Windows 10: Google and Back Market Launch $3 ChromeOS Flex USB Kit for Windows 10 Users Locked Out of...

GHacks · Apr 22, 2026 at 12:13 PM

Google has introduced a physical ChromeOS Flex USB Kit priced at $3, in partnership with refurbished tech retailer Back Market. The kit is aimed at users still running Windows 10 on hardware that doesn’t meet Windows 11's system requirements.

Windows 10 reached the end of support in October 2025, with extended security updates only available through the end of 2026. Currently, the kit is part of a pilot program with limited stock. Google has indicated that production will increase if there is sufficient demand.

What the $3 ChromeOS Flex USB Kit Includes

The USB kit offers an easy, plug-and-play way to install ChromeOS Flex on an existing Windows PC or Mac. While ChromeOS Flex is free to download, the physical kit includes printed guides and video tutorials designed for users who may not be comfortable with manually installing an operating system. The kit costs $3 in the US, UK, and Europe.

Google states that systems running ChromeOS Flex boot in less than 10 seconds, with most processing handled in the cloud rather than on local hardware.

ChromeOS Flex does not support Android apps. The operating system is designed for web browsing, streaming, and using cloud-based office applications. Users who rely on Windows-specific software or require locally intensive processing will find ChromeOS Flex inadequate as a replacement.

ChromeOS Flex Limits and the E-Waste Argument

Google reports that ChromeOS Flex uses roughly 19 percent less energy than comparable systems running other operating systems. The company also promotes the kit as an alternative to hardware disposal, arguing that extending the lifespan of existing devices helps reduce electronic waste and lowers the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new laptops. It is estimated that around 61.3 million metric tons of electronics will be discarded worldwide this year.

The ChromeOS Flex USB Kit is currently available through Back Market while supplies last. Google has not announced a future release date or confirmed if the $3 price will be maintained if the program expands.

Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Google and Back Market Launch $3 ChromeOS Flex USB Kit for Windows 10 Users Locked Out of Windows 11 appeared first on gHacks.

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Brink · Apr 22, 2026 at 12:18 PM

Google ChromeOS Flex now available to Windows PCs and Macs

Summer’s here, and it’s time to sit back, relax, and soak up some sun. While others might be bulking up on the beach or showing off their swimming skills, we’ve got the best way you can flex, no matter where you are. Today, we’re excited to announce that ChromeOS Flex, the cloud-first, easy-to-manage, and fast operating system for PCs and Macs, is now ready for your fleet. Just like too much sun, software bloat, clunky hardware, and security vulnerabilities can cause unwanted damage. Thankfully, ChromeOS Flex is just the sunscreen your legacy devices need. And thanks to everyone who has participated in our early access program, we’ve been able to significantly improve the product in many areas while continuously certifying devices to run ChromeOS Flex. You can now experience modern computing at scale with:

Proactive security: ChromeOS Flex provides much needed protection from growing threats, including ransomware, malware, and employee errors.

Fast deployment & easy management: ChromeOS Flex can be rapidly deployed via USB or through your company network. With Chrome Enterprise Upgrade, you can manage apps and policies from anywhere, even the beach.

Fast, modern work experiences: Devices don’t slow down over time. Background updates reduce device downtime and improve productivity, so you can spend extra time relaxing.

Sustainable for your business and planet: Breathe new life into existing hardware to reduce e-waste, energy consumption, and maintain clear blue skies.

