As an admin, you can install ChromeOS Flex on Windows, Mac, or Linux devices so your users can get many of the features that are available on ChromeOS devices.
Before you begin
- Check to see if your device models are certified—Google regularly tests, maintains, and certifies ChromeOS Flex features and functionality on many individual models. While ChromeOS Flex might work on non-certified devices, we do not guarantee performance, functionality, or stability.
- For a full list of certified devices, see Certified models list.
- For information about certification end dates as well as supported and unsupported features, see About ChromeOS Flex certified models.
- ChromeOS Flex differs from ChromeOS—Learn about the differences between ChromeOS Flex and ChromeOS.
What you need
- Device to create the USB installer—The device that you use to create your USB installer can be different to the device you plan to install ChromeOS Flex on.
- I’m using Chromebook Recovery Utility—ChromeOS, Windows, or Mac device with the current version of Chrome browser.
- I’m not using Chromebook Recovery Utility—ChromeOS, Windows, Mac, or Linux device. Chrome browser not needed.
- USB drive
- 8 GB or more.
- From time to time, Sandisk or other USB drives might not work as installers. Find out more in Known issues.
All contents on the USB drive will be erased.
- Windows, Mac, or Linux device to install ChromeOS Flex on—your target device
- Google only guarantees ChromeOS Flex functionality on certified models.
- Variants of certified models might have unexpected issues.
- ChromeOS Flex might work on non-certified devices but performance, functionality, and stability are not guaranteed.
- Minimum device requirements:
- Architecture: Intel or AMD x86-64-bit compatible device
- RAM: 4 GB
- Internal storage: 16 GB
- Bootable from USB drive
- BIOS: Full administrator access. You’ll need to boot from the ChromeOS Flex USB installer and make some adjustments in the BIOS if you run into issues.
- Processor and graphics: Components made before 2010 might result in a poor experience.
Note: Intel GMA 500, 600, 3600, and 3650 graphics hardware do not meet ChromeOS Flex performance standards.
Setup steps
- Create your USB installer with the ChromeOS Flex image.
- Boot your device using your USB installer.
- Install ChromeOS Flex on your device. Or, temporarily run ChromeOS Flex using the USB installer.
- Set up and enroll your ChromeOS Flex devices.
Related topics
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