ChromeOS has come a long way in a decade. Not only does it allow multiple applications to be used offline, the latest Chromebooks can also run Android applications, greatly enhancing their versatility.
If you crave more powerful capabilities and exclusive desktop applications, this is possible by installing Linux on your Chromebook. The good news is, it’s easier than you think, and you do not have to wipe the hard drive or perform any more complicated procedures.
In fact, Google has made Linux available on ChromeOS. We’re telling you how to enjoy Linux on your Chromebook.
Why use Linux on a Chromebook?
The main advantage is the ability to run full desktop applications on your Chromebook.
With Linux, you can download the GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program), which includes many of the tools available in the full version of Photoshop from Adobe, but all for free on the Chromebook.
Can my Chromebook run Linux?
If your Chromebook is a 2019 or later model, it can run on Linux. Feel free to check out the list of compatible devices Google has to offer for this pre-date model.
Because Linux basically runs on ChromeOS, you’ll benefit from a more powerful Chromebook, but Linux is a lighter operating system anyway.
It’s worth checking your Chromebook’s storage capacity, as many models have very small “hard drives” (often equipped with an eMMC card). If you want to run a lot of applications, lack of storage can be a problem.
Does Chromebooks run on full versions of Linux?
You can enjoy full versions of Linux on Chromebooks, but not through the built-in functionality in ChromeOS.
This process is very complex and will not be discussed in this tutorial, but there are several guides online to help you with this practice.
Version of Debian Linux that comes with ChromeOS Desktop environment is not includedSo all the commands are executed in the terminal window.
You also have the option of locating the Linux installation files for the applications you want to keep. You can download and configure them without using command line codes.
Some things like hardware acceleration, cameras and Android emulators are not supported. You can connect an Android phone via USB, but not iPhones.
Is it safe to use Linux on a Chromebook?
Enabling Linux on ChromeOS on a Virtual Machine Creates a system “sandbox” to hold Linux and its applications. That is, if you have a problem with the Linux app, it will not affect your ChromeOS app.
But since Sandbox includes everything about Linux on your Chromebook, Linux applications can infect other Linux applications. This method has the advantage of freeing you from Linux (and all related programs) by going to Settings and disabling the feature.
This will instantly remove anything Linux related and return your Chromebook as if nothing had happened.
How to install Linux on Chromebook
Setting up Linux functionality on ChromeOS is very easy. Here are the steps to follow:
- Go on Settings
- On the left, click Improved
- Select Developers
- You will see the option at the top of the screen Linux development environment. Click To implement.
- A new window opens to start the Linux framework. Click The following To proceed.
- Enter the username and allocate the disk space used by Linux (usually a sum is recommended), then click To establish.
ChromeOS downloads and installs the virtual machine software used to run Linux. When done, a ready-made terminal window will appear on the command line. That means Linux is running.
How to install Linux applications on Chromebook
Installing applications requires a little more attention. The easiest way to find its installation package is to have it in .deb format. You do this just like in Windows or macOS, you can tell if you have not gone through their App Store, i.e. by searching online.
Debian files
If you have a particular app in mind, go to its website to see if a package exists .deb Download. Equivalent to .exe in Windows or .dmg in macOS.
Download it, double click on it and follow the instructions. When done, you should find the application in your ChromeOS Launcher, mostly in the Linux Apps folder.
Command line
If the application does not have a .deb file, do not despair because you can use the command line.
In the window that opens at the end of the Linux installation, it is necessary to enter the code commands that reveal and configure the applications on your computer.
First, make sure everything is up to date Type the command below And press Gateway.
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade
The code will start scrolling and you will be asked if you want to proceed. Type Y (For yes) and finish by pressing Gateway.
When the update is complete, a new line will appear. You are now ready to install an application. Use the following command to access applications directly:
sudo apt-get install [suivi du nom de l’application]
You will need to do some research online to find the apps you like, but free offers like LibreOffice, Audacity and GIMP can also be a good place to start.
So, for example, to get LibreOffice, enter the following command:
sudo apt-get install libreoffice
Flatbacks
Many programs these days use what is called a flatback, a new way for Linux applications to compile the files needed for a program. The advantage of this method is that after the initial configuration, you can use Flathub, which acts as an application store for Linux and is compatible with ChromeOS.
To set it up, type the following command:
sudo apt install flatpak
Press Enter and type:
flatpak –user remote-add –if-in-no-has-flathub
https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
The last step is to restart Linux, right clickTerminal icon Dock and select Stop Linux.
Next, open ChromeOS Launcher, locate the Linux Apps folder, and double-click At the terminal.
Linux will restart once Flatpaks and Flathub are installed. So open the Chrome browser and go to https://flathub.org/home and find the desired application. To complete the process, scroll down to the bottom of the application page and enter the command line instructions as shown.
Then accept installation questions, the application is now part of your Chromebook and is ready to use.
One thing to note is that if you want to use the files downloaded by the application, you must move them to the My Files folder because the sandbox nature of the Linux environment will not be able to access your folders. Standard Chrome OS.
The flatback process has caused some errors here and there, so be prepared to use your Google capabilities for troubleshooting.
How to Remove Linux from Chromebook
If at any time you want to go to ChromeOS and remove all traces of Linux and its applications, go Settings ⁇ Improvements ⁇ Developers ⁇ Linux development environment ⁇ Remove the Linux development environment eClick D Remove.
If you want to add incredible usefulness of Linux applications to your Chromebook, but your device does not support this feature or you prefer a more powerful Chromebook, check out our guide to the best Chromebooks.
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Beatrice Ashford is a contributor at Nintendo-power.com, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism that keeps readers connected to the issues shaping the world around them.