Should I Replace Windows with ChromeOS Flex on This Laptop?

If the only problem is that many browser windows cause occasional stuttering, I wouldn’t replace the operating system yet. Try disabling unnecessary startup programs and extensions, checking Task Manager for background processes, and making sure Windows and the graphics drivers are updated. A lightweight Linux distribution such as Mint or Zorin OS could also be considered, but Windows is likely the most versatile choice for your brothers.

For simple browsing and video watching, ChromeOS Flex could work, but it’s not necessarily going to solve the lag. Your laptop has more than enough hardware for those tasks. Since your brothers may want to play games or install regular desktop programs later, Windows is the safer option. You could first check what is running in the background and reduce the number of browser tabs or extensions.

Keep Windows if gaming matters at all. Most traditional PC games and desktop software work much better there, while ChromeOS Flex is mainly suited to browsing, streaming, and lightweight online tasks. With 16GB of RAM and an SSD, the current system should be capable of handling everyday use without needing a lighter operating system.

ChromeOS and Chromebooks aren’t exactly the same thing. Installing ChromeOS Flex on a regular laptop is the supported approach, but it has fewer features and may not support every device perfectly. It’s best only if everything your brothers need can be done in a web browser or through compatible Android or Linux apps.