You can install CloudReady on your PC or Mac to get Chromebook-like features on your computer, like cloud storage and web apps. CloudReady is an open source operating system.
Important: You can't use CloudReady with Google Accounts managed by Family Link, or in Guest Mode before first sign-in. You can't use Google Assistant or the Google Play Store with CloudReady. Learn more about how CloudReady is different from Chrome OS.
Minimum hardware requirements
- A PC, Mac, or Chromebook:
- You need the Chrome browser to create the USB installer.
- It takes about 20 minutes to build the USB installer.
- CloudReady is compatible with these certified models. Learn how to install CloudReady on an uncertified device.
- RAM: 4 GB or more
- Storage space: 16 GB or more
- USB stick: 8 GB or more
Get CloudReady
Build the USB installer
The computer you use to make your USB installer can be a different computer than the one you plan to install CloudReady on. If you’re a Mac or Chrome OS user, we recommend that you temporarily switch to a Windows computer to create your CloudReady USB installer.
With the automatic USB Maker (recommended)CloudReady USB Maker only runs on Windows 7 and newer.
Step 1: Get CloudReady USB Maker
From neverware.com, select CloudReady Editions 
Step 2: Open CloudReady USB Maker
- In your "Downloads" folder, choose the cloudready-usb-maker app.
- Select Yes on any security prompts from Windows that open.
Step 3: Make your USB installer
- Follow the on-screen instructions to make your CloudReady USB drive.
- Remove your USB stick.
Step 1: Get CloudReady file
From neverware.com, select CloudReady Editions
Step 2: Add Chromebook Recovery Utility to your Chrome browser
- Go to the Chrome web store.
- At the top right, select Add to Chrome.
- In the prompt, select Add extension. The Chromebook Recovery Utility is now installed as an extension in your Chrome browser.
Step 3: Make your USB installer
Important: This step erases your media drive. Proceed with caution.
- Open the Chrome browser.
- At the top right, select Extensions
Chromebook Recovery Utility.
- You may need to grant permission to use the extension if you’re on a Windows or Mac device.
- At the top right, select Settings
- In your “Downloads” folder, choose the cloudreadyXXXX.bin.zip file.
- When prompted, insert your USB stick, select the recovery media you’d like to use and select Continue.
- Remove your USB stick.
Install & Setup
You can run CloudReady directly from USB or install it on your certified device with the CloudReady USB installer that you created in the previous step.
Important: Full installation is optional. If you choose to install, CloudReady overwrites all data on your hard drive. We recommend that you have an up-to-date backup of your data before you install CloudReady.
Step 1: Boot & Install
- With your device turned off, plug in the USB installer.
- Turn on your device while you repeatedly press the boot key. A menu with boot options opens.
- From the menu, select your USB installer.
- Tip: Your USB installer shows as “USB device,” “USB storage,” or a name that matches the brand of the USB drive manufacturer.
- After CloudReady starts, a “Welcome!” screen opens.
- From the “Welcome!” screen, select Let’s go.
- Important: If you don’t want to install CloudReady on your device’s internal storage, skip to step 2.3 below to run from USB.
- At the bottom right, select the time
- From the prompt, select Install CloudReady.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to Erase hard drive & install CloudReady. When the install is finished, let your device automatically turn off.
- Tip: This process can take up to 20 minutes to complete.
Step 2: Setup
- With your device turned off, take out the USB installer.
- Tip: Before you remove the USB installer, use the keyboard or touchpad to check if your device is fully turned off.
- Turn on your device.
- From the “Welcome!” screen, select Let’s go.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to set up Wi-Fi and data consent.
- Sign-in with your Google Account.
Troubleshoot CloudReady on your device
To get help with the Home edition, check out community topics and forums or the CloudReady knowledge base.