OS Flex, your old device can become a Chromebook! All you have to do to make it happen is get a USB drive and follow the instructions to replace your old operating system. What could be easier or more rewarding?
