Chromebooks are known for their simplicity and lightweight operating system, Chrome OS. However, many users seek the flexibility and power of a full Linux distribution. Fortunately, installing Linux on a Chromebook is a straightforward process, offering a blend of Chrome OS’s simplicity and Linux’s versatility.
This article discusses the steps to set up Linux on your Chromebook, giving you access to powerful tools and customisation. You can watch the video below or continue reading the article.
Below we have discussed:
Also read: How to access the clipboard on Chromebook?
Why install Linux on a Chromebook?
Before diving into the installation process, it’s worth understanding why you might want to install Linux on your Chromebook:
- Software availability: Access to a wide range of software unavailable on Chrome OS.
- Development: Better support for programming languages, development environments, and tools.
- Customisation: Greater control over the operating system and the ability to customise it to your liking.
- Learning: Gain experience with Linux, which is widely used in servers, development, and cybersecurity.
Prerequisites
- A Compatible Chromebook: Not all Chromebooks support Linux installation. Check your device’s compatibility.
- Developer Mode enabled: To install Linux, you need to enable Developer Mode on your Chromebook.
- Backup your data: Enabling Developer Mode will wipe your device, so back up any important data.
Installing Linux with Crostini
Google’s official method for installing Linux apps on a Chromebook is known as Crostini, though it may simply be labelled as Linux on your device. This feature allows you to run individual Linux applications directly on your Chrome OS desktop. Because these apps operate within isolated containers, the setup is highly secure, ensuring that any issues within the Linux environment do not impact your Chrome OS desktop. Here are the steps to set it up:
Step 1: Click on the Time at the bottom right corner of the screen.
Step 2: Scroll down the sidebar and click on the About Chrome OS option and then on the right side scroll down and click on the Set up button beside Linux development environment option available under Developers section. If you don’t see it, your Chromebook isn’t supported, and you’ll need to install it through Crouton.
Step 3: Now, on the Linux set up page click on the Next button.
Step 4: Select the Username, select the disk size and then click on the Install button. It will start installing Linux, the process might take a few minutes to complete.
Step 5: Once installed, a terminal window will open. This is your Linux command line interface. You can now install Linux apps. For example, to install the Firefox browser, you would type:
sudo apt install firefox
Step 6: To update the Linux software and Linux apps you can use the following commands:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
Install full Linux desktop with Crouton
If your Chromebook doesn’t support Crostini, you can install an Ubuntu desktop alongside Chrome OS using an unofficial chroot environment called Crouton. Setting it up is quick and straightforward, making it a popular choice for many users. Here are the steps:
Enable Developer Mode
Enabling Developer Mode is the first step, which will give you more control over your Chromebook and allow you to install Linux.
Step 1: Backup data: Save any important files to Google Drive or an external storage device.
Step 2: Enter recovery mode: Press and hold the Esc + Refresh keys, then press the Power button. Release the Power button when the Chromebook turns on.
Step 3: Enable Developer mode: When you see the recovery screen, press Ctrl + D to enable Developer Mode. Press Enter when prompted.
Step 4: Wait for the reset: The device will restart and transition to Developer Mode, which can take several minutes.
Installing Ubuntu Linux on Chromebook
Step 1: Download Crouton: Open Chrome and go to the Crouton GitHub page. Download the Crouton script by clicking the link.
Step 2: Open Terminal: Press Ctrl + Alt + T keys simultaneously to open the Chrome OS terminal, known as Crosh.
Step 3: Enter Shell: Type shell and press Enter to access a full bash shell.
Step 4: Run Crouton: Navigate to the Downloads directory and run the Crouton installer with the following command:
sudo sh ~/Downloads/crouton -t xfce
The -t xfce flag installs the XFCE desktop environment. You can replace xfce with another desktop environment like kde or gnome if you prefer.
After entering the command to install Ubuntu, you will need to be patient, as the process involves downloading the entire operating system. The installation duration varies based on your internet speed.
Step 5: Create a Username and Password: You’ll be prompted to create a username and password for your Linux installation.
Step 6:Start Linux: Once installed, you can start your Linux environment by typing the following command in Crosh:
sudo startxfce4
The command varies for different desktop environments. You can find the appropriate command listed at the end of the installation process, as shown in the screenshot above. Once the installation is complete, you will be logged into an Ubuntu session. Note that the Downloads directory is shared between Chrome OS and Ubuntu, but other directories will not be accessible via the Files app in Chrome OS.
You can toggle between Chrome OS and Ubuntu using the key combinations Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Back keys and Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Forward keys.
Installing Linux on a Chromebook opens up a world of possibilities, from software development to enhanced productivity tools. With this guide, you should be able to navigate the installation process smoothly and enjoy the benefits of both Chrome OS and Linux. Whether you’re a developer, a student, or just a tech enthusiast, running Linux on your Chromebook can significantly enhance your computing experience.
Also read: How to delete apps on Chromebook?
