Hey everyone! I'm trying to figure out if it's possible to run Linux on my Chromebook. I've been using Ubuntu for years on my family PC and personal laptop, so I'm familiar with it. ChromeOS has been fine, but I'm considering making the switch to Linux. I know Chromebooks are lightweight, so I'm a bit concerned about how well Linux would run. Does it matter which distribution I choose? Any suggestions for lighter options suitable for schoolwork? Also, I don't know much about setting up VM on a Chromebook without Developer mode; can anyone guide me on installing Linux directly? Lastly, should I focus on learning some Linux fundamentals before diving in?
5 Answers
Honestly, Chromebooks are best suited for ChromeOS. But if you're determined to try Linux, check out the article on Tech21Century about the best Linux options for Chromebooks. Just know that performance can vary based on your hardware.
Linux can run on pretty much anything! For lighter distros, you might want to try Antix or Puppy Linux; they work well on older hardware. As for getting a foundational understanding—absolutely! You'll learn as you go, so the more you know ahead of time, the better your experience will be.
It really depends on your Chromebook model. I once had an ASUS Chromebook that handled Linux pretty well, but some manufacturers lock them down tighter, making installation tricky. Just do a bit of research on your specific model before diving in.
You can definitely run Linux on your Chromebook! Just check out the docs on the MrChromebox site for compatibility info regarding your specific model. As for distros, Debian with LXDE is a solid option if you're comfortable with it—runs pretty smoothly!
Make sure to look up any compatibility issues too. If your model has known problems, it’d help to know beforehand!
To run Linux, you'll either need to enable Developer mode or use the built-in Linux VM (look up Crostini). If you don't follow one of these paths, ChromeOS will prevent you from making any changes. Just know every model can behave a bit differently in terms of ease of installation.
Totally agree! Learning the basics will make troubleshooting and navigating Linux a lot easier.