Get started with CloudReady Home

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  Home Install Home Edition.

Step 2: Open CloudReady USB Maker

 

1. In your "Downloads" folder, choose the cloudready-usb-maker app.
2. Select Yes on any security prompts from Windows that open.

Step 3: Make your USB installer

 

1. Follow the on-screen instructions to make your CloudReady USB drive. 
2. Remove your USB stick.

Manual installation

Step 1: Get CloudReady file

 

From neverware.com, select CloudReady Editions Home Install Home Edition.

Step 2: Add Chromebook Recovery Utility to your Chrome browser

 

1. Go to the Chrome web store.
2. At the top right, select Add to Chrome.
3. 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.  

1. Open the Chrome browser.
2. 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. 
3. At the top right, select Settings Use local image. 
4. In your “Downloads” folder, choose the cloudreadyXXXX.bin.zip file. 
5. When prompted, insert your USB stick, select the recovery media you’d like to use and select Continue.
6. 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

 

1. With your device turned off, plug in the USB installer. 
2. Turn on your device while you repeatedly press the boot key. A menu with boot options opens. 
   • Tip: Find the most common models and their boot keystroke.
3. 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.   
4. After CloudReady starts, a “Welcome!” screen opens.
5. 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.
6. At the bottom right, select the time Install OS.
7. From the prompt, select Install CloudReady. 
8. 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

 

1. 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. 
2. Turn on your device. 
3. From the “Welcome!” screen, select Let’s go. 
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up Wi-Fi and data consent. 
5. 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.

Related resources

• Chromebook keyboard shortcuts
• Set up your printer
• Use Chromebook as a guest