How to Install Linux on Chromebook

Chromebooks are fine but for the simple usage like surfing the web, sending some emails, and often watching some videos. Apart from that, if you want to do something advanced or have complete control over your OS, Chrome OS may not be the best choice out there. So, there is no wonder in that if you decide to try out some new OS in your Chromebook, in our case a Linux based OS like Ubuntu. Linux is a heaven for anyone who wants to have complete access over their computer and do almost anything that is possible using an OS.

So, for those who own a Chromebook and want to try a Linux OS in it, this article might be a good guide to follow. Without further due, let’s dive into the Linux installation on a Chromebook.

Install Ubuntu on Chromebook

Installing Ubuntu on a Chromebook is extremely easy using the Crouton (Chromium OS Universal Chroot Environment), a bundle of scripts that can be used to install Linux based systems. So, using this tool, you won’t have to go through those tedious processes or complicated commands that can create complications if you are a beginner to Linux commands. Here is how you can install Ubuntu on a Chromebook using Crouton.

1. Enable Developer Mode in Chrome OS.
2.  Download Crouton onto your Chromebook.
3. Run the Crosh Terminal on your Chromebook by pressing “Ctrl + Alt + T“.
4. In the terminal type shell and press Enter.
5. Now, you have got access to the command line where you can type sudo sh ~/Downloads/crouton -e -t lxde and press Enter.
6. It will start downloading Ubuntu on your Chromebook. Wait for the process to complete.
7. Crouton will also install Ubuntu on your Chromebook and will ask you a few questions like a username and password. Fill them on the screen as you go and you will have Ubuntu installed on your Chromebook.
8. After the installation completed, type sudo startlxde in the command line to start your Ubuntu environment. Also, provide the passphrase that you set before.
9. That’s it, you have successfully installed and run Ubuntu OS on your Chrome machine.

What if you want to switch back to Chrome OS?

Nothing difficult, it is as simple as logging out of Ubuntu as you usually do and it will take you back to the Chrome OS. So, no need to worry about losing your Chrome OS and making it difficult to reset the changes. It is quite easy. You can also do this switch using the shortcuts. This is how they are.

• ARM Chromebooks: Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Forward, and Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Back
• Intel Chromebooks: Ctrl + Alt + Forward, and Ctrl + Alt + Back, followed by Ctrl + Alt + Refresh

So, that’s it, you have both the Chrome OS and Ubuntu installed on the same Chromebook you own. Now, start enjoying the simplicity of the Chrome OS and the flexibility of the Linux on the same machine.