Old Windows Laptop is now a Chromebook.

[transam]

Probably just me that didn't know, but if there are others that didn't know, you can get rid of slow Windows on your old PC or laptop by installing Google Chrome Flex.

 

Not too difficult to do and really speeds up the old gubbins....I was surprised at how fast it now operates, plus you can still sync with another PC/LT...Great spare..

 

This bloke explains how to do it in full.....

 

 

[Mutt Daeng]

Thanks @transam. I have an old tablet with Windows 10 on it. I'll see if I can install chrome os flex on it.

[SAFETY FIRST]

12 hours ago, transam said:

Not too difficult

Thanks mate, I'll give it a go. 

 

We've all got old laptops, I use them to stream my Spotify music at parties, just plug in speakers 3.1, 5.1 etc, 🍺

 

[nglodnig]

Interesting - I have an ancient (but high-spec and still working) laptop that can't be upgraded to Windows 11.

 

Is this procedure reversible - dones't seem to a lot of product info when I google it.

[transam]

19 minutes ago, nglodnig said:

Interesting - I have an ancient (but high-spec and still working) laptop that can't be upgraded to Windows 11.

 

Is this procedure reversible - dones't seem to a lot of product info when I google it.

Watch the video, you can have both windows and Chrome, you use BIOS setting to try it, you can just try it first. I just went straight in to delete all the Windows stuff, then synced the now Chromebook with my Windows PC.....

[AlwaysThere]

2 hours ago, nglodnig said:

Interesting - I have an ancient (but high-spec and still working) laptop that can't be upgraded to Windows 11.

 

Is this procedure reversible - dones't seem to a lot of product info when I google it.

 

I think you'll find that you can upgrade your laptop to Windows 11 24H2. So you'll be fine up until at least October 2026. Then you can think about installing some other OS.

[nglodnig]

2 hours ago, AlwaysThere said:

Windows 11 24H2

Nope tried that (obviously) it's so old it's out of spec - I ran the windows checker and it said "no chance"

[AlwaysThere]

7 hours ago, nglodnig said:

Nope tried that (obviously) it's so old it's out of spec - I ran the windows checker and it said "no chance"

 

Unless  your PC is more than fifteen years old, you can.

Microsoft tell you how, RUFUS implements it for you.

https://rufus.ie/en/

 

Alternatively, or some, it even works in Compatibility Mode: 

How to install Windows 11 24H2 on unsupported PC:

1. Download Windows 11 24H2 ISO from Microsoft website.
2. Run the Windows 11 installer executable.
3. Right-click on the installer and select Properties.
4. Navigate to the Compatibility tab.
5. Check Run this program in compatibility mode for: and select Windows 10.
6. Proceed with the installation.

 

[transam]

7 hours ago, AlwaysThere said:

 

Unless  your PC is more than fifteen years old, you can.

Microsoft tell you how, RUFUS implements it for you.

https://rufus.ie/en/

 

Alternatively, or some, it even works in Compatibility Mode: 

How to install Windows 11 24H2 on unsupported PC:

1. Download Windows 11 24H2 ISO from Microsoft website.
2. Run the Windows 11 installer executable.
3. Right-click on the installer and select Properties.
4. Navigate to the Compatibility tab.
5. Check Run this program in compatibility mode for: and select Windows 10.
6. Proceed with the installation.

 

I did all that W11 multiple times but didn't work, then I found the explanation in writing why, it was something not in my ageing CPU....😋

But, going back to my thread, even if you do manage to get W11, you may still have a slug of a computer, with Chrome it whizzes, plus, none of that security cr@p to go through, updates every other day, Chrome takes care of all that stuff for you.....

[AlwaysThere]

8 minutes ago, transam said:

I did all that W11 multiple times but didn't work, then I found the explanation in writing why, it was something not in my ageing CPU....😋

But, going back to my thread, even if you do manage to get W11, you may still have a slug of a computer, with Chrome it whizzes, plus, none of that security cr@p to go through, updates every other day, Chrome takes care of all that stuff for you.....

 

 

It's obvious that you do not have even the slightest clue about what you are attempting to assert.

