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How to Install Chrome OS on a Laptop?

Published in ChromeOS Installation 3 mins read

To install Chrome OS on a laptop, you'll generally be installing ChromeOS Flex, which is designed for PCs and Macs. Here's how to do it:

Steps to Install ChromeOS Flex

  1. Create a Bootable USB Drive:

    • Download the ChromeOS Flex USB installer. You'll need a computer with Chrome installed. Open the Chrome browser.
    • Install the Chromebook Recovery Utility. Search for "Chromebook Recovery Utility" in the Chrome Web Store and add it to Chrome.
    • Launch the Utility. Open the Chromebook Recovery Utility app.
    • Select Your Model. Click "Get Started" and then "Select a model from a list." Choose "ChromeOS Flex" then "ChromeOS Flex (Developer-Unstable)". Note: Although labelled 'Developer-Unstable', it's the correct option.
    • Choose your USB Drive. Select the USB drive you want to use (at least 8 GB is recommended). Warning: All data on the USB drive will be erased.
    • Create the Recovery Media. Click "Create now." The utility will download the necessary files and create the bootable USB drive. This process can take some time.

  2. Boot from the USB Drive:

    • Insert the USB drive into the laptop where you want to install ChromeOS Flex.
    • Access the Boot Menu. Restart the laptop. As it's restarting, press the appropriate key to access the boot menu. This key varies depending on the manufacturer (e.g., Esc, F2, F10, F12, Delete). Consult your laptop's manual or search online for "[laptop manufacturer] boot menu key".
    • Select the USB Drive. In the boot menu, use the arrow keys to select your USB drive and press Enter.

  3. Install or Try ChromeOS Flex:

    • Boot into ChromeOS Flex. The laptop should now boot from the USB drive and launch ChromeOS Flex.
    • Try ChromeOS Flex (Optional). You can choose to "Try ChromeOS Flex" before installing it. This allows you to test if everything works correctly (Wi-Fi, sound, etc.) before committing to the installation. All changes made in this mode will be lost when you shut down.
    • Install ChromeOS Flex. If you're happy with how it runs, click "Install ChromeOS Flex" on the welcome screen. Follow the on-screen prompts to install ChromeOS Flex on your laptop's internal storage. Warning: This will erase all data on your laptop's hard drive.

  4. Complete Setup:

    • Restart. After the installation is complete, the laptop will restart.
    • Sign in. Follow the on-screen instructions to sign in with your Google account and configure ChromeOS Flex.

Important Considerations:

  • Data Loss: The installation process will erase all data on your laptop's hard drive. Back up any important files before proceeding.
  • Hardware Compatibility: While ChromeOS Flex is designed to work on a wide range of devices, some hardware components may not be fully compatible. Test the "Try ChromeOS Flex" option first to ensure everything works.
  • BIOS Settings: You may need to adjust BIOS settings (e.g., disable Secure Boot) to allow booting from the USB drive.

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