More than 500 million Windows 10 PC users can’t upgrade to Windows 11 and now face a significant security risk. Google claims to have the solution and has confirmed a free update available to all those users.
ChromeOS Flex as an alternative
“You can transform your old, unsupported laptop into a fast, secure and sustainable machine for free,” he says. Google. The proposal consists of updating the PC to ChromeOS Flex, a modern, secure and easy-to-manage system. Although this option has been available for some time, it is now easier to take advantage of it thanks to a new USB installation kit.
The company also announced a collaboration with Back Market to make it easier to install the operating system on older PCs or Macs.quickly and free.
The difficult decision after the end of Windows 10 support
According to GoogleMicrosoft’s decision to end Windows 10 support in October left many users with two options: spend hundreds of dollars on a new device or continue using an insecure and outdated system.
Although Microsoft offers a free extended security updates (ESU) program, it will only be available until October 2026, except for organizations with enterprise plans.
Cost and sustainability considerations
Although the update to ChromeOS Flex is free, the USB kit costs approximately 3 dollars or euros. Google highlighted that the kit is reusable and that its collaboration with Closing the Loop contributes to reducing electronic waste.
Avoiding device obsolescence and reducing the carbon footprint are key objectives. Google points out that “the manufacturing process of a new laptop represents a large part of its carbon footprint” and that ChromeOS Flex It allows the useful life of the equipment to be extended, in addition to consuming 19% less energy on average than other comparable systems.
A controversial but viable solution
The change of Windows to ChromeOS Flex offers an interesting alternative for those who cannot install Windows 11. Even those who purchase a new computer can reuse the old one, for example, for a younger family member.
Meanwhile, Microsoft continues to force the update of PCs with old versions of Windows 11 to maintain security. The company uses artificial intelligence to determine when computers are ready to update automatically. Although this automation could also be applied to PCs with Windows 10 compatible with Windows 11is not yet implemented, and could change after the end of support in October.