Introduction
However, in recent years, Linux has been gaining a lot more traction on Chromebooks as users are becoming privy to just how customizable and open they could be. Chrome OS is great for basic, web-based tasks but some users still prefer more powerful Linux with greater customizability.
Linux Mint, for instance, is a heavily lightweight and appealing distribution that competes with other modern operating systems. Amongst the oldest Linux distros, it strikes a good middle ground which is perfect for people new to Linux or looking for an easier desktop environment.
In this article, we do just that: take you through the steps to install Linux Mint on your Chromebook. Our goal is to provide an in-depth beginner-friendly guide that will show you how to gracefully install Linux Mint and expand the versatility of your Chrome OS experience.
This article will guide you through everything from preparing your Chromebook for installation to how to swap Linux Mint and Chrome OS. If you want to install Linux on a Chromebook for software development or just more customization, this is the guide for you.
Preparing Your Chromebook for Linux Installation
The first thing you need to do is prepare your Chromebook before booting into Linux Mint. Here’s what you need to do.
1. You Will Need to Enable Developer Mode: Because Chromebooks are designed with security in mind, switching from the standard OS will mean enabling something known as Dev Mode. This gives you the ability to change system files on your Chromebook and install Linux.
2. Back Up You Data: Developer mode Wipes all data on your device so make sure to back up files Move any essential files onto an external hard drive or a cloud storage as well.
3. Review The Storage Requirements: Make sure you have ample disc space to set this Linux software This is particularly useful if you have an SD card slot on your Chromebook and want to roll with that for more Linux storage.
This Chromebook is now ready to be flashed with Linux Mint. This involves the dual behavior of working first within Chrome OS, and then in Linux, and therefore proper groundwork is important to avoid troubles later.
StepbyStep Guide to Install Linux Mint on Chromebook
Step 1: Install Crouton
Enter Crouton: a real Linux distro, with easy application installing (and uninstalling), that runs on top of Chrome. You can boot it with the built-in Chrome OS and switch to Linux as necessary using Crouton.
1) Go to the Chrome OS terminal by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T.
Type shell and press Enter.
The download of Crouton is done with the following command
“`bash
sudo sh e ~/Downloads/crouton t xfce
“`
Crouton will help you to install Linux Mint alongside Chrome OS.
Step 2: Install Linux Mint
Crouton is the first thing we should install, then Linux Mint. Kind of similar to setting up Ubuntu, you choose the XFCE desktop and it will come with a lightweight front end that runs smoothly even on older Chromebooks.
You should see the below screenshot and then proceed with the installation of Linux Mint as follows.
“`bash
sudo sh e ~/Downloads/crouton t xfce,core
“`
Now you can simply follow these on-screen instructions to install. The above command sets up the Linux Mint with XFCE Desktop Environment.
After you install Linux Mint, however, you’d have access to not only the complete desktop of the actual system but also its (official) software without removing anything from your Chromebook with full-feature polystyrene.
How to Switch Between Chrome OS and Linux Mint
The best thing about Crouton is that you can switch between ChromeOS and Linux Mint with convenience without even rebooting your device.
If you wish to switch to Linux Mint, the keyboard shortcut is Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Back/Forward. This will manage two sets of an operating system quickly by a keyboard key combination.
If you experience performance problems such as slowdowns or crashes on your system, also make sure to close applications that are not needed in both operating systems. This will help better utilize the resources for both Chrome OS and Linux Mint to be used simultaneously without any issues.
This way you can take advantage of the flexibility offered by both systems and make your Chromebook great.
Do more in the Linux Terminal with Tilix
Tilix is a tiling terminal emulator for Linux. Simply update your system using Chromebook to boot and there you can access the hard drive and drive storage. You may need to switch your partition over if you are on Linux and Chrome OS.
If you want to install, for example, GIMP or Steam (just copy and paste from the forums/newsletter): It should be rather similar to your Chromebook chrooting script as a fallback in case things go wrong too; you can just boot back into this root and verify that the OS is indeed not verified. After that, simply hold the power key in and press both esc The refresh before powering on again to access recovery.
You can make a good fraction of applications setup using your 16GB Flash drive for Linux-based distro as well. This is a really cool feature that can help you run Android apps, and make use of the new tab feature in your browser as well. Check both your username and directory settings in case you are using Intel Chromebook hardware.
Conclusion
Installing Linux Mint on a Chromebook means more than just getting your hands dirty for developer purposes. If you are a developer who is looking for more control or just an average user who wants access to Linux applications, Linux Mint offers all of this and some weight.
In this guide, everything you follow one by one ensures a hassle-free installation process for your end. Although this method allows you to use Linux without uninstalling Chrome OS, the individual who knows what they are doing out there would likely investigate further into other Ubuntu XFCE desktop environments for example.
Be aware that there are risks, such as voiding your warranty, but for many the benefits of a fully functional Linux machine make it worth the dangers.
FAQs
1. Can I run Linux Mint and Chrome OS at the same time?
Crouton you can switch from Linux Mint to Chrome OS without restarting your machine.
2. Is it safe to install Linux Mint on a Chromebook?
If you step cautiously, it should be safe however keep in mind that it voids your warranty. You should always take a backup of your data before doing anything.
3. Do I need a powerful Chromebook to run Linux Mint?
Linux Mint XFCE is lightweight and many older Chromebooks can handle it just fine.
4. How do I remove Linux Mint from my Chromebook?
To return to the standard Chrome OS, you can exit Developer Mode and perform a clean reset.
5. Can I install other Linux distributions besides Mint?
You could, indeed, get other distributions such as Ubuntu and GalliumOS up and running here or go a step further to run Linux apps with Crostini.