First of all, it's Chrome OS, a project by CloudReady that was purchased and brought in-house by Google and contrary to your assertions, it is inflicted with a the same issues as Windows. That is, limited support and incompatibilities. But you have made no mention of that at all. Instead just mindlessly promoting something that you do not really understand.

 

You make no mention that some 12 year old devices, even if currently supported, will lose support of Chrome OS next year. Sound familiar? Same situation with some devices and Windows 10.

 

Where is the list of supported devices and incompatible devices? Again, you make no mention of this and you have no ability to support anyone if they run into trouble installing it. Just mindlessly promoting due to you installing it on ONE device.

It's here: https://support.google.com/chromeosflex/answer/11513094?hl=en

 

Perhaps your failure to install Windows 11 was because your CPU was pre 2008 or you were just incapable.

Reading what you have described as 'security cr@p' and your overly exaggerated claims of 'a slug of a computer', I'm inclined to believe the latter. Even if it were not possible, I would would install a form of Linux all day, over allowing Google free access to my data.

 

[topt]

6 hours ago, AlwaysThere said:

I would would install a form of Linux all day, over allowing Google free access to my data.

In spades! 

[transam]

6 hours ago, AlwaysThere said:

 

 

It's obvious that you do not have even the slightest clue about what you are attempting to assert.

First of all, it's Chrome OS, a project by CloudReady that was purchased and brought in-house by Google and contrary to your assertions, it is inflicted with a the same issues as Windows. That is, limited support and incompatibilities. But you have made no mention of that at all. Instead just mindlessly promoting something that you do not really understand.

 

You make no mention that some 12 year old devices, even if currently supported, will lose support of Chrome OS next year. Sound familiar? Same situation with some devices and Windows 10.

 

Where is the list of supported devices and incompatible devices? Again, you make no mention of this and you have no ability to support anyone if they run into trouble installing it. Just mindlessly promoting due to you installing it on ONE device.

It's here: https://support.google.com/chromeosflex/answer/11513094?hl=en

 

Perhaps your failure to install Windows 11 was because your CPU was pre 2008 or you were just incapable.

Reading what you have described as 'security cr@p' and your overly exaggerated claims of 'a slug of a computer', I'm inclined to believe the latter. Even if it were not possible, I would would install a form of Linux all day, over allowing Google free access to my data.

 

Ignore the thread then, really easy..........

[transam]

On 12/27/2024 at 9:29 AM, AlwaysThere said:

 

 

It's obvious that you do not have even the slightest clue about what you are attempting to assert.

First of all, it's Chrome OS, a project by CloudReady that was purchased and brought in-house by Google and contrary to your assertions, it is inflicted with a the same issues as Windows. That is, limited support and incompatibilities. But you have made no mention of that at all. Instead just mindlessly promoting something that you do not really understand.

 

You make no mention that some 12 year old devices, even if currently supported, will lose support of Chrome OS next year. Sound familiar? Same situation with some devices and Windows 10.

 

Where is the list of supported devices and incompatible devices? Again, you make no mention of this and you have no ability to support anyone if they run into trouble installing it. Just mindlessly promoting due to you installing it on ONE device.

It's here: https://support.google.com/chromeosflex/answer/11513094?hl=en

 

Perhaps your failure to install Windows 11 was because your CPU was pre 2008 or you were just incapable.

Reading what you have described as 'security cr@p' and your overly exaggerated claims of 'a slug of a computer', I'm inclined to believe the latter. Even if it were not possible, I would would install a form of Linux all day, over allowing Google free access to my data.

 

My CPU is pre 2010, which is why W11 would not install..........😋

 

It reads like you haven't got an old laptop, ready for the bin to turn into a Chromebook, its quite easy ya know....Loads of vids to point you in the right direction out there..........🤭

 

Let us know how you get on.............

[AlwaysThere]

4 hours ago, transam said:

My CPU is pre 2010, which is why W11 would not install..........😋

 

It reads like you haven't got an old laptop, ready for the bin to turn into a Chromebook, its quite easy ya know....Loads of vids to point you in the right direction out there..........🤭

 

Let us know how you get on.............

 

My twelve year old laptop still runs Windows 10 Pro with ease.

Seems you are referring to something at least fifteen years old.

