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%Start How to Install and Run Linux on a Chromebook GA
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He has 25+ years' experience as a programmer and QA leader, and holds several Microsoft certifications including MCSE, MCP+I, and MOUS. He is also A+ certified. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 30, 2020 Reviewed by Ryan Perian Reviewed by
Ryan Perian Western Governors University Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.
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In This Article
Expand Jump to a Section Enable Developer Mode Step-by-Step: Installing Ubuntu Using Crouton Start Using Linux Back up Your Data Extra: Remove Linux Run a full-fledged version of the Linux operating system on your Chromebook, opening up a whole world of possibilities on what is essentially a low-budget machine. Before installing Ubuntu on your Chromebook, you first need to enable Developer Mode.
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Enable Developer Mode
While most of your data in Chrome OS is stored server-side in the cloud, you may have important files saved locally, such as those found in your Downloads folder. In addition to disabling certain security restrictions and allowing you to install a customized version of Ubuntu, activating Developer Mode deletes all local data on a Chromebook automatically.
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Therefore, back up essential local data on an external device or move it to the cloud before taking the steps below. Turn on your Chromebook, then press and hold the Esc+Refresh keys and tap the Power button.
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When the forced reboot begins, release the keys. After the reboot is complete, a screen appears with a yellow exclamation point and a message that Chrome OS is missing or damaged. Press Ctrl+D to initiate Developer Mode.
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The following message displays: To turn OS verification OFF, press ENTER. Press the Enter key.
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A new screen appears stating that OS verification is off. Don't touch anything at this point.
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After a few sections, you receive notification that the Chromebook is transitioning to Developer Mode. This process may take some time and could involve multiple reboots.
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You are eventually returned to the OS verification is OFF message, accompanied by a red exclamation point. Ignore this message and wait until you see the welcome screen for Chrome OS.
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Since all local data and settings were deleted when you entered Developer Mode, you may have to re-enter your network details, language, and keyboard orientation on the OS welcome screen, as well as agree to the operating system's terms and conditions. Once completed, sign in to your Chromebook.
Install Ubuntu Using Crouton
The main reasons to choose Crouton are its simplicity, and it can run Chrome OS and Ubuntu side-by-side, eliminating the need to hard boot into one operating system at a time.
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To get started, open the Chrome browser, and follow these steps: Go to the Crouton official GitHub repository. Crouton Click the goo.gl link, located to the right of the Chromium OS Universal Chroot Environment header. A Crouton file downloads to your Downloads folder.
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Open the Chrome OS developer shell in a new browser tab by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T. Type shell and press the Enter key.
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At the prompt, enter sudo sh ~/Downloads/crouton -e -t xfce, then press the Enter key. On a Chromebook device with a touchscreen, use the following syntax instead: sudo sh ~/Downloads/crouton -e -t touch,xfce. The latest version of the Crouton installer downloads.
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You're prompted to provide and verify both a password and an encryption passphrase because the Ubuntu installation is encrypted through the -e parameter in the previous step. While this flag isn't required, it is recommended. Choose a secure password and passphrase that you will remember and enter these credentials accordingly, if applicable.
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After the key generation completes, the Crouton installation process begins. This process takes several minutes and requires minimal intervention.
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However, you can view details of each step in the shell window as the installation progresses. You are eventually asked to define a username and password for the primary Ubuntu account toward the end of the process.
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After the installation completes, the command prompt displays. Enter sudo startxfce4, then press the Enter key.
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If you chose encryption in the previous steps, you are prompted for your password and passphrase. An Xfce session begins, and the Ubuntu desktop interface appears.
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Crouton runs Chrome OS and Ubuntu simultaneously. To switch between the two operating systems without rebooting, use the Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Back and Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Forward keyboard shortcuts. These shortcuts don't work on a Chromebook with an Intel or AMD chipset, as opposed to ARM.
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In this case, use the Ctrl+Alt+Back, Ctrl+Alt+Forward, and Ctrl+Alt+Refresh shortcuts.
Start Using Linux
After you enable Developer Mode and install Ubuntu, follow these steps to launch the Linux desktop each time you power on your Chromebook. You'll see the warning screen stating that OS verification is off every time you reboot or turn the power on because Developer Mode remains active until you manually disable it, and is required to run Crouton.
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Return to the developer shell interface by using the Ctrl+Alt+T keyboard shortcut. Type shell at the crosh prompt and press Enter.
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Type sudo startxfce4, then press Enter. Enter your encryption password and passphrase if prompted.
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The version of Ubuntu that you installed doesn't come with much pre-installed software. The most common method for locating and installing Linux applications is through apt-get. This command-line tool searches for and downloads countless applications within Ubuntu.
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AMD and Intel-based Chromebooks offer access to more working applications than those running ARM chips. However, ARM-based Chromebooks run some of the most popular Linux applications.
Back up Your Data
While most data and settings in Chrome OS are automatically stored in the cloud, the same cannot be said for files created or downloaded during your Ubuntu sessions.
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Use Crouton to back up your Ubuntu data. Launch the developer shell interface by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T.
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Type shell at the crosh prompt and press the Enter key. Type sudo edit-chroot -a, then press Enter.
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The name of your chroot displays in white text (for example, precise). Type the following syntax followed by a space and the name of your chroot: sudo edit-chroot -b.
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(for example, sudo edit-chroot -b precise), then press Enter. When the backup process concludes, the chroot displays a message that it finished backing up along with a path and filename.
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Generally, the backup is a tar file located in your Chrome OS Downloads folder, which is shared and accessible from both operating systems.
Remove Linux From Your Chromebook
To remove Linux from your Chromebook, follow this procedure: Restart your Chromebook.
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When the OS verification is OFF message appears, press the spacebar. Confirm reactivating OS verification. Press the Enter key.
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A notification alerts you that OS verification is now on. Your Chromebook reboots and is restored to its original state.
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After the process completes, the Chrome OS welcome screen appears. Was this page helpful?
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Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Enable Chromebook Developer Mode How to Install and Setup BASH on Windows 10 Can Chromebooks Get Viruses? Chrome OS Is Missing or Damaged: How to Fix This Error How to Get Fortnite on a Chromebook How to Fix a Chromebook Touchscreen That's Not Working How to Get Steam on a Chromebook How to Use Skype for Chromebook How to Fix it When Chromebook Won't Connect to Wi-Fi How to Powerwash (Reset) a Chromebook How to Add a User to a Chromebook How to Fix it When Your Chromebook Won't Turn On Can You Use a Chromebook as Your Main Computer?
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