How do I install Linux on my Chromebook?

To install Linux on your Chromebook, you can enable the Linux development environment by going to Settings > Advanced > Developers and selecting Turn On, then follow the on-screen instructions, which may take around 10 minutes to complete. This will give you a Debian 11 (Bullseye) environment where you can install various Linux applications and utilize the terminal for further configuration and customization.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Linux Installation

1. Can I wipe a Chromebook and install Linux?: Installing Linux on your Chromebook will erase and wipe all local data, and you can do this by pressing and holding down the Esc + Refresh keys, then pressing the Power button to enter Recovery Mode.

2. Why can’t I install Linux on my Chromebook?: Issues like the “Chrome OS update required” error might prevent Linux installation, even if your Chrome OS is up-to-date, possibly due to bugs in recent Chrome OS updates like version 91.

3. How do I change from Chrome OS to Ubuntu?: You can switch between ChromeOS and Ubuntu by pressing Ctrl-Alt-Shift-Back and Ctrl-Alt-Shift-Forward, and to get back to Ubuntu after logging out, you can type sudo startunity in your bash shell.

Comparing Operating Systems

4. Which is better, Chrome OS or Linux?: Both Linux and ChromeOS have strong security features, but Linux benefits from its open-source nature and community-driven development, while ChromeOS has additional web-based threat protections.

5. Is it worth using Linux on a Chromebook?: Enabling Linux on a Chromebook expands its capabilities, allowing the installation of more applications, such as Thunderbird or Geary for email, making it a great option for those needing more than what ChromeOS and Android apps offer.

6. Should I put Linux on my Chromebook?: If you want to go beyond the limitations of Chrome OS and its extensions and Android apps, installing Linux is a good choice, as it allows for more software installations andgreater flexibility.

Chromebook Conversion and Dual Booting

7. Can you convert a Chromebook to Linux?: Yes, you can install Linux command line tools and other software on your Chromebook, but check if your device supports Linux first, and be aware that Linux might not be available if you use your Chromebook for work or school.

8. Can I install a different operating system on my Chromebook?: You can install Windows on your Chromebook using a Windows installation media, but this often requires removing a write-protect screw on the motherboard and flashing new firmware, which can be complex.

9. Can you put a different OS on a Chromebook?: Most Chromebooks have a write-protect screw that must be removed to install another operating system like Windows 10, requiring technical expertise and potentially voiding your warranty.

10. Can I install Linux on all Chromebooks?: Linux is available on Chromebooks produced after 2019 and running Chrome OS 89 or later, with Chrome OS 103 offering the most Linux support, so updating your Chrome OS might be necessary.

Checking Compatibility and Installation

11. How do I know if my Chromebook supports Linux?: Check your Chrome OS version by going to Settings > About Chrome OS, and update if you’re not on a compatible version, as Linux requires Chrome OS 89 or later.

12. Is Linux a free operating system?: Yes, Linux is free and open-source, released under the GNU General Public License (GPL), allowing users to run, study, modify, and redistribute the source code.

13. What are the benefits of installing Linux on a Chromebook?: Installing Linux on a Chromebook allows for the use of different browsers like Firefox, offline document editing with Libre Office, and native programming with Visual Studio Code.

14. What happens if you turn on Linux on a Chromebook?: Turning on Linux installs a Terminal for running command line tools and allows the installation of graphical apps that appear in the Launcher alongside ChromeOS apps.

15. Does installing Linux delete everything?: Installing Linux can delete everything if you choose to replace your existing operating system, but many Linux distributions offer the option to install alongside Windows or other operating systems, preserving your files and programs.