Not every PC is built for the latest gaming tech. Chrome OS Flex, a free operating system from Google, is designed to revive older devices and office laptops with limited performance. It still supports gaming and app installation, though capabilities vary by device, and this guide explains how to do it.
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What is Chrome OS Flex
Chrome OS Flex is Google’s no-cost operating system aimed at breathing fresh life into older computers that struggle with current software. Built on Linux and formerly known as Neverware’s CloudReady, it presents a simple interface centered on the Chrome browser and can run web apps, some Linux apps, and select Android apps.
It can be installed quickly on a single device or scaled to manage an entire office. All user work is stored in the cloud, so users can resume from their desktop anywhere with their full software suite. Updating an installed device requires only a bootable USB drive.
Looking ahead, Google plans to extend Flex’s functionality, including more robust gaming support, to compete with other major operating systems. For now, there are several ways to run games and projects, and this guide covers those options.
Install a game through the online store
Official game installation is done through the Chrome Web Store. This marketplace also hosts free applications, including many available in Russian. While it may not offer every classic title, the curated collection can refresh a low-powered device for light gaming during breaks at work.
- Open the Chrome Web Store in the Chrome browser.
- Use the search bar to locate the game to install.
- Select the app and click Install or Add to Chrome to begin the installation.
- Once installed, it will appear in the Chrome OS Flex apps list.
It should be noted that Chrome OS Flex emphasizes web applications and Android support, so game access might be limited by compatibility with the OS.
How to install Linux
Expanding the system’s capabilities may involve enabling a Linux virtual machine, which can bypass several restrictions. To enable it, follow these steps:
- Open the time in the taskbar’s right corner to access a pop-up menu.
- Open Settings by selecting the gear icon.
- Choose Additional settings in the window that appears.
- Click Developers options.
- Turn on the Linux development environment by toggling the corresponding button to the on position.
- Tap Further to continue.
- Keep the recommended disk size for the Linux environment, or adjust it in Settings if more space is needed.
- Confirm by selecting Install.
How to install games and applications via a Linux virtual machine
Starting Linux brings access to the Gnome App Center, which may not have been available before. To set it up, proceed with these steps:
- Open the Terminal.
- Enter sudo apt install –install-suggests gnome-software and press Enter.
- Confirm by typing J to finalize the installation.
- Launch the Gnome App Center and choose the desired games or applications.
In the Gnome App Center, a broader range of apps and games becomes available, extending the utility of a typical office laptop.
How to install games and applications through the terminal
Enabling Linux also opens the Terminal, which allows the installation of many Linux Debian programs. It demands a bit more know-how than using prebuilt packages, but the right commands bypass many limitations.
Here are some commonly used commands for key applications:
- sudo apt install gimp — graphic editor Gimp;
- sudo apt install vlc — VLC media player;
- sudo apt install kdenlive — video editor Kdenlive;
- sudo apt install transmission-daemon — torrent client.
Install Steam in Chrome OS Flex
Steam cannot be installed directly on Chrome OS Flex since the OS is optimized for web apps via the Chrome browser. Installing Steam requires first enabling Linux, after which the traditional Steam launcher can be installed through the Terminal using standard commands. Note that performance may vary, as Chrome OS Flex targets lighter workloads and may not support all Steam features.
All of these steps let a user explore gaming on a budget device, recognizing the trade-offs between system resource limits and access to modern titles. The overview here is designed to help users decide which path fits their hardware and how to best extend the capabilities of Chrome OS Flex in a practical, working environment.