Considering a Chromebook Pixel but worried about lacking your favorite native apps? Or already own one and find Chrome OS limiting? Good news: installing Ubuntu is straightforward and lets you run it alongside Chrome OS without dual-booting.
Chrome OS is built on Linux, making the high-end Chromebook Pixel ideal for developers building for Google's ecosystem or Linux apps. A Google engineer created Crouton, a tool that runs Ubuntu in a chroot environment within Chrome OS. This allows seamless switching between OSes on your Pixel—no reboots needed.
First, enable Developer Mode: Press Esc + Refresh, then tap the Power button. Your device restarts to a recovery screen:
Chrome OS is missing or damaged. Please insert a recovery USB stick or SD card. (note: the blue USB port will NOT work for recovery)
Press Ctrl + D then Enter. It erases local data and takes 10+ minutes—be patient.
Post-transition, you'll see:
OS verification is OFF Press SPACE to re-enable
This appears on every boot, warning of reduced security. With Ubuntu running alongside Chrome OS, vigilance is key, but it's a standard risk. Press Ctrl + D or wait 30 seconds.
Download Crouton, then open a Chrome OS terminal with Ctrl + Alt + T.
Enter these commands for a Unity session:
sudo enter-chroot sudo startunity
You're now in Ubuntu's Unity desktop. After setting a new wallpaper, here's mine:
On the Pixel's 2560 x 1700 display, elements appear small. Adjust font sizes, though full scaling awaits future updates.
Prefer lighter? Install XFCE:
sudo sh ~/Downloads/crouton -t xfce -e
Switch to Chrome OS: Ctrl + Alt + Return. Back to Ubuntu: Ctrl + Alt + Forward or Ctrl + Alt + Refresh. After logout, restart with sudo startunity or sudo startxfce4.
To revert: Restart, press Space + Enter at the warning screen. Device wipes and restores Verified Boot.
Perfect for Skype, coding, or even Steam on Pixel. Linus Torvalds himself installed Linux on a Chromebook. Share your results in comments!
