If your school is like most in Ireland, you’ve probably got a significant number of computers still running Windows 10. and probably with very few issues as the OS has been a reliable workhorse for years at the chalkface so the adage of ‘If it’s not broken, don’t fix it’, would seemingly apply here in spades. However, the headache for schools and particularly their Digital Learning Coordinators is that Microsoft will end Windows 10 support officially in just under a month (October 14, 2025). Of course we’ve been here before with a plethora of of OS iterations consigned to the digital graveyard over the decades and I (And many others i suspect, who’ve been in the trenches for more years then they’d care to remember) continued using Windows 95 (and even 3.1) well past their respective sell by dates. However, this time is different, where back in the day older hardware was often used offline and in isolation, technology use is our classrooms is increasingly online centric and whilst the Schools Broadband Programme does offer a degree of protection through its walled garden approach, running outdated and unpatched PCs poses a clear security risk, particularly for administrative machines that may store sensitive school data.
What are my Options?
This isn’t just an education issue, it’s much more far reaching than that with estimates online of around 400 million computers worldwide running the OS and as a result Microsoft are offering an Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme. which is certainly a short-term fix. However, you have to pay for it, and it will only include security updates with no new features for up to 3 years. As you’d expect Microsoft only recommends ESU as a stopgap and actively promotes upgrading school hardware to Windows 11 as the best approach and longer term solution. However, typically, schools will have plenty of older kit that won’t cut the mustard when it comes to Windows 11 requirements. So bottom line is schools either upgrade/replace Window 10 PCs or explore alternative operating systems with a Linux distro being the obvious choice.
Time to Flex?
Linux has long carried the reputation (Fairly or not🤔) of being a bit too technical, often seen as the domain of enthusiasts or tech heads. So when I heard about Chrome OS Flex, Google’s free operating system designed designed for PCs and Macs that are getting on, I was intrigued. Flex promises speed, security, and simplicity, offering schools a route to delay that inevitable trip to the local WEEE recycling centre. It’s a great solution for giving old hardware a second chance.
The Pros
- It’s Free: The operating system itself costs nothing, so no upgrade costs or new machines.
- Easy to Manage: Particularly for school’s already using Google Workspace for Education and purchase the Education Upgrade as all devices can be managed from one central dashboard.
- Safe : It’s built with strong security in mind. Most things are stored online, so threats of viruses and other computer nasties are significantly lower.
- Fast: It’s a lightweight system that boots up in seconds.
The Cons
There’s always a but, whilst Flex undoubtedly offers a compelling and cost-effective alternative it’s not a panacea to entirely to resolve the age issue of outskated hardware in in Irish schools. There are a number of important caveats to consider before deployment.
- Entirely cloud-based: If it doesn’t run through a browser you’re out of luck so probably best suited for modest needs
- No Play Store Apps: A big one for schools particularly in lieu of point 1, unlike native Chroimebooks, Flex doesn’t support the Google Play Store, so you can’t run Android apps so you’re limited to a number of extensions available from the Chrome Web Store (Including M365 among others) but in reality you’re using web version of the tools
- Hardware Issues: Compatibility with all old hardware is not guaranteed older Wi-Fi and graphics cards proving problematic so check compatibility before install.
Road Testing
Before writing this post I decided to give Chrome Flex a spin and followed the steps below to install on an old HP Pavilion laptop from circa 2018. The whole process from start to finish was flawless. The result? A surprisingly fast (albeit limited in comparison to a full windows install) web only device.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. If your needs are modest, Chrome OS Flex is a no-brainer and it’s environmentally friendly too. By carefully weighing the pros and cons, schools can make an informed decision about whether to repurpose or recycle their ageing hardware stock.
The 4 Step Installation
Step 1: Check Your PC’s Requirements
Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive
Step 3: Boot from the USB Drive
Step 4: Install Chrome OS Flex
More at ChromeOS Flex installation guide