How to Enable Linux on a Chromebook

What is Linux on ChromeOS?

Linux on ChromeOS is a feature that turns your Chromebook into a full development workstation. It provides a Debian-based environment that runs alongside ChromeOS, letting you install command-line tools, code editors, IDEs, and other software you might use for programming or data analysis. Google designed this environment to be closely integrated with ChromeOS, so you can share files between the two systems and run Linux apps in their own windows.

You might be wondering whether this is the same as running a virtual machine or dual-booting. It is not. ChromeOS runs a lightweight virtual machine that is optimized for speed and security, and the Linux environment is managed directly from the Settings menu. For a deeper comparison of how Linux apps differ from Android apps, see Android vs Linux apps on Chromebooks.

Before you start

Most Chromebooks that still receive automatic updates can run Linux, but you should verify that your device supports it. The setup process is built into ChromeOS, so if the option does not appear, your model or policy may not allow it. If you use a work or school Chromebook, your administrator may have disabled Linux, so contact them first.

Make sure your Chromebook is up to date. Linux relies on the latest ChromeOS components, and the setup may fail if your system is outdated. To check for updates, go to Settings > About ChromeOS and click Check for updates. If an update is available, install it and restart. You can also review the Auto Update policy on Google's support page to see how long your device will receive support.

Turn on Linux

Turning on Linux is a straightforward process. At the bottom right of your screen, select the time to open the quick settings menu, then choose the gear icon to access Settings. From there, go to About ChromeOS and select Developers. Next to 'Linux development environment', click Set up and follow the on-screen instructions.

Setup can take 10 minutes or more because ChromeOS downloads the required components. Once it finishes, a terminal window opens automatically. You now have a Debian environment, and you can run Linux commands, install additional tools, and customize your shell. If you want a more tailored setup for programming, see set up a Linux programming environment.

• Open Settings by clicking the time in the bottom right, then the gear icon.
• Navigate to About ChromeOS > Developers.
• Click Set up next to 'Linux development environment'.
• Follow the prompts and wait for the download to complete.

Install apps from the Terminal

Once the terminal is open, you can install applications using the APT package manager, which is included with the Debian environment. Start by updating the package list and upgrading existing packages. Run the command `sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade` to ensure your system is current. This may take a few minutes depending on your internet connection.

To install a package, use the `sudo apt-get install` command followed by the package name. For example, `sudo apt-get install build-essential` installs compilers and build tools. You can search for packages with `apt search`, and you can remove unneeded packages with `sudo apt-get remove`. ChromeOS.dev notes that Linux is seamlessly built into ChromeOS, so you can develop with popular frameworks and tools without leaving your Chromebook.

Most apps you install will appear in your app launcher and can be launched like any other application. Some tools are terminal-only and run entirely inside the Terminal window. For performance considerations, check Chromebook Linux performance to understand how resource usage may affect your workflow.

Manage your Linux environment

Linux on ChromeOS uses a container that is managed by ChromeOS itself. You can back up your Linux files and apps to avoid losing work. To back up, open the Terminal and use the `tar` command to create an archive, or copy files to a connected storage device. Google provides instructions for backing up and restoring Linux files in the ChromeOS Help Center if you need help.

If you ever need to start over, you can remove the entire Linux environment from Settings > About ChromeOS > Developers. This deletes all data in the container, so make sure you have a backup. For a more detailed walkthrough, see back up Linux files on a Chromebook and delete the Linux container.

Security and permissions

ChromeOS places each app in a sandbox to protect the rest of the system. Linux apps run inside a single shared sandbox, meaning a harmful Linux app can affect other Linux apps, but it cannot touch your other ChromeOS data or settings. Permissions and files shared with Linux are available to all Linux apps, so be cautious when granting broad access.

You can control which Linux apps have access to your microphone or other hardware through the Linux settings. For example, you can enable or disable microphone access under Settings > Linux. This is especially useful if you run voice-based tools or video conferencing apps. The ChromeOS security features article explains the broader security model in more detail.

Troubleshooting Linux issues

If Linux apps fail to start or the terminal behaves unexpectedly, try the following steps. First, restart your Chromebook. Then update your packages by running `sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade` in the Terminal. Linux automatically checks for new packages after initial setup and every 24 hours, but a manual update can resolve many issues.

Sometimes a package installation fails because of a corrupt download or a missing dependency. In that case, run `sudo apt-get install -f` to fix broken dependencies. If the container itself becomes corrupted, you may need to remove and recreate it. For persistent problems, consult the Linux container not starting guide or the official troubleshooting steps in the ChromeOS Help Center.

• Restart your Chromebook.
• Update packages with `sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade`.
• Fix broken dependencies with `sudo apt-get install -f`.
• Remove and recreate the Linux environment as a last resort.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Is Linux available on all Chromebooks?

Most Chromebooks that still receive automatic updates support Linux, but not every model has the necessary hardware or policies. If your Chromebook is managed by a school or business, the administrator may disable the option. You can check by looking for the 'Linux development environment' setting in Settings > About ChromeOS > Developers.

How long does the initial setup take?

Setup can take 10 minutes or more, depending on your internet connection and the speed of your device. ChromeOS downloads a full Debian image, which can be several hundred megabytes. You can use your Chromebook normally during the download, though it may be slower.

Can I run Linux apps alongside Android apps?

Yes, both Linux and Android apps run side by side in their own windows. They share the Chromebook's display and resources, but they are isolated from each other. You can switch between them just like any other apps.

Can I remove Linux later?

Yes, you can turn off Linux at any time. Go to Settings > About ChromeOS > Developers, and under 'Remove Linux development environment', select Remove. This deletes all Linux apps and files, so back up anything important first.

Is my data safe when I use Linux?

ChromeOS isolates Linux apps in a sandbox, so they cannot access your other ChromeOS data without permission. However, all Linux apps share the same sandbox, so a malicious app could affect other Linux apps. Be careful when installing software from unofficial sources.

How do I update Linux packages?

Open the Terminal and run `sudo apt-get update` to refresh the package list, then `sudo apt-get dist-upgrade` to upgrade all packages. Linux also checks for updates automatically every 24 hours while it is running.