A new partnership between Google and Back Market will make it easier to revive outdated computers with a $3 USB stick that installs ChromeOS Flex. The inexpensive device addresses a growing problem: millions of functional computers running unsupported software that pose security risks.

ChromeOS Flex has been available for years as a lightweight alternative to traditional operating systems, offering the ChromeOS experience without Android app support. The software works on a wide range of hardware, from officially compatible machines to any old Windows device or pre-Apple Silicon MacBooks. This flexibility makes it an attractive option for extending the life of aging hardware.

Back Market will begin selling the USB sticks on March 30, though initial availability is limited to just 3,000 units. The company is targeting schools, small businesses, and individual sellers who need affordable ways to update fleets of older computers. With Windows 10 machines becoming obsolete and new laptop prices rising due to increased RAM and storage costs, these cheap ChromeOS sticks offer a practical alternative for many users seeking secure, updated computing without the expense of new hardware.