Skip to content

Running Crostini on Chrome OS

  • by

Crostini: Running Linux on Chrome OS

Crostini is a feature that allows you to run Linux applications on your Chrome OS device. This feature essentially creates a virtual machine (VM) that runs Linux, which is then used to run software designed for Linux on your Chromebook. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting it up and using Crostini on your Chrome OS device.

1. Check System Requirements

Crostini is available on most Chromebooks, but there are a few requirements for it to work:

  • Your Chromebook must be running Chrome OS version 69 or higher.
  • Ensure your Chromebook supports Linux (Crostini), which is available on most modern Chromebooks. Check the official Chrome OS compatibility list to see if your device supports Crostini.

2. Enable Linux (Crostini) on Chrome OS

By default, Linux support is not enabled. To enable it, follow these steps:

  1. Open Settings on your Chromebook.
  2. Scroll down and click on Developers in the left sidebar.
  3. Under the Linux development environment (Crostini) section, click Turn On.
  4. A dialog box will appear asking you to set up the Linux environment. You’ll be asked to allocate disk space (you can choose the default or customize it), and then click Install.
  5. Your Chromebook will now begin downloading and installing the Linux environment. This process may take several minutes.

Once the installation is complete, your Chromebook will automatically launch the Linux container and prompt you to set up the Linux environment. You can choose your preferred username and password for the Linux container. After this, the terminal window will open.

3. Using the Linux Terminal

The Linux terminal (often called “Terminal” in Chrome OS) is where you can interact with the Linux environment. Here are some common tasks:

  • Install Software: You can install Linux applications using apt commands. For example, to install GIMP (an image editing program), type: 
    sudo apt install gimp
  • Update System: To update your Linux environment, use the following command: 
    sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
  • Access Files: By default, Linux apps are sandboxed, meaning they don’t have access to your entire file system. However, you can access files from your Downloads folder and the Linux file system.

To navigate and open files from within the Linux container, use the Linux terminal. For example, to navigate to the Linux files in your File Manager, click the Linux files section, where you’ll find your Linux home directory.

4. Installing Linux Applications

After setting up Linux (Crostini), you can install a variety of applications available on the Linux ecosystem. Some applications, like GIMP, VS Code, and LibreOffice, are available through the apt package manager, while others can be installed through third-party repositories or downloaded from official websites. Here’s how to install popular apps:

  • Visual Studio Code (for coding): 
    sudo apt install code
  • Steam (for gaming): Steam isn’t available through the default repositories, but you can install it by following the official Steam installation guide.
  • LibreOffice (for productivity): 
    sudo apt install libreoffice

5. Accessing Linux Applications

After installation, Linux applications are typically accessible through the App Launcher (the menu where all your Chrome OS apps are). Look for your installed Linux apps in the Linux Apps section.

  • Running Linux Apps: Simply click on any app in the Linux Apps folder, and it will launch just like any other Chrome OS app.
  • Accessing Files: You can also manage your files directly from the Linux terminal or from the File Manager, which lets you interact with the Linux file system and copy files between Chrome OS and Linux.

6. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes you may encounter problems when using Crostini on your Chromebook. Here are a few common issues and their solutions:

  • Crostini Not Showing Up: If you’ve followed all the steps but Linux isn’t showing up in your settings or apps, try restarting your Chromebook and ensure that it’s up to date.
  • Linux Apps Not Launching: If an app crashes or doesn’t launch properly, ensure your Linux environment is up-to-date. Try updating with: 
    sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
  • Storage Issues: Crostini uses a virtual disk to run Linux. If you find that you’re running out of space, you can allocate more space by going back into the Settings > Developers > Linux and clicking Manage Storage to increase disk space.

7. Use GUI Applications in Linux on Chrome OS

Many Linux applications run in the command-line interface, but you can also run graphical applications (GUIs) on your Chromebook. When you install a GUI-based app (like GIMP or VLC), it should automatically appear in your App Launcher under Linux Apps. You can open and use these apps just like native Chrome OS apps.

8. Uninstalling Linux (Crostini)

If you no longer need Linux on your Chromebook or want to free up storage space, you can easily uninstall Crostini:

  1. Go to Settings > Developers.
  2. Under Linux development environment (Crostini), click Remove.
  3. Confirm your decision to remove Crostini.

This will remove the Linux container, including all files and installed applications, from your Chromebook.

9. Advanced Tips for Power Users

  • Running Docker Containers: If you need to run containerized applications, Docker can be installed in the Linux environment: 
    sudo apt install docker.io
  • Multiple Linux Distros: Crostini allows running multiple Linux distributions. If you’re a developer or require a specific environment, consider setting up different Linux distros using Crostini’s multi-container support. You can learn more from the Chromium OS documentation.

10. Conclusion

Crostini offers a powerful way to run Linux apps on Chrome OS, greatly expanding the capabilities of your Chromebook. By following these steps, you can set up and start using Linux on your device, install apps, and use the terminal for development or general tasks. It’s an excellent tool for those who want the flexibility of Linux without leaving the comfort of Chrome OS.

Tags: