FamilySearch Center Support

ChromeOS Flex Help Guide

System and App Launcher

App Launcher


The ChromeOS Flex App Launcher is located in the bottom left corner of the device screen. The App Launcher is represented by a gray circle, similar to the Google Chrome icon but without any color. The App Launcher allows you to easily access your USB drive files.

System Launcher


The ChromeOS Flex system launcher provides the ability to change the operating system options. In ChromeOS Flex, the system launcher is located in the bottom right corner of the screen and is represented by a flag.
Printing from a ChromeOS Flex device

When you are ready to print from a device using ChromeOS Flex, verify that the correct printer appears in the Destination box.

Note: You may not see the correct printer listed in the Destination box. If you do not see the correct printer listed in the Destination box, click the See more... option.
Accessing and ejecting the USB drive

Step 1: In the bottom left corner of the screen, click the App Launcher (represented by a gray circle).

Step 2: Select Files.

Step 3: Your USB drive is on the left side. Click the correct USB drive name.

Note: The name of your USB drive may vary, so it is important to verify that you are accessing the correct USB drive.

Step 4: To eject the USB drive and save the data, click the Eject button.
File Types that Work on ChromeOS

The following file types work when using ChromeOS Flex:
  • .doc
  • .docx
  • .xls
  • .xlsx
  • .ppt (read-only)
  • .pptx (read-only)
  • .txt
  • .pdf
If you need to convert a .obt file to .doc file, complete the following steps:

Step 1: Open the file in LibreOffice on another computer.

Step 2: Click File, then click Save As.

Step 3: Select .doc as the file format.

Step 4: Select the USB drive and click Save.
Change Keyboard Language Layout (if available in your area)

Step 1: Click on the System Launcher then Click on Keyboard.

Step 2: In the Input methods window, click on the Gear.

Step 3: Click on + Add input methods.

Step 4: Find and click on the desired input methods then click Add.

Step 5: Click on the input options on the shelf and select the desired language.

Step 6: Alternately, you can switch between language by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Space until the language you want is selected. To switch back, press Ctrl + Space.
Keyboard Shortcuts

The keyboard shortcuts used in ChromeOS Flex are not the same as keyboard shortcuts used in Windows. The following information explains how to search for keyboard shortcuts when using ChromeOS Flex and lists the keyboard shortcuts.

Search for keyboard shortcuts


To search all keyboard shortcuts used in ChromeOS Flex, use your keyboard and press the Ctrl + Alt + ?/ keys together. The Windows keyboard shortcut search option is the magnifying glass icon. If you need to take a screenshot of the keyboard shortcuts, use F5. For ease of use, the keyboard shortcuts for ChromeOS Flex are listed below.


Keyboard Shortcut Name
Keyboard Function
Keyboard Shortcut Name
Keyboard Function
BookmarkCtrl + DOpen a FileCtrl + O
Caps Lock ToggleAlt + App Launcher or Magnifying GlassPage Up or Page DownAlt + Up Arrow or Down Arrow
Close TabCtrl + WPasteCtrl + V
Close WindowCtrl + Shift + WPrintCtrl + P
CopyCtrl + CRedoCtrl + Shift + Z
CutCtrl + XReload PageCtrl + R
DeleteAlt + BackspaceRe-open TabCtrl + Shift + T
Dock Window L/RAlt + [ or ]SaveCtrl + S
DownloadsCtrl + JScreenshot/DesktopCtrl + F5
Files AppAlt + Shift + MScreenshot/RegionCtrl + Shift + F5
FindCtrl + FSelect AllCtrl + A
Find NextCtrl + GShortcut ListsCtrl + Alt + /
Go To Tabs 1...8Ctrl + 1...8Show Hidden FilesCtrl + .
HistoryCtrl + HSign Out UserCtrl + Shift + Q
Incognito WindowCtrl + Shift + NSwitch WindowsAlt + Tab
Launch Shelf ItemsAlt + 1...8Task ManagerApp Launcher or Magnifying Glass + Esc
Lock ScreenApp Launcher or Magnifying Glass + LTop/Bottom of PageCtrl + Alt + Up Arrow or Down Arrow
Min/Max WindowAlt + – or =UndoCtrl + Z
New TabCtrl + TVoice TypingCtrl + Shift + S
New WindowCtrl + NZoom ResetCtrl + 0
NotificationsAlt + Shift + NZoom In/OutCtrl + + or –
Capturing Screenshots

If you need to capture screenshots in ChromeOS Flex, complete the following steps:

Step 1: Plug in the removable storage (USB drive).

Step 2: Click the System Launcher.

Step 3: Click the Screen Capture icon.

Step 4: Click the Gear icon and select the option Select folder....

Step 5: Select the correct name of your USB drive.

Step 6: Click Open.

Step 7: In the center of your screen capture, click the Capture button.

Note: If you do not click the Capture button, the screenshot is saved in the Downloads folder by default and can be found in the Files app.
Suggestions and Feedback

If you have suggestions or feedback about using ChromeOS Flex, you can submit the information through the FamilySearch.org website.

Step 1: While using the FamilySearch.org URL, click Bookmarks.

Step 2: Click the Experience Feedback option.

Step 3: Enter your suggestion or feedback and submit the information.
Editing Microsoft Office Files

Step 1: Find a Microsoft Word or Excel file that you want to edit in your Files app.

Step 2: Open the Microsoft Office file.

Step 3: Make edits to your document. Changes are saved automatically.

Step 4: Share the file as a Microsoft Office file or convert it to a Google doc.

Click here to watch a video demonstration.
How to Mirror your Screen
Keyboard Shortcut: Ctrl + F4
FamilySearch ChromeOS Flex Support Life Span

Model

End Of Support

Dell Optiplex 3000 Thin Client

2029

Dell Optiplex 5000

2030

Dell Optiplex 5050

2027

Dell Optiplex 5060

2028

Dell Optiplex 5070

2028

Dell Optiplex 5080

2028

Dell Optiplex 5090

2029

Dell Optiplex 7400

2030

Dell Optiplex 7450 AIO

2028

Dell Optiplex 7460 AIO

2028

Dell Optiplex 7470 AIO

2028

Dell Optiplex 7480 AIO

2028

Dell Optiplex 7490 AIO

2028

Dell Optiplex 7400 AIO

2030

Dell Optiplex 7410 AIO

2030

Dell Optiplex 9020 AIO

2026

Dell Optiplex 9030 AIO

2026

Lenovo ThinkCentre M93z

2026


We recommend that you install and use ChromeOS Flex only on currently certified models. When ChromeOS Flex models reach their End Of Support date, we recommend that you switch to using new ChromeOS devices or other models on the certified models list.
ChromeOS Powerwash
A factory reset erases all user data on your Chromebook's hard drive, including all the files in the Downloads folder.
  1. Sign out of your Chromebook.
  2. Press and hold Ctrl + Alt + Shift + r.
  3. Select Restart.
  4. In the box that appears, select Powerwash  Continue.

For more information on ChromeOS Flex click or scan the QR Code below.

Was this helpful?