If you find yourself among the millions still using Windows 10 and wish to sidestep the £22 fee for essential security updates, Google has introduced an innovative solution. In collaboration with refurbished electronics retailer Back Market, the tech giant is offering a USB memory stick that enables users to swiftly install its ChromeOS Flex operating system. This free OS, already powering countless Chromebooks globally, promises to “modernise the PC or Mac you already own.”
Transforming Your Device
In a recent blog post, Google’s Ted Briggs expressed the partnership’s mission: “Google and Back Market are teaming up to save PCs from the landfill. Through the new ChromeOS Flex USB Kit, you can transform your aging, unsupported laptop into a fast, secure, and sustainable machine for free.” He noted that the end of support for Windows 10 last October left many users facing a tough choice: invest in a new device or continue using an outdated, insecure system.
The transition from Windows 10, Windows 11, or macOS to ChromeOS Flex is not a novel concept. Google has long provided the option to download and install this alternative OS for free. However, the USB drives available through Back Market simplify the upgrade process significantly. The kit not only saves users from the hassle of downloading the ChromeOS Flex installer but also includes easy-to-follow guides and video tutorials to ease the installation journey.
Google emphasizes that ChromeOS Flex is designed to extend the “useful lifespans” of Windows PCs that lost Microsoft support at the end of last year. A report from Canalys Research prior to the deadline warned that Microsoft’s decision could lead to 240 million functioning PCs being discarded. Back Market estimates that the actual number may reach closer to 400 million.
As of October 14, 2025, Microsoft ceased all new features, bug fixes, and critical security patches for Windows 10. This means that any vulnerabilities discovered in the operating system will remain unaddressed indefinitely. While the performance of your PC remains unchanged, relying on an unsupported OS for sensitive tasks such as storing family photos or online banking is not advisable.
Despite the end of support, Windows 10 continues to hold a significant market share, with recent data from Statcounter indicating that approximately one-third of all Windows devices worldwide still operate on this system. Users can opt for one additional year of software updates from Microsoft at a cost of around , or roughly £22 in the UK. However, the arrival of ChromeOS Flex presents a more economical alternative.
This operating system, rooted in Google’s widely-used Chrome web browser, mirrors the experience found on Chromebooks. Its system requirements are less demanding than those of Windows 11, making it accessible for users who might otherwise be left behind. However, it’s important to note that ChromeOS Flex lacks certain features, such as the ability to install Android apps or run Windows virtual machines.
Nonetheless, for those willing to forgo these specific functionalities, ChromeOS Flex ensures that your existing Windows PC continues to receive vital security updates, safeguarding against malware and phishing threats.
Beyond individual benefits, Google asserts that ChromeOS Flex contributes positively to environmental sustainability. Ted Briggs highlighted in his blog post that the manufacturing of new laptops significantly contributes to carbon emissions. By extending the life of existing devices, ChromeOS Flex helps keep hardware out of landfills and reduces the environmental impact associated with producing new devices. Additionally, ChromeOS is reported to consume, on average, 19% less energy than comparable systems.
Through this initiative, Google and Back Market are demonstrating that the most sustainable option is often the device already in your possession. The physical kit, priced at approximately or €3, is just one component of this broader effort, with the drive being reusable and partnerships aimed at minimizing electronic waste.
