Google’s official method for installing Linux apps is called Crostini – although you might just find it labeled Linux on your device – and it allows you to run individual Linux apps directly on the Chrome OS desktop. Still want to move on? Alright, let’s do this. No matter what you decide to do: proceed with caution and know that there is always the possibility of something breaking! (Hence the recovery disk recommended above.) The other two require you to put your Chromebook into developer mode (which creates a slightly less secure environment if you’re careless). Only one of these methods is officially supported by Google. You will need a flash drive with 4GB of space or more you will be happy to have it on hand in case something goes wrong and you want to reverse the process. Before you start tinkering with your Chromebook, I recommend installing the Chromebook Recovery Utility and creating a recovery disc. If you’re still a beginner, you can get a lot of help from the Ubuntu forums and Linux subreddits.Ī recovery disc. We can guide you through the basic steps to get up and running, but to actually use Linux, you’ll need some basic knowledge of how the operating system works, including the command line. Our favorites include the Acer Chromebook Spin 713, Dell Chromebook 11 (3100) and the HP Chromebook x360 14c. To really unlock your Chromebook’s potential, you’ll want one using an Intel processor.

Technically, some of these methods might work on ARM-based machines, but you’ll be more limited in the applications you can run.

To get Linux running on your Chromebook, in almost all cases, we recommend that you have a few items:Īn Intel-based Chromebook.

Install crouton chromebook