Ubuntu Linux is a popular operating system in the open-source community, and installing it on your Chromebook can give you access to a wide range of powerful features and applications. However, Chromebooks use a different operating system called Chrome OS, which can make the installation process a bit more complicated. This is where Crouton comes in. Crouton is a tool that allows users to install Ubuntu Linux alongside Chrome OS, creating a dual-boot setup. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to install Ubuntu Linux on your Chromebook with Crouton.

Before we start, please note that installing Ubuntu Linux on your Chromebook can void the warranty and may cause issues with your device. So, make sure to back up your data and proceed at your own risk.

Step 1: Enable Developer Mode

To start the process, you need to enable Developer Mode on your Chromebook. This will unlock special features that are restricted in normal mode. However, this step will also wipe all the data on your device, so make sure to back up your data before proceeding.

1. Press and hold the Esc key, Refresh key, and Power button simultaneously to turn off your Chromebook.

2. Press and hold the Esc and Refresh keys, then press the Power button.

3. When your Chromebook boots up, a warning message will appear. Press Ctrl+D to enable Developer Mode.

4. Wait for the process to complete, and your Chromebook will reboot into the Developer Mode.

Step 2: Install Crouton

Once you’ve enabled Developer Mode, the next step is to download and install Crouton. Here’s how:

1. Download Crouton from the official website (https://github.com/dnschneid/crouton).

2. Press Ctrl+Alt+T to open the Crosh shell.

3. Type “shell” and hit Enter.

4. Type “sudo sh ~/Downloads/crouton -t xfce” and hit Enter. This will download and install Ubuntu with the Xfce desktop environment.

Note: If you want to install a different desktop environment, replace “xfce” with the name of the environment you want to install. For example, if you want to install Unity, type “sudo sh ~/Downloads/crouton -t unity” instead.

5. Wait for the installation process to complete. This may take a while depending on your device’s specs and internet connection.

Step 3: Switch to Ubuntu

After the installation is complete, you can switch to Ubuntu by running the following command:

1. Press Ctrl+Alt+T to open the Crosh shell.

2. Type “shell” and hit Enter.

3. Type “sudo startxfce4” and hit Enter. This will switch your Chromebook to Ubuntu.

Note: If you installed a different environment, replace “xfce4” with the name of your environment.

Step 4: Switch between Chrome OS and Ubuntu

Now that you’ve installed Ubuntu Linux alongside Chrome OS, you can easily switch between the two operating systems by pressing a few keyboard shortcuts:

– To switch back to Chrome OS, press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Back or Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Forward.

– To switch to Ubuntu, press Ctrl+Alt+Forward or Ctrl+Alt+Back.

Conclusion

Installing Ubuntu Linux on your Chromebook with Crouton can open up a whole new world of possibilities. With Ubuntu, you can run powerful desktop applications, customize your desktop environment, and take your productivity to the next level. However, please note that this procedure carries some risks, and we recommend that you proceed with caution if you decide to install Ubuntu Linux on your Chromebook.