“Hundreds of millions” of Windows users have been left with a “difficult decision,” Google warns. “Spend hundreds on a new device, or continue using an insecure, outdated one.” Now the company offers a free and easy PC upgrade instead.
Following Microsoft’s decision to end-of-life Windows 10, Google says users can have a “fast, secure and free operating system” to “upgrade” the PC you already own but can’t now safely use. ChromeOS Flex gives aged Windows PCs “a new life.”
This month, Google announced its partnership with Back Market to “transform your aging, unsupported laptop into a fast, secure, and sustainable machine for free.” This comes by way of a new ChromeOS Flex USB Kit, which costs around $3 for the USB hardware, albeit Back Market confirms the upgrade really is free: “Yes, completely. No subscription, no trial, no hidden costs. Free forever.”
This is aimed at the 500 million Windows 10 users unable to upgrade to Windows 11, given the age and technical limitations of the PCs. To run Windows 11, a hardware security module is required to link the device to the OS. If you don’t have the TPM 2.0, you can’t run the OS. Niche workarounds aside, it’s that simple.
“If you have an eligible device,” Back Market says, “ChromeOS Flex can be a complete game-changer and keep your old devices running, with Back Market now selling USBs that come with this operating system.”
Unfortunately, the bad news is that “this item is out of stock.” Back Market does say that while “our ready-to-use Back Market + ChromeOS Flex USB Keys are out of stock, you can still install ChromeOS Flex on your own.” But that’s harder and won’t appeal in the same way to many mainstream Windows PC users.
Google says the OS upgrade gives users “a modern, cloud-based operating system that’s secure and easy to manage.” Where Windows 10 is now off support, bar the ESU available until October, the same hardware on Chrome OS Flex continues to be protected against malware and other threats. The entire setup is cloud-based.
The $3 cost of the USB is for a “reusable” SSD that you can recycle for other purposes once you have upgraded. You’ll need to await it being restocked though. You can enter your email address into Back Market’s website and “be the first to know when the Back Market x ChromeOS Flex USB Kit is back in stock.”
