How to Boot Ubuntu from USB on a Chromebook: A Comprehensive Guide

Booting Ubuntu on a Chromebook may seem like a daunting task, but with a few steps, you can successfully dual-boot or run Ubuntu alongside Chrome OS. This guide will walk you through the process in detail, ensuring you have all the necessary information to complete the task.

Step 1: Enable Developer Mode

The first step in booting Ubuntu from a USB on a Chromebook involves enabling developer mode, which will allow you to access advanced features and settings. However, this will erase all data stored on your Chromebook, so back up your important files before proceeding.

Back Up Your Data: Enabling developer mode will erase all local data on your Chromebook. Ensure you have a backup of all important files. Enter Developer Mode: Turn off your Chromebook. Press and hold the ESC and Refresh (circular arrow) keys until you see the recovery screen. Press Ctrl D to enable Developer Mode. Press Enter to confirm if a prompt appears. Wait for the Process to Complete: The process may take around 10-20 minutes. Wait until the device restarts and you see the Chromebook screen again.

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive

Once developer mode is enabled, you will need to create a bootable USB drive to install Ubuntu. Here’s how:

Download Ubuntu: Visit the Ubuntu website and download the ISO file for the version you want. Create a Bootable USB: On a different computer, use a tool like Rufus (Windows) or Etcher (Mac/Linux) to create a bootable USB drive. Select the downloaded Ubuntu ISO file and your USB drive. Follow the prompts in the chosen tool to create the bootable USB.

Step 3: Boot from the USB Drive

The next step is to boot your Chromebook from the USB drive you created:

Insert the USB Drive: Plug the bootable USB drive into your Chromebook. Turn off your Chromebook. Press and hold the Ctrl L key when you see the 'Boot from USB' prompt. Select the USB drive using the arrow keys and press Enter. If the USB does not show up, you might need to adjust the boot order in the BIOS/UEFI settings if available.

Step 4: Install Ubuntu

Follow the on-screen instructions to install Ubuntu:

You can choose to run it live without installation, or install it alongside Chrome OS or replace it completely. Performance Note: Running Ubuntu from a USB may be slower than an internal installation. Reverting to Chrome OS: If you want to go back to Chrome OS, you can turn off the Chromebook and then press ESC Refresh Power keys to enter recovery mode and reinstall Chrome OS.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully boot and run Ubuntu on your Chromebook from a USB drive!

Conclusion

With these detailed instructions, you can easily boot Ubuntu on your Chromebook. Whether you're dual-booting for additional functionality or replacing Chrome OS, the process is straightforward once you have the necessary tools and knowledge. Happy booting!