Install Linux Apps on an HP Chromebook: Guide

This guide walks you through installing Linux apps on an HP Chromebook using the built-in Linux (Crostini) environment. You’ll learn how to enable Linux, install apps from the terminal, and what limitations to expect. No prior Linux experience is needed, but you should back up any important files before starting.

What You’ll Need

• An HP Chromebook that supports Linux (most models from 2019 onward; check in Settings > About ChromeOS).
• Enough free storage space (at least 1 GB for the Linux container, more for larger apps).
• A stable internet connection for downloading packages.
• Basic comfort with typing commands in a terminal.

Step-by-Step

1. Check your Chromebook model and ChromeOS version. Go to Settings > About ChromeOS. Your device must be on a recent version (e.g., ChromeOS 91 or later) and have at least 4 GB of RAM for decent performance.
2. Enable Linux (Crostini). Open Settings, scroll to Advanced, then Developers. Click Turn on next to Linux development environment. Follow the prompts to set a username and allocate disk space (default is usually fine).
3. Wait for the terminal to appear. The first setup downloads and installs the Linux container automatically. This can take several minutes depending on your connection.
4. Update the package list. In the terminal, type: sudo apt update and press Enter. Enter your Linux password when prompted. This refreshes the list of available software.
5. Install an app. Use sudo apt install <package-name>. For example, to install GIMP (image editor): sudo apt install gimp. Type y when asked to confirm.
6. Launch the app. After installation, the app appears in your Chromebook’s app launcher under the Linux folder. You can also run it from the terminal by typing its command (e.g., gimp).
7. Install apps from .deb files (optional). Download a .deb file, then in the terminal navigate to your Downloads folder (cd ~/Downloads) and run sudo dpkg -i filename.deb. If you get dependency errors, run sudo apt install -f to fix them.
8. Install apps from Flathub (optional). Enable Flatpak by running: sudo apt install flatpak, then flatpak --user remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo. Reboot the Linux environment (right-click the terminal icon > Shut down Linux) and then install with flatpak install flathub <app-id>.

Common Mistakes

• Typing the wrong package name. Many apps have different names in the repositories (e.g., firefox-esr instead of firefox). Use apt search <keyword> to find the exact name.
• Forgetting to update. If you skip sudo apt update, you may get “unable to locate packageâ€� errors.
• Running out of disk space. Linux apps, especially IDEs and games, can consume several GB. Monitor storage in Settings > Storage.
• Using sudo unnecessarily. For GUI apps, you don’t need sudo to launch them. Only use sudo for system-level commands.
• Installing Windows-only software. Linux on ChromeOS cannot run .exe files directly; you’ll need Wine or a virtual machine, which is often not practical.

Tips

• Use the terminal for faster installs. The terminal is more reliable than the GUI software center for most tasks.
• Allocate more disk space early. If you plan to install many apps, increase the Linux container size in Settings > Linux > Disk size before installing.
• Back up your Linux files. Use the Files app to copy important files to Google Drive or an SD card.
• Keep your system updated. Run sudo apt upgrade periodically to get security fixes.
• Use Flatpak for newer apps. Flatpak versions are often more up-to-date than the default repositories.

Troubleshooting

• Linux won’t enable. If the toggle is grayed out, your Chromebook may not support it, or your admin has disabled it. Check for ChromeOS updates and restart.
• Terminal doesn’t open. Try shutting down Linux completely: right-click the Terminal icon > Shut down Linux, then reopen. If that fails, restart your Chromebook.
• “Unable to locate packageâ€� error. Run sudo apt update first. If the package still isn’t found, it may not be in the default repositories; try Flatpak or a .deb from the developer’s site.
• App crashes on launch. Some apps need hardware acceleration or specific libraries. Try launching from the terminal to see error messages, and search for the app name plus “Crostiniâ€� for known issues.
• Slow performance. Linux on ChromeOS uses a virtual machine, so performance is limited. Close other tabs and reduce the number of running Linux apps.
• Can’t access USB devices. By default, Linux can’t see USB drives. You need to enable USB access in Settings > Linux > USB devices (if available on your model).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install any Linux app? Most apps that run on Debian Linux will work, but apps requiring kernel modules or certain hardware access may not. Also, 32-bit apps are not supported.

Will Linux slow down my Chromebook? It can, especially if you run heavy apps. The Linux environment runs in a virtual machine, so it uses extra RAM and CPU. Close unused apps to keep things smooth.

Can I run Windows software? Not directly. You could try Wine, but compatibility is spotty and many Windows apps won’t work. It’s usually better to find a Linux alternative.

How do I uninstall a Linux app? Use sudo apt remove <package-name> in the terminal. To remove all of Linux, go to Settings > Linux and click “Remove Linux development environment.â€�

Where are my Linux files stored? They’re in a special folder that appears in the Files app under “Linux files.â€� You can also access them from the terminal at ~/ (home directory).

Can I install apps from the Chrome Web Store instead? Yes, but those are Chrome apps or Android apps, not Linux apps. The Linux environment is separate and gives you access to a wider range of desktop software.

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