Can I Install Chrome OS on My PC or Mac?
Published on by Jim Mendenhall
Short Answer:
No. Google does not make Chrome OS available for download and installation on general PCs or Macs. Chrome OS is only supported on officially licensed Chromebooks, Chromeboxes, Chromebits and Chromebases.
Long Answer:
Chrome OS is based on the open source Chromium OS project and it is possible to build Chromium OS from the source code and install it on a variety of hardware and even virtual machines. For detailed instructions on downloading the Chromiums OS source code and building it for your system, see the Chromium OS Developer Guide.
Prebuilt images of Chromium OS are also available from ArnoldTheBats World of Whimsy. These images are automatically built daily and may work on your system.
Neverware also uses the Chromium OS code base for its Cloudready operating system. This is a modified version of Chromium with added driver support for a wide variety of hardware. Cloudready is your best bet for easily getting a Chrome OS compatible system up and running on your regular PC or notebook. Neverware doesn’t make their source code available online, but will provide it upon request.
Consider Getting an Official Chromebook
While Chromium OS can run on many PCs and Macs, the experience with an official Chromebook is significantly better. Chromebooks receive automatic updates directly from Google, have optimized hardware drivers, support Android apps from the Google Play Store, and come with verified boot security. If you’re interested in Chrome OS primarily for its simplicity, speed, and security, purchasing an affordable Chromebook often makes more sense than dealing with the limitations of unofficial builds.
For those on a budget, the HP Chromebook 14a offers excellent value starting at $174, with a great keyboard and long battery life. If you want a more premium experience with convertible functionality, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i provides strong performance and a 360-degree hinge at around $429. For power users who need the best specs, the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 delivers a 15.6-inch display, Intel Core i3 processor, and Chromebook Plus certification for around $399.
