Updating Linux on Your Chromebook: A Comprehensive Guide

With the stock ChromeOS, updating is straightforward. However, as your warranty expires or if you decide to embrace more flexibility, there are multiple options available to you. This guide will explore the techniques of updating Linux on a Chromebook, including methods to dual boot, use crouton, and even install new firmware.

From ChromeOS to Linux - Choosing Your Path

When your original warranty expires, or if you feel adventurous, you can choose to go beyond the confines of Google's control. There are a few methods to reinstall your Chromebook with a Linux OS:

Method 1: Using Crouton

Crouton is a utility that allows you to run a Linux environment directly within your Chromebook's existing ChromeOS. It enables you to run a virtual Linux system alongside ChromeOS, effectively dual booting. This means you can switch between the two operating systems. Crouton is a relatively simple process, and you can find detailed steps on the Crouton GitHub page. It's important to note that Crouton does not completely replace ChromeOS but rather runs Linux in a chroot environment.

Installation steps with Crouton typically involve:

Updating the existing ChromeOS Installing necessary tools and dependencies Downloading the desired Linux distribution Creating a new chroot environment Booting into the new Linux environment

Method 2: Full Reinstallation with New Firmware

If you want a completely fresh start, you can go through the process of reinstallation with a new firmware. This involves wiping out ChromeOS and installing a completely new OS. This method is more invasive but gives you full control over your device. Gallium OS provides a detailed guide on this process, which you can find on their website. The steps typically include:

Disabling Secure Boot Downloading and flashing a new firmware image Booting from a USB drive and following the installation instructions

Once you complete the firmware installation, you can proceed to install any Linux distribution of your choice.

Method 3: Choosing a Linux Distro

After successfully running your prefered Linux OS, the experience will be similar to any other Linux machine. You will have a notification panel icon that alerts you when an update is available. Clicking on the icon will trigger the update process, which runs in the background while you continue with your work. Depending on the size of the update, it may take just a few seconds or a minute to complete, after which the system will automatically restart and you can continue your tasks.

My personal experience is with Kubuntu on a 2013 Chromebook Pixel. As of the 2023 update, I've switched to Linux Mint because my wife prefers it. Linux Mint is a popular, user-friendly distribution that works well on a variety of hardware, including Chromebooks. It's worth noting that different distributions have varying levels of driver support for hardware components like the trackpad, video, audio, and other features. Mint 21, for instance, has excellent support and installs without any issues. Some users may need to remap function buttons or configure settings to suit their preferences. For example, I had to remap some of the function buttons to control the volume up and down and toggle the keyboard LEDs, although a delete button is still a missed feature for some.

Conclusion

Updating Linux on your Chromebook is not only feasible but can also provide a much richer computing experience. Whether you choose Crouton, dual boot with other Linux distros, or a full firmware reinstallation, there are many paths to achieving a dual-layered OS environment. These methods offer flexibility and customization, making your Chromebook a versatile and powerful device.

Remember to explore the available distributions and tools to find the configuration that best suits your needs. The key is to find the right balance between sticking with the stable and proven ChromeOS and the flexibility and power of a full Linux environment.