Aging laptops often end up in drawers or landfills once their operating systems stop receiving updates. Google and refurbished electronics marketplace Back Market want to change that with a new initiative announced at the MWC 2026 event.
The companies have announced a pilot program that distributes USB drives preloaded with ChromeOS Flex, giving older laptops an easier way to run a modern operating system again.
What is ChromeOS Flex?
For the uninitiated, ChromeOS Flex is Google’s lightweight, secure, and cloud-based operating system that can be installed on old Windows and Mac PCs. The system focuses on web-based computing and shifts much of the processing, updates, and security management to the cloud.
This approach allows older hardware to continue handling everyday tasks such as browsing the web, streaming content, creating documents, and using web-based computing.
How ChromeOS Flex helps older computers stay useful
The goal of this project is to make it easier for people to revive older machines without complicated installation steps. Instead of creating a bootable drive themselves, users receive a ready-to-use USB stick that can quickly install ChromeOS Flex on compatible devices.
The initiative is designed for consumers, businesses, schools, and refurbishers looking to extend the life of aging hardware.
Since it relies heavily on cloud processing, ChromeOS Flex can perform well even on older hardware that struggles with modern desktop operating systems.
Once installed, devices gain access to a familiar ChromeOS interface, automatic updates, and built in security protections.
You can plug in the USB drive, boot the computer, and follow the prompts to install the system.
After installation, the laptop functions similarly to a Chromebook. It can handle everyday tasks such as web browsing, streaming, and working with online productivity tools.
The initiative also addresses a growing environmental problem. The world generated more than 62 million metric tons of electronic waste in 2022, and much of it comes from devices replaced before the hardware actually fails.
By giving old laptops a new operating system and a second life, Google and Back Market hope to reduce electronic waste while helping users keep their devices useful for longer.
