Last Updated on: 12th May 2025, 01:00 pm
ChromeOS started as a minimal, web-focused OS but has evolved into a powerful platform capable of running web apps, Android apps, Linux apps, and even Windows apps (on enterprise plans). Now, thanks to official variants like ChromeOS Flex and community projects like FydeOS and Brunch, users can install ChromeOS-like experiences on a wide range of devices.
This article explores:
- Official and unofficial ChromeOS options
- App compatibility (Android, Linux, Windows)
- Long-Term Support (LTS) availability
- Minimum system requirements
- Who should use each version
- How to download and install them
1. ChromeOS (Official – Full Version)
The original ChromeOS comes preinstalled on Chromebooks and Chrome-certified devices. It includes full support for Android apps, Linux apps, and Google services.
Features:
- Google Play Store (Android apps)
- Linux terminal (Crostini)
- Secure boot and verified updates
- Auto-updates every 4–6 weeks
- LTS channel available for schools/enterprises
- Parallels (for Windows app support – Enterprise only)
App Support:
| App Type | Support |
|---|---|
| Android | ✅ Yes |
| Linux | ✅ Yes |
| Web | ✅ Yes |
| Windows | ⚠️ Yes (Enterprise only) |
Minimum Requirements:
- Comes preinstalled on Chromebook hardware
How to Get:
- Buy a Chromebook from Google-approved vendors like Acer, ASUS, HP, Lenovo, Dell, etc.
- Cannot be downloaded or installed separately
2. ChromeOS Flex (Official – Installable)
ChromeOS Flex is Google’s lightweight OS for older PCs and Macs. It doesn’t support Android apps, but is ideal for schools and non-profits.
Features:
- Fast boot times
- Web app support
- Limited Linux support
- Easy to manage with Google Admin (for institutions)
App Support:
| App Type | Support |
|---|---|
| Android | ❌ No |
| Linux | ⚠️ Limited |
| Web | ✅ Yes |
| Windows | ❌ No |
Minimum Requirements:
- Intel/AMD 64-bit CPU
- 4 GB RAM
- 16 GB storage
- UEFI BIOS
How to Download:
- Visit: chromeos.google/flex
- Use the Chromebook Recovery Utility Chrome extension to create a bootable USB.
- Boot from USB on your target device and install.
3. ChromeOS LTS (Long-Term Support)
This is the enterprise version of ChromeOS with updates only every 6 months, ideal for stability-critical environments.
Features:
- Same features as ChromeOS
- Managed via Google Admin
- Longer support life
- Great for education and business
App Support:
Same as regular ChromeOS
How to Get:
- Only available on enterprise-managed Chromebooks
- Managed via Google Workspace Admin console
- Learn more: Chrome Enterprise LTS Info
4. FydeOS (Unofficial – Chromium OS Based)
FydeOS is a ChromiumOS fork with added Android and Linux support. It’s ideal for developers and tech enthusiasts.
Features:
- Android (ARC++) support
- Linux container support
- FydeOS Account optional
- Modern UI, frequent updates
App Support:
| App Type | Support |
|---|---|
| Android | ✅ Yes |
| Linux | ✅ Yes |
| Web | ✅ Yes |
| Windows | ❌ No |
Minimum Requirements:
- x86_64 architecture
- 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended)
- UEFI boot recommended
How to Download:
- Visit: fydeos.io/download
- Choose your build (PC, Raspberry Pi, VM, Surface devices, etc.)
- Use Balena Etcher or Rufus to write the image to USB
- Boot and install
5. Brunch Framework (Unofficial)
Brunch is a patching tool that turns official ChromeOS recovery images into installable versions on any compatible hardware.
Features:
- Full ChromeOS experience (via patches)
- Android & Linux support (if recovery image supports it)
- Requires UEFI and some technical setup
App Support:
Same as ChromeOS (if recovery image and hardware support it)
Minimum Requirements:
- UEFI support
- 4 GB RAM
- SSD recommended
How to Download:
- Visit Brunch GitHub: github.com/sebanc/brunch
- Download a ChromeOS recovery image from: https://cros.tech/
- Patch using Brunch scripts
- Write to USB and boot
⚠️ Note: Brunch is intended for advanced users. Expect some trial-and-error.
6. CloudReady (Deprecated in Favor of Flex
CloudReady was the precursor to ChromeOS Flex, developed by Neverware (now acquired by Google).
Features:
- Simple Chromium OS experience
- Lacked Android support
- Was widely used in schools and non-profits
Now fully replaced by ChromeOS Flex
✅ Comparison Table
| Feature | ChromeOS | Flex | LTS | FydeOS | Brunch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Android App Support | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅* |
| Linux App Support | ✅ | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Web App Support | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Windows App Support | ⚠️ (Enterprise only) | ❌ | ⚠️ | ❌ | ❌ |
| LTS Support | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ⚠️ No | Mirrors source |
| Installation on PC | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Best For | All users | Old PCs | Business | Devs | Tinkerers |
What You Can Run on These ChromeOS Variants
| Application Type | ChromeOS | Flex | FydeOS | Brunch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Docs, Sheets | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Android Apps (Instagram, etc) | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅* |
| Linux Tools (VS Code, GIMP) | ✅ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Zoom, Google Meet | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Windows Software (MS Office native) | ⚠️ via Parallels | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Which One Should You Use?
- For Everyday Use: Buy a Chromebook (best support and security)
- For Reviving Old PCs: Use ChromeOS Flex
- For Developers & Enthusiasts: Try FydeOS
- For Full Native Experience on Unsupported Devices: Use Brunch
- For Business Stability: Use ChromeOS LTS
