Get Java on your Chromebook (The Easy Way) – 2023

So, you want to install Java on your Chromebook.

Maybe you want to play some games like Minecraft or various Steam games. Or you just want to run some web pages that require Java.

Regardless, this tutorial will show you how to get Java on your Chromebook. I’ll show you how to download, install, and run Java in just a few steps.

This should take no longer than an hour and I’ll go over it step-by-step.

Note that this does require some technical knowledge and coding, but it’s okay.

But don’t worry, this tutorial is written so that even a total newbie can follow along!

Sound good? Let’s get Java on your Chromebook!

Last updated: 2/24/23.

This method is still working as of 2023. If you have any problems getting Java running, leave me a comment and I’ll check it out. You’ll need at least Java 8 to run most modern programs on Linux using your Chromebook.

How to enable Java on Chrome OS

First off, you can’t. But we have a secret, juicy workaround. This works whether you’re running ChromeOS or Linux.

That’s the simple answer. Chrome OS is built for security, so third-party programs, installations, and Java Runtime Environment (JRE) are all disabled and blocked within Chrome OS. So basically, Chromebooks can’t run Java by default.

Are there ways to get around it? Yes. The easiest way is to install Linux, which you can think of as another operating system. Chrome OS is one and Linux is another. Linux allows Java. Chrome OS doesn’t allow it. We want Linux.

To get Linux, we’ll have to do a few things like enable Developer Mode, which allows you to perform more functions on your Chromebook. Think of it like administrator privileges on your device.

This will let us run the command line, which is what we’re most interested in. Don’t worry if you don’t know the first thing about coding- I’ve got you covered =]!

Installing Java without Crouton/Linux

This used to possible, but now not so much anymore. Back in 2015, there was a way to install Java on a Chromebook without using Linux, Ubuntu, and Crouton, but required major tweaks and adjustments- much more than it’s worth nowadays since it’s not guaranteed to work.

It’s much easier to just stick with the nearly 100% working method of using Linux and Ubuntu to run Java on your Chromebook. This method works for the majority of Chromebooks and is pretty easy to do (that’s if you use this awesome tutorial =]!).

With Linux, you can run java and do a bunch of other things, like running Java games or installing and playing Steam games such as:

So, Linux is the way to go!

Ready to get started? Let’s go.

Check your hardware

The first thing we need to do is make sure your Chromebook meets the hardware requirements. This is pretty simple to do and only requires a few steps.

We’ll be installing Linux on your machine, because that’s the only way to get Java running.

Intel only, folks

For starters, you’ll need an Intel-powered Chromebook. I’m sure you know how to tell what you’re running, right?

If not, don’t worry. Here’s a quick way to find out:

  • Look for the Intel sticker
  • Look on the bottom panel for Intel logos
  • Search your Chromebook’s make/model online for stats
  • Go in the Chrome browser and type in “chrome://settings” in the URL bar and hit Enter. Look for “cpu” and see what processor you have.

It doesn’t matter if you have an Intel Celeron, Pentium, m3, i3, i5, i7 or whatever else. As long as it’s Intel, you can get Linux.

A lot of the newer models out there are powered by Intel, so if you have a newer machine, you should be all set!

Update: Even in 2022, this method only works with Intel-based CPUs. If you don’t know what you have, I wrote a tutorial about how to check your specs.

Please note that ARM-based CPUs won’t be able to pull this off.

RAM/Storage

RAM and storage aren’t that important. A basic setup of 2GB of RAM and 16GB of SSD storage is enough. Don’t worry too much about this one.

16GB of storage is enough to install Ubuntu but doesn’t leave much space for much else. Expect to use up about 8GB for Linux, apps, games, programs, etc. you’ll be splitting the space in half for both Linux and Chrome OS, so if you have to be someone who downloads a lot of apps, games, doc’s, videos, images, etc. You may want to install Linux on a separate drive.

If you don’t want to install Linux directly on your machine, you can use install Linux on a USB drive to plug into your Chromebook. You can do so.

Make a back up of your Chromebook

The first thing you’ll want to do is to make a backup of all your important data. Doing this process will wipe your Chromebook (AKA Powerwash it), so save all your important stuff first.

You can back up your Chromebook in two ways:

  • Back up everything to an external drive (thumb/flash, hard drive, etc.)
  • Backup everything to a cloud provider (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)

Backing up to Google Drive is a lot easier since you don’t need to mess with anything other than your Chromebook. Using an external drive requires some fiddling if it’s not a popular drive (Chrome OS seems to only recognize the popular drives), and using something like Dropbox requires that you sign up and make an account (who has time for that?). Google Drive is already created for you since you have a Google account and everything can be backed up instantly.

Using Google Drive

You can access your Drive here. Backing up is easy. Just launch the Files app on your Chromebook and drag and drop the objects into the Drive folder on the left-hand menu.

Using an external drive

Backing up to an external drive should work the same way. Just plug in the USB drive or SD card and drag and drop the files into the left-hand menu and you’re done! If you don’t have one that’s compatible with Chrome OS, you can check out this buyer’s guide.

You should back up all your data that you want to keep, including stuff in your Downloads folder or custom folders/directories you’ve created. Note that all your Google Account data will remain intact. You won’t lose anything like Gmail and such. Only offline local data is wiped- this includes Chrome apps, Chromebook apps, Play Store apps, and your Chromebook settings.

Should you get stuck, you can check out this guide on backing up your data. It covers everything you need to know!

