How To Get Linux Desktop Experience on Chrome OS
Chrome OScan run Linux apps, you just need to enable Linux from the settings and then you can proceed with the terminal commands. However, we’re still installing Linux apps onChrome OSand many users felt the lack of widgets, application icons, Linux shortcuts, etc which is only possible on the Linux desktop. Let’s install Linux on Chrome OS for the full Desktop experience.
As a quick reminder, this is not like installing some Linux distro on Chromebook, it’s like installing Linux on top of Chrome OS. So you won’t lose any of your Chrome OS stuff.
How to install Linux including UI on Chrome OS
To start, you need to have Linux enabled on your Chromebook. To do that, go to settings > Linux > Turn On. Now, you can use the terminal to install Linux apps.
We are going to install KDE using the terminal. It’s a good idea to change the password to keep the things secure instead of working with the default password.
In case, if it asked for an old password that you don’t remember, you’re able to turn off Linux and turn it on again to clear all the Linux files in your System.
To change the password, open terminal, and type
you cannot even see those password dots while typing. Don’t worry you can just continue typing the password.
You have successfully changed the password for Linux. In case, if KDE promoted for password anytime, you can use this password to log-in again.
Now, to install KDE, type the following command.
It took around 45 minutes to install KDE on your Chromebook. So, Sit back, relax, and once the installation process is completed, you can launch KDE by typing the following command in the terminal.
It worked absolutely fine for me, but if you got some display error while installing you can use the following code in the terminal and click enter. It will add the code into Linux files and solves the problem. If there are no errors for you, you can leave this step.
Once your Linux Desktop is installed and running, you may right-click to add widgets, shortcuts, etc. All theLinux apps you have installed from the terminalbefore can be accessible from the KDE’s application menu.
you may still access the Chrome OS by closing the terminal. To access the KDE, just open the terminal and type ‘startkde‘.
In case, if KDE prompts for a password, you’re able to use the password we set earlier.
As a tip, Chrome OS supports multiple desktops, you can open KDE on one Desktop and Chrome OS and another. So you can shift easily between Linux and Chrome OS with a three-finger swipe shortcut on the trackpad.
Also Read:How to cast Android screen on Linux
Final Words
Actually, I am a great fan of the clean interface offered by Chrome OS. But if you are looking for all the features offered by Linux desktop. This is by far the cleanest and easiest way to get Linux desktop experience on Chrome OS. What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.
Ravi Teja KNTS
Tech writer with over 4 years of experience at TechWiser, where he has authored more than 700 articles on AI, Google apps, Chrome OS, Discord, and Android. His journey started with a passion for discussing technology and helping others in online forums, which naturally grew into a career in tech journalism. Ravi’s writing focuses on simplifying technology, making it accessible and jargon-free for readers. When he’s not breaking down the latest tech, he’s often immersed in a classic film – a true cinephile at heart.
