Install ChromeOS Flex on non-certified devices (2024)

For administrators who are familiar with BIOS and UEFI settings.

Even though Google only guarantees ChromeOS Flex on certified models, you can still install ChromeOS Flex on models that are not on our certified models list. While ChromeOS Flex might work on non-certified devices without any issues, we cannot guarantee stability, functionality, and performance across regular OS updates. Devices not on the certified models list are not eligible for Chrome Education or Chrome Enterprise support.

If you’re comfortable with the possibility of issues occurring, you can try ChromeOS Flex on non-certified models. Be aware that even fully functional non-certified devices might start having significant issues at any time.

Install ChromeOS Flex

Check the Certified models list for models that are similar to the one you intend to install ChromeOS Flex on. Read the notes and installation instructions that might apply to your model.
For non-certified models, follow the same steps that you take to install ChromeOS Flex on certified models. For detailed steps, see the ChromeOS Flex installation guide.

Resolve USB installer boot issues

If booting from USB boot fails, consider the following:

Make sure your device's USB ports are functional. Try each different USB port on the device, including USB-3, USB-2, and USB-C.
Try a different USB device as your installer, especially if it's a Sandisk. See USB drive issues.
Check your BIOS or UEFI settings to make sure the ability to boot from USB is turned on. You might want to try setting your USB as the primary or first boot option.

Resolve Macdevice issues

If you’re experiencing long boot delays, try resetting the boot device or clearing logic board RAM.

Configure BIOS or UEFI settings (Windows and Linux)

If you were able to boot your device from the USB, but after a seemingly successful installation, it boots to black screen or lets you know that no OS was found, perform the following steps:

Reset BIOS to defaults.
Set Boot Mode settings to UEFI, if available.
- Some devices only successfully install ChromeOS Flex with Boot Mode set to Legacy. So, if the installation fails, try switching Boot Mode to Legacy instead.
- When booting from USB in UEFI mode, you might need to select an EFI boot file.
  For example, Boot from EFI fileRemovable MediaEFIBootbootx64.efi
Update your BIOS to the latest version provided by your device manufacturer, if possible.
Reinstall ChromeOS Flex on the device. See Boot device using the USB installer in the ChromeOS Flex installation guide.

Add device to ChromeOS Dev channel

If you successfully installed ChromeOS Flex but are experiencing an issue, switch one of the devices that’s giving you trouble to the Dev channel to see if the issue is resolved. For instructions, see Switch between stable, beta & dev software.

If you were able to successfully enroll the device, you can use your Google Admin console to switch channels. For details, see Choose a release channel.

Post in the ChromeOS Flex Help Community

If none of the above steps helped, add your query with details about your model and the problem you’re experiencing to the ChromeOS Flex Help Community.