Unfortunately, you cannot directly install a newer version of the regular ChromeOS on your unsupported Chromebook. ChromeOS is proprietary software that Google only provides to specific hardware configurations, and each Chromebook receives device-specific builds that match its unique hardware.androidpolice+1​

However, you have several alternatives to consider:

ChromeOS Flex: A Possible Solution with Significant Caveats

ChromeOS Flex is a lightweight version of ChromeOS designed for older PCs and Macs, and Google has been exploring bringing it to older Chromebooks through a project called “Flexor”. However, there are major obstacles:techradar+1​

The Bootloader Problem: Installing ChromeOS Flex on a Chromebook requires replacing the device’s firmware with UEFI-compatible firmware, since Chromebooks use a legacy BIOS that’s incompatible with ChromeOS Flex’s UEFI requirements. This process involves:mrchromebox+1​

• Enabling Developer Mode on your Chromebook
• Disabling hardware write protection (often requiring physical disassembly to disconnect the battery or remove a screw)
• Using the MrChromebox firmware utility script to flash UEFI Full ROM firmwaremrchromebox+2​
• Permanently losing the ability to run regular ChromeOSmrchromebox+1​

Hardware Compatibility Issues: Even after successful installation, ChromeOS Flex on Chromebooks frequently experiences problems:reddit​youtube​

• Audio often doesn’t work, particularly on Intel Skylake-based devices like the Samsung Chromebook Proreddit​
• Trackpad functionality may be unreliable or stop working after updatesreddit​
• WiFi and Bluetooth can be problematic on certain modelsreddit​

The reason Google hasn’t officially supported this is that ChromeOS Flex is a “monolithic” image that works inconsistently across different hardware, unlike regular ChromeOS which is custom-built for each device to ensure everything works perfectly.chromeunboxed​

Safer Alternatives to Consider

Continue Using Your Current Device Carefully: Your Chromebook will continue to function after its Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date. While you won’t receive new ChromeOS updates, the device maintains many of its built-in security features like sandboxing and verified boot. However:google+2​youtube​

• Security vulnerabilities discovered after your AUE date won’t be patchedtrafera+1​
• Over time, apps and extensions may stop working properlycnet​
• Avoid sensitive activities like online banking after several months without updatesyoutube​
• Minimize use of Android apps and Chrome extensions, which increase attack surfaceyoutube​

Extended Update Support: Some Chromebook models released before 2021 may be eligible for extended updates. Check your device settings under Settings > About ChromeOS > Additional details to see if extended support is available.google+1​

Install Linux: You could use the MrChromebox firmware script to install a Linux distribution instead, which would provide a fully updated operating system. This involves the same firmware replacement process as ChromeOS Flex but gives you access to a wider range of distributions with better hardware support.voxelmanip+1​

The Bottom Line

While it’s technically possible to install ChromeOS Flex on your old Chromebook, the process is complex, risky, and often results in non-functional hardware like audio or trackpads. Google may eventually release an official solution through their “Flexor” project, but there’s no timeline for when or if this will happen. For most users, continuing to use the existing ChromeOS installation with caution, or upgrading to a new device when necessary, remains the most practical approach.youtube+1​reddit+4​

1. https://www.androidpolice.com/install-chromeos-flex-chromebook-explainer/
2. https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/177889?hl=en
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39. https://www.reddit.com/r/chrultrabook/comments/qx6r0w/replacing_firmware_on_an_arm_chromebook_modifying/
40. https://docs.mrchromebox.tech/docs/boot-modes/legacy.html
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55. https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/device-security-guidance/platform-guides/chrome-os