[AlwaysThere]

On 12/27/2024 at 4:14 AM, transam said:

Ignore the thread then, really easy..........

 

Why?

So is your 'pre 2010' laptop still supported? Would be surprised if it is, as some laptops from 2012 are moving out of support next year. What is indicated on the Chrome OS Flex compatibility link with reference to your laptop?

You seem to be omitting important information.

[transam]

27 minutes ago, AlwaysThere said:

 

My twelve year old laptop still runs Windows 10 Pro with ease.

Seems you are referring to something at least fifteen years old.

My 15 year old CPU/Motherboard PC runs W10 Pro too, CPU clocked to 3.5ghz, so there..............😝

[AlwaysThere]

1 minute ago, transam said:

My 15 year old CPU/Motherboard PC runs W10 Pro too, CPU clocked to 3.5ghz, so there..............😝

 

Why don't you install Chrome OS Flex to it? 😊

[transam]

29 minutes ago, AlwaysThere said:

 

Why?

So is your 'pre 2010' laptop still supported? Would be surprised if it is, as some laptops from 2012 are moving out of support next year. What is indicated on the Chrome OS Flex compatibility link with reference to your laptop?

You seem to be omitting important information.

Of course my 15 year old W10 is supported, it has auto updates, plus other stuff installed to make it run OK. 

My internet speed in my OLD PC is between 800/900 Mbps too, so there.............🤭 

 

Now why would I answer you questions on Chrome flex when you only want to trash it, you are enjoying your grrrrrr spell, so sod off.........

[transam]

3 minutes ago, AlwaysThere said:

 

Why don't you install Chrome OS Flex to it? 😊

My Chomebook laptop is my back-up, that whiiiiizzzzes..............

[AlwaysThere]

21 minutes ago, transam said:

Of course my 15 year old W10 is supported, it has auto updates, plus other stuff installed to make it run OK. 

My internet speed in my OLD PC is between 800/900 Mbps too, so there.............🤭 

 

Now why would I answer you questions on Chrome flex when you only want to trash it, you are enjoying your grrrrrr spell, so sod off.........

 

 

Because this thread concerns you recommending others to install it. But now you seem quite coy about recounting your personal experience.

But thanks for confirming that there are no issues with concern to installing Windows 10 on old devices. More versatile for the average user. Installing a Browser other than Chrome for instance. Of course you can do that with Flex, using a Linux container, but the people who might follow your advice aren't likely to understand how to do that.

[AlwaysThere]

23 minutes ago, transam said:

My Chomebook laptop is my back-up, that whiiiiizzzzes..............

 

My back up, is another Windows laptop.

[transam]

8 minutes ago, AlwaysThere said:

 

 

Because this thread concerns you recommending others to install it. But now you seem quite coy about recounting your personal experience.

But thanks for confirming that there are no issues with concern to installing Windows 10 on old devices. More versatile for the average user. Installing a Browser other than Chrome for instance. Of course you can do that with Flex, using a Linux container, but the people who might follow your advice aren't likely to understand how to do that.

Of course you can install W10 on an old PC, but in October 2025 they will be redundant, but my thread was regarding revitalizing an old PC/LT, which the Chrome Flex does admirably as a fast synced spare......😉

[transam]

10 minutes ago, AlwaysThere said:

 

My back up, is another Windows laptop.

Good for you, as I said before, this thread is not for you then.........🤕...........🤭

[AlwaysThere]

24 minutes ago, transam said:

Of course you can install W10 on an old PC, but in October 2025 they will be redundant, but my thread was regarding revitalizing an old PC/LT, which the Chrome Flex does admirably as a fast synced spare......😉

 

Wrong again. Your laptop on Chrome OS Flex is already redundant, as you put it. It's glaringly obvious that you are refusing to acknowledge that your laptop is also not officially supported.

Plus Windows 10 will have an extra year of support from Microsoft, until October 2026. Of course I also have the option of installing Windows 11 Pro 24H2 right now, on my twelve year old laptop. Which, in turn, will also be supported until October 2026. No rush 😊

Of course if you are already in the Google ecosystem, have a fifteen year old laptop or a very crappy one and don't mind a limited OS , then why not?