If you havent used a Chromebook in a while, theyvecome a long way.

But you dont need to shell out cash for a new laptop just to run Chrome OS.

you could install it on nearly any laptop with an program called CloudReady.

No need to fiddle with drivers or find compatible hardwarejust click to install.

This makes it as easy as installing any other operating systems.

double-check youre installing this on a equipment that you might fully erase.

Dont install this on your primary machine.

Be sure to back up any data you want to keep before continuing.

This isnt perfect Chrome OS.While Chromium OS ismostlyidentical to Chrome OS, there are still a couple key differences.

Most importantly, you wont get regular, automatic updates or any official support.

As long as you could handle all that, you should be good.

Heres what youll need:

An 8GB or 16GB USB stick:Yes, only those two.

According to CloudReady, any size larger or smaller than this could cause problems.

The CloudReady .bin file:Youll (quite obviously) need to download CloudReady before you begin.

you could findthe free program here.

Click Download CloudReady at the top of the screen and save it to your machine.

Chromebook Recovery Utility:This tool allows you to create a USB install stick using the CloudReady software.

You canfind it hereand install it on any computer.

Youll just lose the operating system you had in the process.

First, youll need to create a CloudReady USB installation stick.

This is a non-destructive process, so you might do this on any computer that can run Chrome.

It will wipe your USB stick, though, so confirm there isnt anything on there that you need.

To create the USB installation stick, take these actions:

Launch the Chromebook Recovery Utility.

nudge the options gear icon in the top-right corner of the app once it opens.

Select Use local image.

Choose the CloudReady .bin file you downloaded from Neverware.

Insert the USB stick into your machine.

Select your USB stick on the left side of the Chrome Recovery Utility app screen.

Click Continue and Create Now to create your USB installation stick.

If youre not sure, check with your hardware manufacturer.

you’re free to alsocheck out our guide on USB booting here.

Insert the CloudReady installation USB stick.

If presented with a boot menu, choose the USB stick connected to your gear.

Some computers may require you to press a special boot key like F12.

At this point, you’re able to play around with Chromium OS if you so desire.

If you decide you want to install, you’re free to do so from the same interface.

Remember,installing CloudReady will wipe your machine.

In the menu that appears, click Install CloudReady.

CloudReady will ask you one last time if youresuper sure.

Dont do this unless youre ready to have your hard drive wiped.

If you are, click Erase & Install.

Wait for the installation process to finish.