There is one feature of ChromeOS that is missing from its Flex counterpart, and that’s Android app support. There’s even support for Google Assistant, ChromeOS Flags, and if you really want to tinker around, ChromeOS Flex includes Linux support. The interface itself is identical, and as our own Jerry Hildebrand points out in his ChromeOS Flex explainer, even the code base is the same. On its face, you might think or assume that ChromeOS and ChromeOS Flex are the same, and we wouldn’t blame you. Google’s OS works with Intel or AMD x86 (no ARM support) computers running Windows and macOS.(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

However, ChromeOS Flex lacks Android apps and the Play Store, though Linux is supported on modern hardware.ĬhromeOS Flex can be installed over a network (ideal for fleets) or via USB device, which lets you boot directly and trial it first. Other similarities include the Chrome browser, user interface, cross-device integrations with Android, cloud sync (for settings and bookmarks), and Google Assistant, as well as support for Family Link, Smart Lock, Instant Tethering, and Nearby Sharing. This “free-to-download operating system” turns older Mac and Windows computers that are no longer receiving updates into Chromebooks.ĭevices running ChromeOS Flex share the same code base, tab/application-level sandboxing, read-only OS, background system updates, release cadence, and seconds-long boot time.

This follows Google’s decision to relaunch CloudReady, which it acquired in December of 2020, as ChromeOS Flex in February. After entering early access preview five months ago, ChromeOS Flex is now stable (version 103) and ready for widespread use.

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