Better for your business - and the beach - with 19% less power consumption While we all should be enjoying the summer heat, it’s also a reminder that we need to take care of our planet. By installing ChromeOS Flex on your existing hardware, you’re not only getting a great experience, you’re also contributing to an important cause. Worldwide, 40 million tons of e-waste is generated every year – that’s like throwing away 800 laptops per second. Upgrading devices to ChromeOS Flex rather than replacing them altogether is an impactful way to reduce waste and prevent this growing problem. And if you really need the fans running to stay cool, you can feel better knowing that devices that run ChromeOS Flex consume 19% less energy on average1 than other devices. ChromeOS Flex helps businesses when it matters most When a ransomware attack shut down operations, Nordic Choice Hotels chose ChromeOS Flex to quickly replace the OS on compromised devices and get them back online. ChromeOS Flex enabled Nordic Choice Hotels to turn a disaster into an upgrade. With a one-page guide and a USB drive, employees across 200 Nordic Choice hotels in Scandinavia were able to convert 2,000 computers in under 48 hours, protecting their business from a costly shutdown. And by switching to ChromeOS Flex, Nordic Choice Hotels will save up to 1.5 million kilos of CO2 over the next eight years - the equivalent of what 2,000 acres of mature forest would save. It may have taken only a few days to save their business, but the positive environmental effects of ChromeOS Flex will last for years to come. By the way, if you’re affected by ransomware, you don’t have to face it alone. Cameyo, a Chrome Enterprise Recommended partner, has introduced a rapid recovery program that affords organizations with business continuity by utilizing ChromeOS Flex and Cameyo to access business-critical Windows apps A ChromeOS Flex device for every occasion To make sure ChromeOS Flex is ready to work from the get-go, we test and certify a broad range of models to ensure they provide a consistent and high-quality experience. So whether you’re teaching a classroom of eager-to-learn students, ordering ice cream from a self-service kiosk, or accessing a virtualized environment from the beach, ChromeOS Flex won’t slow down, give you headaches, or surprise you with a blue screen of death. And from our early access program to now, we’re excited to share that we’ve certified 295 devices. We’re working on more certifications every day, and even if your device isn’t yet certified, you can still try ChromeOS Flex! With your devices running ChromeOS Flex and ready to go, you may also want a solution to easily manage them. You can enroll your devices with Chrome Enterprise Upgrade and manage them side by side with any existing Chromebooks in the Google Admin console. There’s even a 30-day free trial you can take advantage of today. Get started with no commitment Trying ChromeOS Flex couldn’t be easier. All you need is a USB drive to install ChromeOS Flex on your device, or simply boot and run from the USB to try it out before deciding to install it on your device! When you’re ready, you can install ChromeOS Flex and deploy it across your organization via USB or through your corporate network. To experience modern computing, extend the lifespan of your devices, and simply add some more sunshine into your life, install ChromeOS Flex today.
Click to expand...

Source: Google Cloud Blog - News, Features and Announcements

SomeoneProbably · Apr 22, 2026 at 12:18 PM

How do I install Windows 10 from ChromeOS Flex (hard drive not in correct format)?

I want to install Windows 10 from a boot device on a laptop that used to have Windows 10, but I installed ChromeOS Flex and wiped the hard drive in the process. When I tried to install it, it said "Windows cannot be installed on drive 0 (1-12 I think)." I couldn't install Windows 10 on any partition because it did not recognize the file type. How do I fix this?

TRUELOVE95 · Apr 22, 2026 at 12:18 PM

Windows 10 USB boot

Hi there, am not a windows 10 expert. I have a pc in the bedroom on windows 10, I messed up the bootloader trying to fix the xp on that system.

System wont boot, trying to repair via win 10 usb installer.

Downloaded the media creation tool to install windows 10 installer on usb stick. Not compatible with a host of usb sticks I have. Tried the usb sticks that others use, but I think they use rufus; as the media creation tool by win 10 does not detect the usb stick.

So quick question, the win10 machine i am trying to repair the bootloader is a win7 upgraded to win10.
If i were to use the usb win10 installer to "repair installation" does the version of the iso downloaded via the media creation tool matter?

There is three options:
Windows 10
Windows 10 Home
Windows 10 N

Also is there a step by step instead of using rufus as I want to try an alternative method of creating a usb win 10 installer. Preferably with more compatibility.

System is a asus sabertooth 990 (r2?) with AMD phenom X 6.

Also is there any other software I can load onto the usb that can repair the bootloader easily?
That would be the ideal alternative. Thanks

Windows 10: Google and Back Market Launch $3 ChromeOS Flex USB Kit for Windows 10 Users Locked Out of...

Google and Back Market Launch $3 ChromeOS Flex USB Kit for Windows 10 Users Locked Out of...

Google and Back Market Launch $3 ChromeOS Flex USB Kit for Windows 10 Users Locked Out of...

Google and Back Market Launch $3 ChromeOS Flex USB Kit for Windows 10 Users Locked Out of...

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