As millions of users continue to rely on Windows 10 despite its end of support, Google is pitching a simple workaround to avoid paying for extended security updates, and it doesn’t involve buying a new laptop.
Refurbished Tech retailer Back Market is partnering with the company to deliver a USB-based installation kit for ChromeOS Flex. Essentially, you need to connect the drive and follow the videos to convert your old Windows or Mac computer to a Chromebook-type device.
This comes at a critical moment. Since October 2025, Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 10, meaning no new features, bug fixes, and most importantly, no security patches. Users can still opt for extended updates, but that comes at a cost, roughly £22 for a year.
For many, especially those using older hardware, that fee raises a bigger question: Is it worth paying to keep an outdated system alive?
What is ChromeOS Flex?
ChromeOS Flex, which has been available for download for some time, is now being pushed as an easier, more accessible solution through this USB kit. It removes the friction of manual installation and comes with step-by-step guides and tutorials, making it more approachable for non-technical users.
While one key benefit of using ChromeOS Flex is an opportunity to save money, a second key benefit is that many devices that are no longer needed could have a longer useful life. It is estimated by some in the industry that following the end-of-support for Windows 10, hundreds of millions of PCs will be discarded; this is where Google sees an opportunity to use ChromeOS Flex to allow these older devices to remain usable, secure and out of landfills.
However, there are some trade-offs with this migration from a traditional Chromebook experience to using ChromeOS Flex. For example, there are a few key features missing in comparison with a traditional Chromebook, such as running Android apps (from Google Play) and running Windows-based applications or virtual machines. Therefore, if you are deeply embedded in the Windows ecosystem, this could be a very limiting factor.
But for basic use: browsing, emails, streaming, and cloud-based work, it does the job. And crucially, it continues to receive regular security updates, which is the biggest concern for anyone sticking with an unsupported Windows system.
There’s also a performance angle. ChromeOS Flex is far less demanding than newer versions like Windows 11, meaning older laptops can feel faster and more responsive after the switch.
Windows 10 still holds a massive share of the global PC market, even months after support ended. That’s a sign of how many users are stuck between upgrading hardware, paying for updates, or taking a risk with security.
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