Ever since Microsoft pulled the plug on Windows 10 last year, millions of users with PCs unable to make the upgrade to Windows 11 have been stuck in limbo.
Sure, Microsoft would love for you to buy a new PC with Windows 11, but that's just not an option for a lot of people. And although Microsoft did extend support via Extended Security Updates (ESU), it wraps up on October 13, 2026.
Recognizing a great opportunity to spread its market share (and to reduce e-waste), Google announced in March a partnership with refurbished tech marketplace Back Market to create 3,000 $3 USB sticks loaded with ChromeOS Flex.
Focusing on convenience and awareness — you can make your own ChromeOS Flex installation USB drive at home without much hassle — the program promised an easy transition from the dying Windows 10 to Google's lightweight and cloud-based OS.
The trial run began on March 30, 2026, with plans to expand production if the sticks were a success. About a month later, it's clear that Google was onto something.
Back Market lists the $3 ChromeOS Flex USB sticks as "out of stock," directing potential users to instructions on how to create their own drive instead (via Forbes).
Those interested in receiving a pre-made installation drive can sign up for restock notifications at the Back Market website.
Does ChromeOS Flex work on any PC?
ChromeOS Flex is quite versatile, owing largely to its emphasis on cloud computing. For that reason, there's a good chance it'll run on your PC if it was purchased in the past 15 or 16 years.
For a more detailed breakdown of compatible PCs, Google has a dedicated page with countless listings from all brands.
ChromeOS Flex is free to use, and the $3 cost is used to cover the USB hardware price. Keep in mind, you can use the drive after installing ChromeOS Flex for whatever you want.
Can ChromeOS Flex actually replace Windows 11?
ChromeOS Flex is great for keeping old hardware out of the landfill, and it'll do a decent job for users who normally use their PC for web-based activities like browsing, streaming, and email.
It should not, however, be considered a full Windows 11 replacement, lacking the ability to run Windows software, PC games, and even Android apps.
Windows Central's take
Microsoft's forced transition to Windows 11 was undoubtedly going to have repercussions, and we're seeing some in the form of newfound ChromeOS Flex appeal.
Although I don't think that Windows is under any threat of being usurped by Google's cloud-based OS, it's a shame that Microsoft doesn't offer something similar for "outdated" hardware.
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