After all, they’re meant to be primarily cloud-based devices. Basic overview of steps:Ĭhromebooks by default do not come with a lot of internal storage space. This comprehensive guide will guide you through each step with helpful tips along the way. Now that you know the different ways of installing Linux on your Chromebook, we’ll move on to install it via Crouton. How to Install Linux on any Chromebook (Crouton Method) Will require you to open up your Chromebook, remove BIOS write protection and flash it with a custom BIOS. May require you to work out several bugs after installation depending on the distribution you’re installing. Removes Chrome OS from your Chromebook and turns it into solely a Linux machine. Allows you to install several different distributions, including GalliumOS which is made specifically for Chromebooks. On boot, you can choose which operating system you want to run. You can easily switch between Linux and Chrome OS by a simple keyboard shortcut. However, you can use this guide for any Chromebook, the process is the same across the board. What Chromebooks are Compatible with Crouton?Ĭrouton works on ANY Chromebook, but for this guide, I will be installing it on a Broadwell based Intel i3 Toshiba Chromebook 2 (2015 Edition).
You can also choose to encrypt your chroot. However, the benefits outweigh this caveat especially if you’ll use Linux only when you need it. Your Chromebook will be able to run full open source office applications among other software including Steam and Minecraft! The Chrome Web Store is not bad but it does not compare to installing full-fledged desktop applications and Steam games.Ĭaveat: Crouton works by creating a chroot, which is sort of like virtualization (but not quite). Since chroots allow for viewing your hardware devices, including the entire contents of memory which makes your Chromebook vulnerable to a root exploit. The full Linux desktop is only a keyboard shortcut away so it is there only when you need it.
Crouton runs alongside Chrome OS and doesn’t skip a beat in terms of speed. If you’ve ever wanted to give Linux a try, now is your chance.
Linux is a powerful operating system that is highly customizable and has a library of great open source applications. Unlike dual booting, you can easily switch between Ubuntu and Chrome OS with a keyboard shortcut, no reboots necessary. It allows you to run full Ubuntu on top of Chrome OS. 7.4.5 Install Minecraft on a ChromebookĬrouton stands for Ch romium OS Universal Chroo t Envir onment.7 Step Four: Optimize your Linux installation.6.2 Switching between Ubuntu and Chrome OS.4 Step One: Upgrade your SSD (optional).3 How to Install Linux on any Chromebook (Crouton Method).1.2 What Chromebooks are Compatible with Crouton?.