Google and Refurbed launch ChromeOS Flex to extend PC lifespans

Google and the platform Refurbed have introduced an initiative using ChromeOS Flex to prevent millions of functional computers from becoming electronic waste. This move addresses the upcoming end of Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10, which is currently scheduled to expire on October 12, 2027.

A study by Fraunhofer Austria estimates that approximately 41 million personal computers across the 27 European Union countries will be left without security protections once this deadline passes. These devices remain fully operational but do not meet the hardware requirements necessary to run Windows 11. In Italy alone, an estimated 5.47 million devices are affected.

To facilitate the transition, Refurbed will offer a USB drive starting in November that allows users to test ChromeOS Flex compatibility before installation. The initiative aims to reduce electronic waste and CO2 emissions by allowing users to repurpose hardware that is still capable of performing tasks such as video calls and web browsing.