If you have an ageing Mac that struggles to run the most recent version of macOS and no longer receives security updates from Apple, you may give it a secure second life by downloading software that turn your old Mac into Chromebook.
This is because Google has launched an early access version of Chrome OS Flex, which offers a mechanism to replace the operating system on older PCs and Macs so that users may access a cloud-based computing model. Installing the cloud-first operating system ensures that your Mac will remain secure with regular updates, will boot quickly, and will not degrade over time.
Chrome OS Flex is the outcome of Google’s 2020 acquisition of Neverware, a firm whose CloudReady program allows customers to transform existing PCs into Chrome OS devices.
Chrome OS Flex has the same appearance and feel as Chrome OS, which is pre-installed on all Chromebooks because it is based on the same code base and contains Google Assistant, the Chrome browser, and Nearby Sharing. Notably, OS Flex currently lacks a Google Play Store, and Google has identified other, primarily system-level, constraints that differentiate it from Chrome OS on native Google devices.
Turn Your Old Mac Into Chromebook : Supported Macbooks
- MacBook: Mid-2010 and later
- iMac: Mid-2010 and later
- MacBook Air: Mid-2012 and later
- MacBook Professional: Mid-2012 and later
- Mac mini: Late 2014 and later
Turn Your Old Mac Into Chromebook : Mac Requirement
- Macbook released 2010 and later, with at least 16GB Free Storage
- Google Chrome Browser installed on your mac
- USB Pendrive with 8GB or more space
Turn Your Old Mac Into Chromebook : Installing ChromeOS
Individuals have free access to OS Flex, but schools and organisations who utilise CloudReady will continue to be paid a fee and subscription cost, respectively.
Note that this is an early access version, so expect some glitches (the operating system can also be launched directly from a USB stick if you don’t want to install it). A stable version of the operating system is anticipated to be released in the coming months.
- Open Up Chrome Browser on your mac, and download Chromebook Recovery Utility in Chrome App Store.
2. At the top right, click “Add To Chrome“
3. Click on Add Extension once you are prompted
4. At the top-right of your Chrome browser window, click Extensions -> Manage extensions, and next to Chromebook Recovery Utility, toggle the switch to the right to turn it on.
5. Launch the Chrome Recovery Utility extension and identify your Chromebook as Google Chrome OS Flex, then click Continue.
6. After successfully booting Chrome OS Flex from your USB installer, you can install Chrome OS Flex permanently, deleting and replacing the device’s existing OS with Chrome OS Flex.
If you are not yet prepared to install Chrome OS Flex on devices, the USB installer can be used to temporarily run Chrome OS Flex. Thus, you can test and confirm that device functions, such as networking and input tools, behave as intended. Consult the Chrome OS Flex installation guide for additional assistance with the installation and configuring process.
6. When prompted, insert your USB drive, select it from the dropdown menu and click Continue, then click Create Now.
7. When it says the media is ready, remove the USB drive.
7. When it says the media is ready, remove the USB drive.
8. Now shut down the Mac you want to run Chrome OS Flex on and reinsert the USB drive.
9. Power on the Mac again while holding the Option key.
10. Select the USB drive from the boot menu and hit Enter.
After successfully booting Chrome OS Flex from your USB installer, you can install Chrome OS Flex permanently, deleting and replacing the device’s existing OS with Chrome OS Flex.
If you are not yet prepared to install Chrome OS Flex on devices, the USB installer can be used to temporarily run Chrome OS Flex. Thus, you can test and confirm that device functions, such as networking and input tools, behave as intended. Consult the Chrome OS Flex installation guide for additional assistance with the installation and configuring process.