Your PC will never upgrade to Windows 11? Google wants you to choose ChromeOS Flex


Nathan Le Gohlisse

Hardware Specialist

February 15, 2024 at 4:50 p.m.

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Tada Images / Shutterstock.com

Tada Images / Shutterstock.com

Google seeks to push forward ChromeOS Flex as a replacement operating system for the (many) Windows 10 machines which will suffer, within a few years, from the end of support announced for the OS. A solution which will however only suit a small portion of users.

The upcoming end of support for Windows 10 and the hardware constraints imposed by Windows 11 are likely to lead to considerable production of electronic waste. Among the 240 million PCs which could thus gradually go to landfill after October 2025, due to lack of software support (if Canalys’s estimates are correct), Google would like to at least save a few million. How ? With ChromeOS Flex.

Chrome OS Flex to the rescue of your old PC?

As a reminder, Google launched ChromeOS Flex during the summer of 2022, first in beta. Available in stable version since the beginning of 2023, this operating system differentiates itself from ChromeOS by being based on the Cloud, but also and above all by ignoring functional Android applications with its cousin. ChromeOS Flex finally has the particularity of being free to download and install on old PCs or old Macs, in particular.

On paper, the OS therefore appears very suitable for installation on an old Windows 10 PC ineligible for an upgrade to Windows 11. At least this is the calculation of Google, which is currently seeking to remind affected users, the existence of this solution. The idea is of course to limit at least a little the creation of e-waste at the end of the day… but also (and obviously) to try to boost the adoption rate of ChromeOS.

© Google

© Google

What solutions to stay on Windows?

Google finally points out that its ChromeOS Flex consumes around 19% less energy than Windows, which allows the system to remain efficient even on old, slightly tired laptops. An interesting alternative therefore, but which is mainly reserved for people with basic use of their computer (office, surfing, web browsing, etc.).

Note, however, that PC users still running Windows 10 are not left completely without solutions if they wish to stay on Windows. In addition to switching to Windows 11 (including tinkering with the registry to force installation), Microsoft will offer Windows 10 users the option to pay to continue receiving security updates on their computer for a few more years.

Windows 11

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8

Windows 11

  • Successful graphic redesign of the interface
  • Improved Snap
  • Effective anchor groups

Microsoft’s Windows 11 redefines the user experience with a redesigned interface, customizable widgets, and stronger Microsoft Teams integration. Each innovation aims to optimize and enrich the daily use of your device. Whether you are a professional, creator or average user, Windows 11 meets your needs by combining efficiency and pleasure of use.

Microsoft’s Windows 11 redefines the user experience with a redesigned interface, customizable widgets, and stronger Microsoft Teams integration. Each innovation aims to optimize and enrich the daily use of your device. Whether you are a professional, creator or average user, Windows 11 meets your needs by combining efficiency and pleasure of use.

Source : Neowin



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