Installing Chrome OS on older Intel MacBooks and iMacs is pretty easy to do, not to mention that it is free. Slapping the modern yet low demanding software of Google gives a new life to your old Apple machine that might not be optimal to use for the latest macOS.
Interestingly, Chrome OS has already dethroned macOS on the second spot of the most popular computer software.
Meanwhile, Google also touted that Chrome OS provides better protection from Ransomware attacks than Windows and macOS.
Chrome OS on Macs for Free
To transplant the Chrome OS to your Apple machine, CloudReady will do the job for free. Do not worry as the said app is now under Google after it purchased Neverware, the company behind it, on December 16, 2020.
Upon the acquisition, the New-York based tech firm confirmed that it is finally part of Google.
CloudReady is known to turn old PCs into a Chromebook, which the company wrote on its website, helps schools and organizations provide a productive device to their students and members.
However, the compatibility of the software is not limited to Windows computers. CloudReady could also turn iMacs, Mac minis, Macbook Airs, and Pros into a Chromebook.
In hindsight, prior to this CloudReady, Google did not provide any official way to install the Chrome OS. Instead, the search engine giant only sold Chromebooks.
Mac Chrome OS: Requirements
As per 9to5Mac, any Mac running an Intel processor that was released from 2007 to the present could install Chrome OS. That said, the list of compatible devices excludes PowerPC Macs.
It is also worth noting that CloudReady technically still works with 2006 Mac models, but doing so is not recommended and certified by the company.
On top of that, CloudReady further requires RAM of at least 2GB and a storage of 16GB, alongside graphics components released in 2007 and beyond. But is to note that there are Intel graphics cards which are not CloudReady friendly, namely the GMA 500, 600, 3600, and 3650.
Read also: Google Fuchsia OS Combines Chrome and Android Systems: Multiple Device Compatibility, and More
How to Install Chrome OS on Macs
To cut to the chase, here is how to transplant the Chrome to an Intel Mac.
- Download the "CloudReady USB installer application" via a web browser in a Mac or a PC.
- Connect the flash drive to the Mac you wish to turn into a Chromebook.
- Turn it on while pressing and holding the "option" key.
- A prompt asking which drives to boot will pop up.
- Choose the CloudReady flash drive.
- After selecting it, the Mac will boot into Chrome OS set up system.
- Install Chrome OS.
Upon completion of the installation process, connect to the internet to sign in to your Google account. And that's it. Your Intel Mac is now a Chromebook.
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Teejay Boris
