Of late, software giants are incorporating Linux into their standard operating system in one way or the other. Microsoft brought the Linux subsystem on Windows 10 and now Google has introduced Linux on Chromebooks with full-fledged Terminal and Container support. While the Linux project on Chrome OS is still in beta, the results are quite promising. If you are an IT administrator or a software developer or studying computer programming, the addition of Linux on Chromebook can be a boon for you. So, let’s go ahead and learn how to use Linux on a Chromebook right from the setup to package installation.
Use Linux on Your Chromebook in 2020
Before beginning, make sure to check if your Chromebook supports Linux or not from this page. To make it clear, if a Chromebook has been launched in 2019, it likely comes with Linux support. Apart from that, make sure to update your Chromebook to the latest version– preferably Chrome OS 79 to be able to use Linux on your Chromebook. Anyway, let’s begin with the steps.
1. First of all, open the Settings page by clicking on the cogwheel icon in the Quick Settings menu.
2. Next, switch to the “Linux (Beta)” menu in the left pane and click on the “Turn on” button.
3. A setup dialog will open up. Now, just click on the “Install” button and it will start downloading the necessary files to run Linux on your Chromebook.
4. After the installation is done, you can use the Linux Terminal just like any other app. Open the launcher and run the “Terminal” app. Voila, there you have it!
5. To test the Linux terminal, we installed the GIMP image editor on our Chromebook and the installation went through without a hitch. However, the performance is not that great as GIMP is running in a Linux container. But we expect it to get better after the project exits the Beta program.
6. Apart from that, you must know that Chrome OS and Linux have different file systems. So to access the local folders and files on Linux, you will have to copy the files from Downloads and paste them into the Linux folder.
7. However, if you don’t want to make a duplicate copy then right-click on the folder that you want to share and click on “Share with Linux”. Now, it will show up in Linux’s mnt/chromeos/myfiles/downloads
directory.
8. In case you want to learn more about Linux and how to use it on a Chromebook, we have already covered a list of handy Linux commands in a separate article. Apart from that, you can also check out our article on the best Linux apps and the best online resources to learn this powerful operating system.
Enable Linux on Your Chromebook and Open The Door of Endless Possibilities
So that was our short article on how to use Linux on a Chromebook. The steps are quite easy and straightforward so you don’t need to change your update channel or make any changes to Chrome flags. Simply, go ahead and enable Linux on your Chromebook by following the guide. And if you want to learn more tips and tricks of Chrome OS, head over to our separate article. Anyway, that is all from us. If you are facing any problem while installing Linux, comment down below and let us know the issue.
i need help i don’t have the linux beta option on the left pane!!!!!!!!!!!
dude I have a school computer I don’t have that kind of settings
Dude. I literally don’t have the option to do that on settings. You need to show a different way or something.
Did you see if your chromebook was supported? It’s not. Dumbass.
Then dont make thids stupid thread. U should kill urself
i have a manaed chromebook i was wondering what the set up linux button looked like afterwards does it still sy turn on and if there is a way to bypass admin controls without powerwashing the device
I was able to add Firefox browser through Linux, however, when I try to print from Firefox, my saved printer on my Chromebook does not show up, how do I get this to show?
Plz hallo asap I cant founds it’s
Change the Chromebook to adult by resetting it. Then let your child use it but put restrictions on it. Not ideal but it will work. Powerwash may not be available so you will need to persevere to get a reset. I did it but can’t remember how. I believe that you need a combination of keys on start up. Google it.
I love it. I was able to load a complete jvm to develop and run Java programs. I have loaded Visual Studio Code and it works great for programming in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. I run those in Chrome. Very nice. I also loaded Firefox. That really surprised me. But it works fine. Also, I have my passwords in keepassx working just fine. This is amazing!
Gurl im on my school pc but i dont work xD
I WANNA PLAY ROBLOX AND MY USER ON roblox is Notmeaaaanae
roblox isnt available on linux so unless you plan on using wine or something you’re outta luck 😛
i never made it work LOL:)
i dont have linux i have tried everyhing and never made it work LOL:)
same here…never got it going. repeatedly followed instructions to and from but unsuccessful … bummer
wat do u do on dell chrome book with child accont
U can’t
not in my 2019 chromebook
who asked
it’s just informing people it doesn’t work, I appreciated the comment
me to
If it doesnt show the linux button type it in
it wouldn’t let me press the turn on button…
it didnt show any linux beta button
Me either!
someone help me with the steps like how do i sign in using my personal email, address?
It worked for me. Only thing I can say to the people having issues, is to just go back and double check if linux is compatible with your chromebook. Link’s somewhere up there.
I am following the tutorial but it isn’t working for me. I am not Linux savvy… Is there a way to get some personal help?
I’m too stupid for this ;-;.
same
Same x2 :___:
wat if linux doesnt show up after u go 2 settings????
My Linux download is always password protected and I cant use most features because I dont know the password
You can change the password by running this command on the Terminal.
sudo passwd root
Is it possible to run Linux on a SCHOOL Chromebook, bcx I want to play Minecraft Java Edition on it during covid-19. PLS respond ASAP
School chromebooks give the administer the ability to block certain functions from your chromebook so if you don’t the option to install Linux in your settings, it means your administrator has blocked it from your device and you cannot use it.
HOWEVER, if you have the ability to sign in to the computer using a personal email address, you may have the ability to install it on that account. I know this because I’ve done this on a school Chromebook and was able to install Google Play apps by doing this, but I’m not fully sure if that would work with Linux. Feel free to try it though!
With a school account you can’t but if you can add a personal account it is possible provided the personal account is not a google child account (12yrs and below).
It doesn’t say lunix
i get that and google play
i cant do that or get google play