Use Chromebook Recovery Utility

The Chromebook Recovery Utility is now an extension in your Chrome browser.

At the top right of your Chrome browser window, click Extensions Manage extensions.
Next to Chromebook Recovery Utility, toggle the switch to the right.
Optional: You can also click Details and toggle the switch to the right.

After you turn on the Chromebook Recovery Extension, in the extension panel in your browser, click on the extension to open the pop-up.

In Chrome browser, launch the Chrome Recovery Utility extension.
Click Get started.
Click Select a model from a list.
For Select a manufacturer, find and click Google ChromeOS Flex.
For Select a product, find and click ChromeOS Flex.
Click Continue.
When prompted, insert your USB drive.
From the dropdown menu, select the USB drive.
Click Continue.
Click Create now.
Note: During the process, it is normal for Chrome Recovery Utility to show unusual percentages.
When you get a message that your recovery media is ready, remove your USB drive from the device.

Download from Google

For admins who are comfortable with creating bootable USB drives using dd command-line utility or other third-party utilities.

On your device, download the latest ChromeOS Flex installer image.
Use your preferred decompression tool to unzip the file.
Insert your USB drive. Be sure to remove all other removable media.
Create the installer. If you’re using a third-party utility, refer to product documentation. If you’re using dd command-line utility on a Linux device:

Open a terminal or command line.
Use the command to write the image to USB:
sudo dd if=image_name.bin of=/dev/sdN bs=4M status=progress

Use the USB installer that you just created to boot the device you want to run ChromeOS Flex on.
Before you begin: Read the notes and installation instructions specific to your device. See Certified models list.

Turn off the device you want to run ChromeOS Flex on.
Note: Make sure the target device is completely powered off, and not asleep or idle.
Insert the ChromeOS Flex USB installer.
Boot the device from the USB drive. If you’re unsure which key to use, see Boot keys below.
1. Press the power button.
2. Immediately begin repeatedly pressing your device's boot key.
Select your USB installer as the boot device using:

One-time boot menu—If your interrupt triggers a one-time boot menu, you’ll see a list of boot options on your screen. You can use arrow keys, or mouse in some cases, to select your USB installer.
BIOS or UEFI menu—If your interrupt opens the full BIOS or UEFI setup menu, you’ll need to find settings related to Boot or Startup. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to set your USB installer as the first, primary, or preferred boot device.
Other menu—If you see other options on screen, navigate to an option that matches one of the menus described above. Then proceed as described in those steps.

Manufacturer	Boot key
Acer	F2
Apple	Hold Option (next to the ⌘ key)
Asus	Del
Dell	F12
Gateway	F1
HP	F9
Intel	F2
Lenovo	F12
Microsoft Surface	Boot from USB—Hold volume-down button Boot to UEFI menu—Hold volume-up button
Toshiba	F2 or F12
Other	Try pressing Esc, any of F1-F12 keys, or Enter

Boot keys might be different on some models.
The certified models list shows the boot key for all certified models. See the Certified models list.
Some models display their boot key info on screen at the beginning of startup. For example, on some Lenovo models you’ll see To interrupt normal startup, press Enter.
If you can’t find the boot key for a certain model, try searching online for documentation from the manufacturer or third parties. In your search term, include your device’s specific name and model number and boot key or BIOS key.

Last updated on: July 30th, 2024

To ensure a consistent and high-quality experience, Google individually certifies and maintains a list of models that you can use with ChromeOS Flex.

Certified—Models are expected to work with ChromeOS Flex.
Minor issues expected—Models are likely to support at least basic functionality, but are still being worked on by our team. You might run into minor issues.
Major issues expected—Models are known to have major issues, such as boot issues, and are not currently recommended for use with ChromeOS Flex. Future releases will improve support for these models.
Decertified—Models recently reached their end of support date. Support ends on the 31st December of the given year.