It’s been over 5 months since Microsoft pulled the plug on official Windows 10 support. The dramatic change means millions of laptops are no longer getting vital security updates, and that could mean they are far more vulnerable to cyber attacks and dangerous malware. Although some more recently released devices can switch over to Windows 11, many simply aren’t compatible, and that’s left Windows 10 users with a tough choice to make.

Continue using their unprotected laptops or simply throw them in landfill and buy something new that has Windows 11 pre installed. Luckily, there is now a lifeline for these ageing PCs that will put a spring back in their step and stop them from becoming expensive pieces of waste.

Google has confirmed that it is partnering with the refurbished experts at Back Market to offer a USB stick that makes it easy to install software called ChromeOS Flex.

This lightweight operating system can run on most machines and instantly transforms them into Chromebook-style devices. That means owners get access to popular services such as Chrome, Gmail, Docs and the Android app store without needing to buy a new laptop.

While you can always download ChromeOS Flex for free from Google’s website, these new kits are designed to make the upgrade even easier.

It’s even possible to give Flex a test run directly from the USB stick to make sure it works before a full install takes place.

“Last October marked a turning point for hundreds of millions of computers,” Google explained in a blog post.

“Microsoft Windows 10 reached its end of support, putting those computers at risk of obsolescence. This left many people with a difficult decision: spend hundreds on a new device, or continue using an insecure, outdated one.

“To offer another solution, Google is partnering with Back Market, a leader in refurbished electronics. Starting today, a new ChromeOS Flex USB Kit is available on their site to help you install our fast, secure and free operating system to modernise the PC or Mac you already own.”

If that sounds enticing, then the physical kit is priced at around £3. It is also reusable to further minimise e-waste.

You can find more details here, but beware. Back Market has confirmed that this item is currently out of stock and is clearly proving popular.

Along with refreshing old PCs, this update from Google could help the planet as well.

“The manufacturing process of a new laptop is responsible for a large part of its carbon footprint,” Google added.

“ChromeOS Flex allows the already-manufactured device to be used for longer, which keeps hardware out of landfills and avoids the emissions of making a new device. Savings do not stop there, ChromeOS also consumes 19% less energy on average than other comparable systems.”

You can see the full list of supported devices for ChromeOS Flex here.