You can install Chrome OS Flex without using a USB drive. There are alternative methods available that allow you to manually create a bootable drive using Rufus. This can be helpful if you encounter any issues with the Chrome utility or if you prefer a different method.
To install Chrome OS Flex without a USB drive, you’ll need to follow these steps:
1. Download the Chrome OS Flex ISO:
– Visit the official website of CloudReady, the creator of Chrome OS Flex.
– Navigate to the “Download” section.
– Look for the Chrome OS Flex ISO file and download it to your computer.
2. Prepare a bootable drive using Rufus:
– Rufus is a popular tool for creating bootable USB drives. However, it can also be used to create a bootable drive from an ISO file.
– Download Rufus from the official website and install it on your computer.
– Connect a blank USB drive to your computer. Make sure it has enough storage capacity to hold the Chrome OS Flex ISO file.
– Open Rufus and select the connected USB drive from the “Device” dropdown menu.
– Under the “Boot selection” section, click the “Select” button and browse to the location where you downloaded the Chrome OS Flex ISO file.
– Once you’ve selected the ISO file, click the “Start” button to begin the process of creating a bootable drive. This will format the USB drive and copy all the necessary files from the ISO file to make it bootable.
3. Configure your computer’s BIOS settings:
– Restart your computer and enter the BIOS settings. The specific key to access the BIOS varies depending on your computer manufacturer (common keys include F2, Del, Esc, or F12).
– In the BIOS settings, locate the “Boot” tab or similar section.
– Set the USB drive as the first boot device in the boot order.
– Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings.
4. Install Chrome OS Flex on your PC:
– With the bootable USB drive inserted, restart your computer.
– Your computer should now boot from the USB drive.
– Follow the on-screen instructions to install Chrome OS Flex on your PC.
– During the installation process, you may be prompted to select a storage location and configure other settings.
– Once the installation is complete, your computer will restart and you’ll be able to use Chrome OS Flex.
It’s worth noting that installing Chrome OS Flex on your PC without a USB drive requires some technical knowledge and may not be suitable for beginners. Additionally, make sure to back up any important data on your PC before proceeding with the installation to avoid any potential data loss.
While installing Chrome OS Flex without a USB drive is possible, it may be a more complex process compared to using the Chrome utility. However, if you encounter any issues with the utility or prefer a different method, manually creating a bootable drive using Rufus can be a viable alternative.