How to Install Linux on Chromebook in 2020 [Using Crouton]

Chromebook is definitely an affordable machine that runs on ChromeOS. It is light-weight and a thinner option than any other laptops. While Chromebooks are usually low-powered, they can still perform out of the box. Chrome OS operates on the Linux kernel, and it isn’t Linux, actually. You cannot expect Chromebook to perform the best when the terminal isn’t visible or hidden. For instance, even the most simple Linux commands will fail to work. Thus a lot of Chromebook users look for ways to install Linux. If you want to use Linux on Chromebook, then check out the section below for the guidelines.

Procedure to Install Linux on Chromebook

While there are different ways to install Linux OS on Chromebook, this section will guide you with Crouton.

Enable Developer Mode

The primary requirement to use Linux on Chrome OS is to enable the Developer Mode.

Important! Since enabling developer mode will delete all the device or local data, you need to back up the data on an external device or to the cloud.

1. With the Chromebook connected to the internet, press and hold Esc & Refresh keys.

2. Further, click the Power button and release it when the forced reboot starts.

3. Wait for the reboot process to end and let the screen display as Chrome OS is missing or damaged.

4. With this, you need to initiate the Developer mode by pressing Ctrl+D.

5. Press the Enter key to turn off the OS verification.

6. Wait for the verification to end after several reboots. If you see OS verification is OFF, wait for the welcome screen of Chrome OS to appear.

7. Now, you need to start accessing Chromebook from scratch by setting network details, language, etc., and sign in.

Related Guide: Learn to Copy and Paste on Chromebook

Steps to Install Linux on Chromebook

With the above changes, you shall proceed with installing Ubuntu using Crouton.

1. On your Chromebook, you shall need to open the Chrome web browser.

2. Using the address bar, you need to visit the GitHub website (https://github.com/dnschneid/crouton)

3. Navigate under the About section and click on the link goo.gl/fd3zc to download the Crouton on Chromebook.

4. When the download gets completed, launch the terminal by pressing Ctrl+Alt+ T keys together.

5. Enter the command line given below and press the Enter key.

shell

6. Now, you should run the following command to install the Crouton latest version.

sudo sh ~/Downloads/crouton -t xfce

7. Wait for the installation process to end. When prompted, provide the username and password to use with Linux on Chromebook.

8. When the Linux installation completes, type the following command on the terminal and press Enter.

sudo startxfc4

9. To use the Linux OS, you shall need to enter the Ubuntu Username and Password.

10. Xfce session will begin, and you will the Linux or Ubuntu interface on Chromebook.

Note: With Crouton, Chromebook users can run Chrome OS and Ubuntu simultaneously. To switch between it, press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Back and Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Forward. Some Chromebooks require pressing Ctrl+Alt+Back, Ctrl+Alt+Forward, and Ctrl+Alt+Refresh.