ChromeOS Flex, while versatile, doesn’t come preloaded with the Google Play Store. If you’re eager to enhance your ChromeOS Flex experience by accessing the Google Play Store, this step-by-step guide will help you seamlessly install ChromeOS on your PC. I’ll walk you through the process with detailed instructions and accompanying images.
Table of Contents
Base Requirements
Before we dive into the installation process, ensure your system meets the following requirements:
- x86_64 based computer with UEFI boot support.
- Administrative privileges on the device.
- A basic understanding of the Linux terminal.
While this guide aims to simplify the process, familiarity with the basics is recommended.
CPU Compatibility:
Check if your CPU is compatible with ChromeOS Flex:
- Supported Intel CPUs: Haswell (4th Gen) and above, Celeron CPUs from Braswell.
- Supported AMD CPUs: Ryzen.
Unsupported Hardware
- Older Intel/AMD CPUs.
- Dedicated GPUs (dGPUs).
- Virtual Machines.
- ARM CPUs.
Downloading ChromeOS Recovery image
Follow these steps to download the appropriate ChromeOS Recovery image for your processor:
- Intel 1st Gen to 9th Gen – Rammus
- Intel 10th and 11th gen – Volteer
- AMD – Stoney Ridge and Bristol Ridge – Grunt
- AMD Ryzen – Zork
Remember: Ensure your laptop has an integrated GPU for ChromeOS to function properly.
After downloading the file to your ChromeOS Flex, double tap to the file and check the mount folder and copy the ChromeOS .bin file to the download folder.
Installing ChromeOS
Follow these steps to install ChromeOS on your PC:
- Open the Chrome browser and search for “Chromebook Recovery Utility.”
- Install the Chromebook Recovery Utility extension.
- Open the Chromebook Recovery Utility and click the right-side settings icon.
- Select “Use local image” and choose the downloaded file ‘.bin.’
- Insert your pen drive into the PC and click “Continue.”
- Wait for 15-20 minutes until the process completes.
- After completion, reboot your PC to the boot menu and select the pen drive.
- It will take long time wait.
- One the setup screen, press
Ctrl + Alt + F2to open a Chrome OS command. - Enter the commands:
rootsudo resize-data- Wait for the automatic restart.
- Upon restarting, press the button to return to the boot menu, select the pen drive again, and complete the Google account setup.
- Once on the ChromeOS home screen, press
Ctrl + Alt + Tto open the ChromeOS command prompt.
- Enter the commands:
shellsudo fdisk -lsudo chromeos-install -dst /dev/sda- Type ‘yes’ and press enter to initiate the installation.
- Wait for 15-20 minutes for the ChromeOS installation to complete.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed ChromeOS on your PC, and now you can enjoy the benefits of having the Google Play Store on your ChromeOS Flex device.
Disclaimer: Ensure that your system meets the requirements outlined in the article before proceeding. While the provided instructions aim to facilitate an easy and safe installation, it’s important to note that this method is unofficial and not endorsed by Google. Prioritize the backup of your hard disk to safeguard against potential data loss or system issues. Follow the instructions at your own discretion, and be aware that any modifications are done at your own risk.
Conclusion
In conclusion unlocking the Google Play Store on your ChromeOS Flex opens up a world of possibilities for apps and games, enhancing the functionality of your device. This guide, accompanied by step-by-step instructions, is designed to make the installation process accessible even for those with limited technical expertise.
Remember, while we’ve done our best to simplify the process, always exercise caution and ensure you have a backup of your data before proceeding with any system modifications.
Excellent publication, it has gotten me out of trouble on several occasions!!
I have an 8th gen i7 Dell laptop. The USB stick creation works perfectly but, the laptop presents a boot list of A, B, Verified A, Verified B, and alt USB. Any of these selections just goes to a black screen and sits there forever. I am using chromeos_15823.60.0_rammus_recovery_stable-channel_mp-v4, can you give me feedback on why this is occurring?
I’m seeing similar options but not quite the same result. When selecting different options (tried them all) some show the ChromeOS splash then ‘Your system is repairing itself’ with spinning circle before booting and, unless I interrupt just returning to the unmodified Flex. FWIW I’m using a MrChromeTech build UEFI on an ancient Acer C720 with the chromeos_12239.92.0_peppy_recovery_stable-channel_mp-v3
Would really like to get this working if at all possible and happy to help try things if any are suggested.
long time wait was very usefull
I’m trying to install on a 2013 Macbook Air and have been sitting at the “It will take long time wait.” step for a few hours. Has something gone wrong or do I need to continue to wait?
Thanks for the Guide.
But how long is long time?
I waited about 45 min, nothing happend, was this too short?