Simple Steps to Install Linux on Your Chromebook

Easy-to-follow steps to enable Linux on Chromebook

Co-authored by Michael Thompson-Brown and Travis Boylls

Last Updated: August 29, 2024 Fact Checked

With the latest updates to ChromeOS, you can enable Linux in the developer settings. This will create a Linux environment you can use to install Linux packages and run Linux commands in a Terminal. This wikiHow article teaches you how to enable Linux on a Chromebook.

Quick Steps

Click the time in the lower-right corner.
Click the gear icon.
Click About ChromeOS.
Click Turn on next to "Linux development environment."
Follow the on-screen instructions to set up Linux.

Steps

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Click the time at the bottom right. This displays the Quick Access menu.^{[1]
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- Crostini, the version of Linux available on your Chromebook, is based on Debian Linux. Once you've enabled Linux, you can use Apt to install Linux software just as you would on Ubuntu and other Debian-based versions of Linux.
It's the gear icon on the menu.

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It's in the menu on the left towards the bottom.
You'll see this button right next to "Linux development environment." This prompts your Chromebook to download the necessary files for installing Linux and begin the installation.^{[2]
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Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. Installing Linux should take about 10 minutes or so (sometimes more, depending on the speed of your Chromebook and internet connection). Once the installation is complete, a Linux terminal window will appear.^{[3]
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- Once the installation is complete, you'll have a new Terminal app on your Chromebook. To make it easy to access the Linux Terminal when you need it, you can pin the Terminal app to the shelf by right-clicking its icon and selecting Pin.^{[4]
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Question

What's the easiest version of Linux?

Michael Thompson-Brown
Data Management Expert
Michael Thompson-Brown is a Cybersecurity Expert based in Portland, Maine. He is the owner and founder of PCRescue!, a company that provides cybersecurity and data management solutions to small businesses and individuals. Michael has over 25 years of experience in the IT industry and is a certified ethical hacker. He is passionate about helping clients protect their data and systems from malicious attacks and helping them optimize their online presence and reach. He received a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from Western Governors University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

Michael Thompson-Brown

Data Management Expert

Expert Answer

The easiest and most user-friendly version of Linux is typically considered to be Ubuntu. It's known for its intuitive interface, extensive documentation, and large community support. Ubuntu provides a straightforward installation process, a user-friendly desktop environment, and a wide range of pre-installed software applications for everyday use. Additionally, Ubuntu offers long-term support (LTS) releases, which receive updates and security patches for an extended period, making it a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced users alike.

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Can I download stuff on Linux if I use a USB?

Community Answer

Yes, but depending on the kind of USB you are using it might delete the files after use. You should be able to save the information on the USB, so it should remain on there.

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Tips

To turn off Linux, click the clock and go to Settings > About ChromeOS > Developers > Linux environment and click Remove.

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While cameras aren't supported in Linux for ChromeOS, you can use your microphone once you enable it in Settings > Linux > Allow Linux to access your microphone.

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