How to Install Linux on Chromebook – The Easy Guide (2025)
December 20, 2025

How to Install Linux on Chromebook – The Easy Guide (2025)

How to Install Linux on Chromebook – The Easy Guide (2025)
How to Install Linux on Chromebook – The Easy Guide (2025)

Step-by-step tutorial to run Ubuntu Linux on your Chromebook using Crouton. No reboot needed.

15–30 min Install Time
🐧 Full Ubuntu Desktop
🔄 Switch OSes Instantly
🚀 Quick Install Summary:

Enable Developer Mode → Download Crouton → Open crosh → Run sudo sh ~/Downloads/crouton -t xfce → Start Linux with sudo startxfce4.

What Is Linux & Why Install It?

Linux is a powerful, open-source operating system used by developers, privacy-focused users, and anyone who wants more control over their device. Chrome OS itself runs on a Linux kernel, but it’s locked down and limited.

Installing Linux via Crouton lets you:

  • Run a full Ubuntu desktop alongside Chrome OS
  • Install Linux software (VS Code, GIMP, LibreOffice, etc.)
  • Unlock the full Linux terminal and development tools
  • Switch between Chrome OS and Linux instantly—no reboot required

This guide is ideal for Intel-based Chromebooks. If you have a newer Chromebook, check if your device supports Linux (Beta) aka Crostini first.

Crouton vs Crostini: What’s the Difference?

Feature Crouton Linux (Beta) / Crostini
OS Switch Keyboard shortcut (Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Back/Forward) Stays inside Chrome OS (no separate desktop)
Environment Full Ubuntu chroot (XFCE, KDE, Unity, etc.) Linux container (limited desktop experience)
App Access Full desktop apps and system-level tools Terminal + selected GUI apps
Setup Manual (requires Developer Mode) Built-in (no Developer Mode needed)
Device Support Best on Intel-based Chromebooks Intel & ARM supported

This guide covers Crouton because it gives you the most complete Linux experience on older or Intel-based Chromebooks.

⚙ Part 1: Enable Developer Mode (Warning: Data Will Be Wiped!)

Developer Mode disables OS verification and lets you run custom code like Crouton. This will erase all local data on your Chromebook, so back up important files first.

  1. Reboot into recovery mode: Press Esc + Refresh keys, then tap the Power button.
  2. You’ll see: “Chrome OS is missing or damaged.” Ignore this message.
  3. Press Ctrl+D to continue.
  4. Press Enter to turn off OS verification.
  5. Wait 10–15 minutes while Developer Mode installs.
  6. After reboot, set up Chrome OS again with your Google account.

Once setup is complete, you’re ready to install Linux.

Part 2: Download Crouton Script

Crouton is a script that installs Ubuntu Linux in a chroot environment on your Chromebook.

  1. Open Chrome browser and go to: https://github.com/dnschneid/crouton
  2. Click the link to download the crouton file into your Downloads folder.

Make sure the file is named crouton (no extension) and is in the default Downloads folder.

Part 3: Open Crosh Terminal and Run Crouton

Now you’ll use the Chrome OS terminal to install Ubuntu Linux.

  1. Open Chrome browser.
  2. Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open the crosh terminal.
  3. Type shell and press Enter.
  4. Run the installation command:
sudo sh ~/Downloads/crouton -t xfce

For other desktop environments, use:

# KDE desktop
sudo sh ~/Downloads/crouton -t kde

# Unity desktop
sudo sh ~/Downloads/crouton -t unity

# Touchscreen + XFCE
sudo sh ~/Downloads/crouton -t touch,xfce

Optional: Add encryption for extra security:

sudo sh -e ~/Downloads/crouton -t xfce

The install will take 10–20 minutes. When prompted, choose a username and password for your Linux user.

Part 4: Complete Setup & Start Linux

After installation finishes, you can launch