Chromebooks are stuffed to the gills with features. The operating system that powers these sleek laptops has advanced significantly since its inception. Today, ChromeOS is capable of hosting different operating systems, such as Windows 10, Kali Linux, WordPress, and Windows applications.
Linux support for Chromebooks is the icing on the cake. On these speed-focused workstations, Linux can be manually installed and configured in addition to having a built-in Linux container that you can activate and use to access the finest Linux applications.
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In This Article
The Best 6 Linux distros for Chromebooks
Here are our picks for the top six Linux distributions for ChromeOS.
GalliumOS
GalliumOS is the top choice for getting started if you want the fastest, lightest, and most versatile Linux distribution for your Chromebook. Of course, everyone agrees that the current operating system is the best option. It is legitimately referred to by some as the only alternative for ChromeOS.
The fact that GalliumOS is specially tailored for these cool groups of devices is one of the key factors in its selection as the preferred Linux distribution. The everyday availability of this option’s quickness and dependability is unmatched by any other.
The program is a fork of Xubuntu, which is based on Ubuntu. With such solid foundations, you can use your Chromebook alone to use a variety of tools and apps on GalliumOS. The icing on the cake is that the operating system includes specific driver support for Chromebooks.
GalliumOS is the suggested program for those who are new to installing various Linux distributions on ChromeOS and would want to start with it. It would be appropriate to switch to more sophisticated Linux distributions, such as Arch Linux after they are at ease with the overall appearance and feel of the core Linux experience.
BunsenLabs Linux
BunsenLabs Linux sometimes referred to as a “hobby Linux distro,” provides tinkerers and casual users with a variety of customization options and a simple user interface. BunsenLabs Lithium is the name of the distro’s most recent stable version. It has a wide variety of features, such as many operating system maintenance setups.
Also, according to the creators, there is no limit to the level of customisation that BunsenLabs Linux can support itself. So feel free to alter the graphical components on your own and alter the operating system’s overall design.
BunsenLabs Linux takes pleasure in the fact that it ships with a plethora of hardware and multimedia packages, allowing users to start using the distribution immediately.
Since the one you’ll need is already included in this implicit operating system, there is no need to search for other packages to install.
For the most recent information on the development of BunsenLabs Linux, it is advised to register for the community forums run by the developers.
As said previously, Lithium is the most recent version of the distribution, but more will come later. It is a must-do since you will certainly discover a ton of useful information there.
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Solus
Solus, which provides unparalleled simplicity of use and a wealth of features to entice power users to the platform, is one of the greatest Linux distributions that users can download and install on their Chromebooks without breaking a sweat. Despite having a lot of Windows 10-like capabilities in its UI, Solus stands out because of how simple it is to use.
We like Solus because it enables users to download and install Linux programs without requiring them to use the command line. The distribution software centre functions as a shop and enables you to rapidly get equipment, software, and cutting-edge applications.
Also, Solus itself has several built-in apps, which is an additional benefit you’ll appreciate going forward. Finally, before trying to run this distribution, make sure your Chromebook has at least 10 GB of free storage space. If not, Solus may not be able to be installed at all.
Void Linux
If you want something autonomous to work with, Void Linux is a better choice since it has roots in the “monolithic Linux kernel.” That is to say, you can design the visual working interface of Void from top to bottom on your own, giving you a great deal of control. There aren’t many alternatives that share the same viewpoints.
Furthermore, Void is distinctive compared to the majority of other Linux distributions. It isn’t a custom build of any other fully functional distro since the build and many operating system packages were made entirely from scratch. Void Linux stands apart from the majority of other online solutions because of this.
The developers of Void Linux deserve a lot of praise because they have elevated the program to the top of the list of the best Linux distributions for Chromebooks even though Void isn’t all that old.
The best part is that installing the distro will only take up 1 GB of free storage on your device. We assume that this is only doable.
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NayuOS
Another deserved entry on the list is NayuOS, which has gained recognition online for how advanced it is. This continuing project was developed by Nexedi, which you may or may not know as one of Europe’s largest open-source software publishers.
This top-notch distribution was created as a result of the creators’ desire for a more customisable experience than ChromeOS. The final product is a top-tier Chromebook substitute that performs as expected and seems to be very developer-friendly.
NayuOS also has several other cool features that make it deserving of its reputation as one of the finest Linux distributions for Chromebooks.
It improves their general usability and strengthens their ability to be set up for Chromebooks. Particularly if you’re searching for a laid-back Linux distribution, these features are worthwhile investigating.
Arch Linux
Let us explain why Arch Linux, which occupies the last slot on the list, is one of the most advanced Linux distributions available for your Chromebook.
First of all, this program receives generally positive reviews from several Linux-centric groups. It offers a wide range of customizing choices, making the trouble well worthwhile.
Please keep in mind, too, that Arch Linux isn’t suited for those who are just getting started with Linux and all its complications. Instead, a more knowledgeable audience will come to appreciate Arch Linux for the wide range of power-oriented features the operating system’s interface includes.
The installation procedure is made simple with the use of GUI tools, which makes setup a breeze. We’re happy that the developers have taken care of this area of distribution, even if things used to be different. Arch Linux, on the other hand, uses a “rolling release” system.
As a result, you won’t need to worry about upgrading Arch any time soon. Every update will happen automatically without you having to personally indulge in the process. The distribution uses Pacman as its command-line tool since it is much easier to use than some other solutions.
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The bottom line
Chromebooks are known in the industry as being very adaptable gadgets in terms of their convertible form factor and the operating system they use.
Linux is a worthwhile option to take into consideration if you’re wanting to replace ChromeOS and want to test out different apps.
Having said that, you risk choosing the incorrect Linux distribution for your Chromebook due to the wide variety of Linux distributions available. By providing you with six of the top options to take into consideration if you wish to use Linux on a Chromebook, this is the guide for you.