How do I install Linux on a Chromebook from USB?
Zoe Patterson
Updated on March 13, 2026
How do I install Linux on a Chromebook from USB?
Plug in your live Linux USB into the other USB port. Power on the Chromebook and press Ctrl + L to get to the BIOS screen. Press ESC when prompted and you will see 3 drives: the USB 3.0 drive, the live Linux USB drive (I am using Ubuntu) and the eMMC (the Chromebooks internal drive). Choose the live Linux USB drive.
Can you run Linux on a Chromebook from USB?
The “Boot from USB” option will allow you to activate booting from USB devices, and you’ll then be able to insert a USB drive with a Linux system on it and boot like you would on a typical computer. This would allow you to boot a full Linux environment from a USB drive without modifying your Chrome OS system.
How do I download to USB on Chromebook?
Find the file you want to copy to your flash drive and right-click on it. Select “Copy” from the context menu. Now, click on your “USB Drive” in the left sidebar. Right-click on a blank space in the USB Drive window and then select the “Paste” option.
Can you use a bootable USB on a Chromebook?
Step 2: Enable Chromebook Boot from a USB Device A black screen with white text will appear, known as the console window. Insert the bootable USB device. Press, [Ctrl] + [U] to reboot. Now, your Chromebook should boot from the USB device.
How do I enable USB on Chromebook?
To do this, click your account photo in the menu, select Power. Press Esc + F3 , and the Power button simultaneously. The Chromebook will turn on and ask you to insert recovery media.
Why is my USB not showing up on my Chromebook?
If your Chromebook doesn’t recognize your USB devices, make sure you’re using the correct format. Additionally, check if your USB drive works on other machines. Then update your laptop to the latest ChromeOS version. If the issue persists, reset your Chromebook hardware.
Can you boot Linux on a Chromebook?
Originally designed with developers in mind, Chromebooks can run a full Linux desktop in either dual-boot mode or as a “chroot.” Using a chroot is the easiest way to install Linux on a Chromebook thanks to a project called Crouton, and if you ever make a mistake, it’s easy to reset everything back to normal.
Can you run Kali Linux on a Chromebook?
After you have successfully downloaded Crouton, we can proceed to install Kali Linux on Chromebook. First, enter the Crosh Terminal using the keyboard combination Ctrl + Alt + T. Type shell to launch the ChromeOS shell. Kali-rolling is the version of Kali Linux that we will be installing.