If you find yourself still using Windows 10, despite Microsoft having ceased support for the operating system last year, Google has introduced an appealing alternative to help safeguard your personal data against the ever-present threats of hackers, ransomware, and viruses. This solution is not only effective but also significantly more economical than the £22 Microsoft charges for essential security patches.
Transforming Your Device with ChromeOS Flex
In collaboration with refurbished electronics retailer Back Market, Google is offering a USB memory stick that facilitates a swift installation of its ChromeOS Flex operating system. This free OS, which powers millions of Chromebooks globally, promises to “modernise the PC or Mac you already own,” according to Google.
As Ted Briggs from Google noted in a recent blog post, “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.” The end of support for Windows 10 last October marked a significant moment for countless computers, leaving users with a challenging choice: invest in a new device or continue using an outdated, insecure one.
This initiative has proven to be remarkably successful, with the USB kits selling out within weeks of their launch. GBN Tech highlighted this innovative £3 solution for Windows 10 users seeking to secure their devices back in April 2026, and it took just 72 days for Back Market to restock these affordable USB flash drives in its online store.
The USB memory stick is packaged in a playful “In Case Of Emergency, Break Glass” design, complete with straightforward instructions, making the transition to ChromeOS Flex even more accessible.
Streamlined Installation Process
While Google has long provided the option to download and install ChromeOS Flex directly from its website, the USB drives from Back Market simplify the process. These kits come equipped with user-friendly guides and video tutorials to demystify the installation, allowing users to extend the “useful lifespans” of their Windows PCs that lost support from Microsoft.
Before the support deadline, a report from Canalys Research warned that Microsoft’s decision could lead to 240 million working PCs being discarded. Back Market estimates that the final count may be closer to 400 million. With Microsoft halting all new features, bug fixes, and security patches for Windows 10, users are left with a system that is effectively frozen in time.
Despite the end of support, Windows 10 remains popular, with recent data from Statcounter indicating that nearly one-third of all Windows devices worldwide still rely on it. Users can opt for an additional year of software updates from Microsoft, but this comes at a cost of approximately , or £22 in the UK, making ChromeOS Flex a much more appealing and cost-effective option.
Benefits of ChromeOS Flex
ChromeOS Flex, based on Google’s widely-used Chrome web browser, is designed to run on hardware originally intended for Windows and macOS. While it lacks certain features such as the ability to install Android apps or run Windows virtual machines, it provides essential security updates, protecting users from malware and phishing threats.
Moreover, Google emphasizes the environmental benefits of adopting ChromeOS Flex. Ted Briggs highlights that the manufacturing of new laptops contributes significantly 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 typically consumes 19% less energy compared to other comparable systems.
In partnership with Back Market, Google is demonstrating that sustainability often lies in the devices already in our possession. The ChromeOS Flex USB Kit, priced around or €3, is a step towards minimizing e-waste while promoting a more sustainable approach to technology.
