Google Chromebooks run on Linux, but normally the Linux they run isn’t particularly accessible to the user. Linux is used as a backend technology for an environment based on the open source Chromium OS, which Google then transforms into Chrome OS.
If you plan to purchase a Chromebook to install Linux on, it’s a good idea to keep in mind that your choices with Linux operating systems are limited. The best Linux operating system to use with a Chromebook is Gallium OS. It’s a Linux OS dedicated to bringing Ubuntu to Chrome devices, including Chromebooks.
Why doesn’t my Chromebook run Linux by default?
The technology behind it requires a new Linux kernel so ostensibly new Chromebooks will have it by default. Older devices will have some kernel modules backported so they can support Linux apps. There are open bugs in the Chromium bug tracker for backporting to 3.18 devices, including ARM devices.
While Chrome OS is based on Linux, Chrome OS does have some features you can’t use on desktop Linux. For example, you can’t watch Netflix on Linux without a dirty hack, while Netflix is completely supported on Chrome OS. The dirty hack uses Wine to run the Windows version of Silverlight, so it will only work on Intel-based Chromebooks.
Can Chromebooks run Android and Linux apps?
This list will show just how many Chromebooks can currently run Android and Linux apps, along with the Chromebooks that are scheduled to add Android app support at some point. Keep in mind that starting in 2019, every Chromebook can run Android and Linux apps.
We can expect devices going back to 3.14 will eventually get Linux apps too, as the Google Chromebook Pixel 2015 is targeted for support. Unfortunately, some devices don’t make the cut.
Turn your Chromebook on and log in. Click on the time in the bottom right corner. Click on the Settings cog. If your Chromebook supports the Google Play Store, you will see a Google Play Store option. This means you can run Android apps on your Chromebook.
Can you use a Chromebook as a desktop?
For one, there’s a desktop environment similar to Windows, and you can also use a Chromebook offline. There are more than 200 web apps that work offline for Chrome OS, and many Chromebooks now run Android apps. You can find a full list of Chromebooks with Android app support here.
How do I download Android apps on my Chromebook?
Install Android apps on your Chromebook You can download and use Android apps on your Chromebook using the Google Play Store app. Currently, the Google Play Store is only available for some Chromebooks. Learn which Chromebooks support Android apps.
Unfortunately, if the Google Play Store option still doesn’t appear in Settings, your device doesn’t support Android apps. If your Chromebook doesn’t support Android apps, it’s probably worth upgrading to one of our favorite new Chromebooks. If your Chromebook does support Android apps, the Google Play Store should be enabled by default.
Then, why isn’t my Android app syncing with my Chromebook?
By default, your Chromebook syncs the Android apps on your Chromebook across any other Chromebooks you’re signed in to. If your Chromebook isn’t syncing your apps, check your sync settings to make sure you’ve selected “Sync everything” or turned on Apps syncing.