How to turn an old PC into a Chromebook?

Don’t throw away your Mac or PC that shows signs of weakness when you play or surf on Internet ! google had the very good idea of ​​proposing a solution to turn any computer into a Chromebook, and it works ! Chromebook is a portable PC that works with Chrome OS, the operating system developed by Google. It is, in a way, theandroid computers, and it has two strong points: the price of the products, two to three times cheaper than a PC or a Mac; it is resource-intensive. We could even add a third asset since we can now install it on almost all computers.

Indeed, Google now offers to download Chrome OS and install it on an old computer. It is economical and ecological. Best of all, it’s totally free! At the beginning, Chrome OS Flex targets companies and schools that do not necessarily have the means to renew their computer fleets, but nothing prevents you from taking advantage of it at home to bring a computer that is a little aging or simply stored in the cellar back to life .

A USB key, and you’re done!

Initially, two requirements: have a USB key or a blank external hard drive, with at least 8 GB of storage space; install the Navigator Chromium. Then, you have to check that your old computer is compatible with Chrome OS, and you are advised to access this list, manufacturer by manufacturer. Basically, all computers equipped with a processor Intel are concerned.

If you spot your model, the next step is to install the “Chromebook Recovery Utility” extension. You must therefore use the Navigator Chrome and go to the extension’s page, then install it. Then click on theicon “Extensions” in the menu bar, then “Chromebook Recovery Utility”. Then click on “Start”. In the list of models, select “Google Chrome OS Flex” as Manufacturer, and “Chrome OS Flex” (Developer-Unstable) as Model. Insert the USB flash drive or external hard drive. The installation procedure on the key takes about five minutes, and it takes place in three phases. You have just created what is called a bootable USB key. This means that it will be plugged in when the old computer is started, and it is what will start the PC or Mac in place of the old operating system.

Change BIOS boot

Once it’s finished, you can remove the USB key. You must then turn off the computer on which you want to install Chrome OS Flex, then modify the BIOS. To do this, start the old PC and press F10 or the Delete key several times. It depends on the computers. Then, locate the section dedicated to startup, and modify the settings. The goal is for the computer to start from the key, and not from its usual disk.

Once done, commit the changes, and turn off the computer. You can then connect this key, and start the computer again. A window appears: “Welcome to CloudReady 2.0”. This is the name of the program that installs Chrome OS. You can of course change the language of the operating system and the keyboard. Then click OK.

You then have the choice between “Trying” Chrome OS or installing it. If you click “Try first”, Chrome OS will launch from the USB key, and will be a bit slower. If you choose to “Install CloudReady 2.0”, it will replace Windows or Mac OS. Once your choice is made, click “Next”. Accept the terms of use and then indicate the type of use. If it’s for a child, the options will be limited and you can apply several settings. Then click “Next”.

A Google account is essential

At this stage, you must enter the address used for your Google account. It is essential to install Chrome OS. Then enter the password. You will then receive a security alert by email or on your phone. Since you’re using a new device, it’s just Google verifying that it’s you.

You can then accept the synchronization of your account data google. This will allow you to find your data on all your devices. If you open and edit a file on this “Chromebook”, it will be effective on your other devices. The same goes for your internet browsing history. Then click “Accept” and continue.

The next window offers you to also synchronize your smart phoneif it is an Android, which will allow you to send and receive SMS or unlock your PC with the phone. Make your choice, and then Chrome OS launches!

The display is classic with the apps main ones located in the task, and icons located on the right with the time, the network Wireless, etc The computer is functional, and the installation was successful!