Google Releases ChromeOS Flex to Save Millions of PCs from the Pile of Electronic Waste

ChromeOS Flex illustration (photo: x @McLarenF1)

JAKARTA - Google will allow businesses to install an automatically updated version of ChromeOS onto Windows devices, potentially preventing millions of PCs  that could end up in landfills after Microsoft ends support for Windows 10 next year. This was revealed by its parent company, Alphabet, on Wednesday, February 14.

The company says ChromeOS Flex will continue to receive regular security updates and features like data encryption, allowing users to continue using their Windows 10 systems.

Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach end of support on October 14, 2025, and will no longer provide regular security updates, bug fixes, or technical support. The company has asked customers to switch to Windows 11 or explore other options.

However, a report from Canalys Research suggests that ending support for Windows 10 could send around 240 million PCs to landfill, as demand for devices without security updates may be low.

Despite this, many PCs with Windows 10 can continue to function for years after the end of OS support.

ChromeOS is much less popular compared to other operating systems. In January 2024, its share of the global desktop OS market was just 1.8%, far behind Windows' share of about 73%, according to data from research firm Statcounter.

ChromeOS has struggled with broader adaptability due to its incompatibility with legacy Windows apps and productivity suites used by businesses.

Google says that ChromeOS will allow users to stream legacy Windows and productivity apps, which will help deliver those apps to devices by running them in the data center.