How to Install Games and Apps on Chrome OS Flex

Not every computer is built for the latest gaming titles. For weaker devices and office laptops, the free operating system Chrome OS Flex was developed, which has significantly limited functionality. However, even in such an environment, it's possible to install games and apps, which we will discuss in this guide.

Chrome OS Flex is the latest free operating system from Google, aimed at reviving old PCs and laptops that no longer support modern software. Based on Linux and formerly known as Cloudready by Neverware, it offers an intuitive interface through the Chrome browser and is capable of running web apps, as well as some Linux and Android apps.

It can be quickly and easily installed on an individual device or set up to manage an entire office. All user actions will be stored in the cloud, so you can return to your desktop with all your installed programs anytime and anywhere. Only a bootable USB drive is required to update the device.

In the future, Google plans to expand the functionality of OS Flex, including advanced support for games, to compete in the market with Microsoft. However, you can already install some projects — our guide will help you with this.

To install games officially, you will need the Chrome Web Store. Besides them, you can find free apps here, many of which are available in Russian. You won't be able to find any masterpieces, but the collected games will help you reboot at work, even on a weak device.

It's important to understand that Chrome OS Flex is mainly focused on web apps and Android app support, so access to games may be limited depending on their compatibility with the operating system.

If you're not interested in secondary applications, you'll need to expand the capabilities of your operating system. For this, you need to enable the Linux virtual machine, which will help bypass many restrictions. To activate it, do the following:

Once Linux is running, you will need to install the Gnome Software Center, which was previously unavailable. To do this, do the following:

The Gnome Software Center offers a wider selection of applications and games that will also be supported by your office laptop.

By installing Linux, you will also open the terminal. Through it, you can install most programs developed for the Linux Debian operating system. This is a bit more complicated than through ready-made applications, but knowing the right command, you can bypass all restrictions.

We have saved for you the codes of important applications:

Installing Steam directly on Chrome OS Flex is not possible since it is an operating system based on Linux and optimized for web applications using the Chrome browser. Therefore, you will need to install Linux first. In addition to all the above, you can install the familiar Steam launcher. To do this, using the terminal, enter the following lines:

It's important to note that performance may not be optimal, as Chrome OS Flex is geared towards less intensive computing tasks and may not support all Steam features.