Installing Linux

Thanks to recent advancements in the chrultrabook community, Linux works really well on most Chromebooks.

TIP

Only Linux kernel 6.4 or newer is supported.

WARNING

Ubuntu and Ubuntu-based distributions may have issues and are not supported.

WARNING

Debian versions older than Debian 12 (Bookworm) are not supported. Debian 12 (Bookworm) requires a custom kernel, the audio script will automatically install it for you.

Recommended distros as of October 2023 (in no particular order) are:

  • Arch Linux or EndeavourOS
  • Fedora or Ultramarine Linux
  • openSUSE Tumbleweed
  • Debian 12 (Bookworm)
  • Pop!_OS

Installation

  1. Create a bootable Linux USB. See here for a guide.
  2. Plug the USB Drive into the Chromebook.
  3. Turn on the Chromebook, press ESC at the POST screen (when the coreboot logo appears), and select your USB to boot from.
  4. Install as you would on any other computer.

NOTE

If you are using RW_LEGACY firmware, if after pressing Ctrl+L you reach the "Additional Firmware Menu" screen, you will need to press 2 to boot from a USB.

See this page for more information about RW_LEGACY booting.

Fixing Audio

You will likely have audio issues after installing Linux. Run the following script to fix them.

Prerequisites

  • Python 3.10 or newer
  • Git

DANGER

Using AVS on a device with max98357a will blow your speakers. You have been warned.

How to run the script

  1. Open a terminal.
  2. git clone https://github.com/WeirdTreeThing/chromebook-linux-audio.git
  3. cd chromebook-linux-audio
  4. ./setup-audio

For more information please see WeirdTreeThing's repo

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