Google Offers Free PC Upgrade and Launches $3 ChromeOS Flex USB Kit for Windows 10 Users Stuck on Windows 11

Google has announced a free upgrade path for over 500 million Windows 10 users who are unable to transition to Windows 11, offering a solution to the growing security risks posed by Microsoft’s end-of-life decision for the operating system.

The initiative centers on ChromeOS Flex, a cloud-based operating system that Google says can transform aging laptops into fast, secure, and sustainable machines at no cost. This move comes as Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 in October 2025, leaving hundreds of millions of devices vulnerable without paid extended support or hardware upgrades.

To simplify deployment, Google has partnered with Back Market to offer a new ChromeOS Flex USB Kit, priced at approximately $3 or €3. The kit is designed to be reusable and helps users install the operating system on existing PCs or Macs, reducing electronic waste through a collaboration with Closing the Loop.

While the ChromeOS Flex software itself remains free to download, the physical USB kit provides a low-cost, accessible method for users who may lack the technical means to create their own bootable media. Google emphasizes that the kit supports both Windows and Mac hardware, broadening its appeal beyond traditional PC users.