Overview
Linux (Beta) on Chrome OS, sometimes called Crostini, allows you to run Linux apps for development alongside your usual Chrome OS desktop & apps. Linux (Beta) on Chromebooks offers developers the best of both worlds. Built and designed with Chrome OS’ principles of simplicity and security, Linux on Chromebooks gives devs the freedom to safely run their favorite editors, IDEs, and thousands of world-class dev tools in one container.
Turning on Linux (Beta) will install a Terminal that you can use to run command line tools. You can also install graphical apps like editors and IDEs that show up in the Launcher alongside the rest of your Chrome OS apps. Another useful tool, the Files app, makes it easy to create shared folders for moving files between the Chrome OS host and the Linux container.
Benefits:
- Run the most popular developer tools
- Set up an Android, Web, or Flutter development environment
- Test Android or Web apps on your Chromebook or test on a separate device via USB or port-forwarding
- Easy backup and restore of your Linux container
Once you have enabled Linux you can learn how to configure a productive desktop environment, build for Android or Web, and also work on games. We also have advanced guides to setup Flutter and other common Linux development tools.
Topics in this section
Linux setup
Instructions to enable Linux (Beta), aka Crostini, on Chrome OS for development.
Internals deep dive
Low-level technical documentation on running custom Linux containers on Chrome OS, including runtime features, security, their lifecycles, and device support.
Linux FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Linux on Chrome OS container.
Glossary
Glossary of terms related to running Linux environments on Chrome OS.