Okay, so you’ve gotten all your stuff saved. Right? Time to proceed to the next step!

Enable Dev Mode

Turning on Developer Mode on your Chromebook is super easy.

All you need to do is follow this guide. When you’re done, come back here and continue. I’ve written about the process so many times I could write it in my sleep!

If you want the basics, here’s how:

Step 1: Press “CTRL + REFRESH + Power Button” together until your Chromebook restarts automatically.

Step 2: It’ll then show a warning message after it reboots. Press “CTRL + D” after reading it.

Step 3: Press Enter to turn off OS Verification.

Step 4: Your Chromebook will reboot with a new warning telling you that OS Verification is OFF. This is good. This will let us enable Developer Mode.

Step 5: Read the prompt and press “CTRL + D” again when you’re done.

Step 6: Your Chromebook will enter Developer Mode. This may take up to 20 minutes. Be patient.

Step 7: After a final reboot, you’ll be able to login to your newly Dev Mode-enabled machine! Have fun!

Now that you’re in Developer Mode, you can install Ubuntu Linux, which will let us get Java on your Chromebook.

Install Ubuntu

We’ll be installing Ubuntu Linux in this tutorial because it’s the most well-supported and documented version of Linux. And I’ll be installing the Xfce desktop- it’s a minimalist version of Ubuntu so it doesn’t hog all your Chromebook’s resources so you can run Java and actually do what you want to do with it- play games, etc.

You can install other distros like KDE if you want a more modern desktop. Check out this Linux tutorial for more information.

Otherwise, just follow along and let’s get Linux installed on your Chromebook.

So the first we’ll need to get is Crouton. This is the “program” that installs Linux. You can get Crouton here. After you download it, make sure it’s in your Downloads folder or else the code won’t work!

After you download Crouton, press “CTRL + ALT + T” to launch the command line.

You’ll see a black and white window pop up that looks similar to MS-DOS for those nerds out there (me being one of them =]). When you see this, type in the following command exactly as shown- without the quotes:

“shell”

“sudo install -Dt /usr/local/bin -m 755 ~/Downloads/crouton”

“sudo crouton -t xfce”

Crouton will then install Linux. This takes some time, so be patient.

After it’s done, type the following to launch Xfce:

“sudo startxfce4”

And you’re in! Congrats. You’ve installed Xfce on your Chromebook. If you get stuck, leave a comment and I’ll get back to you ASAP.

Install and enable Java on your Chromebook

And now for the fun part. Getting Java!

We’ll be installing the default JRE/JDK. This will run Java programs required on Linux. We’re going to install Default OpenJDK, which is the currently the newest version of Java for Linux.

This would be Java 11 at the time of this writing. Getting the latest version of Java can always improve framerate and smooth out your experience!

Installing it is super easy.

You can do so with just a few lines of code. So here’s how to get Java on your Chromebook:

  • Press “CTRL + ALT + T” to launch the command prompt (in Linux).
  • First, let’s update the package index. You can do this by typing in “sudo apt update” and hitting Enter.
  • Type “sudo apt install default-jdk” and hit Enter.
  • If you’re prompted to type in your password, go ahead and type it in.
  • Afterward, the files will install automatically. Be patient.

That’s it. You now have Java Runtime installed on your Chromebook!

Other ways to install Java

Didn’t work? Try these commands instead.

Install OpenJDK 8

This is a good backup if the previous section didn’t work for you. This will install OpenJDK 8, which is still a commonly used version of Java.

Launch the command terminal and type in these two commands:

  • sudo apt update
  • sudo apt install openjdk-8-jdk

Install the Java Development Kit

You can install the JDK to run Java programs or compile them on Linux. JDK contains the JRE, so you should be able to run all Java programs on your Chromebook.

To install it, launch the command prompt and type the following command:

  • sudo apt-get install default-jdk

Then hit Enter. It’ll install automatically.

Installing Oracle Java

Try installing the Oracle JDK. If OpenJDK didn’t work, you can use the basic Oracle JDK which is officially distributed by Oracle, the company that developed Java.

Launch your command prompt and type in the following commands:

  • sudo apt install software-properties-common
  • sudo add-apt-repository ppa:linuxuprising/java
  • sudo apt update
  • sudo apt install oracle-java11-installer
  • Read and agree to the terms of use (ToU)
  • Java will then install on your system!

If you’re still getting problems, leave a  comment and I’ll get back to you ASAP!

You now have Java on your Chromebook!

Congrats! You’ve not successfully installed Java on your Chromebook and you can play Java-based games, do Java-based work, or visit Java-based sites.

If you couldn’t get it working, just let me know by leaving a comment.

If you found this tutorial to be helpful, leave a  comment and let me know. Consider telling a fellow Chromebook owner and being a hero =].

Thanks for reading!

About Andy Z.

Andy is a casual-hardcore Chrome OS fan and contributes to the site regularly. He likes computers, tech, sports cars, videogames, and of course, Chromebooks. Thinker. Introvert. Geek. You can find him on Twitter (@platytech), or send him an email (check the "Contact Us" page).

185 thoughts on “Get Java on your Chromebook (The Easy Way) – 2023”

  1. >Go in the Chrome browser and type in “chrome://setting” in the URL bar and hit Enter. Look for “cpu” and see what processor you have.

    “chrome://Settings” ???

    That should have been “chrome://System” !!!

    Reply
  2. I made it to install Java. Once I typed in the last command (before that step) the computer screen looks completely different and very “old”. There is no tool strip on the bottom, etc. idk if this is linex or what happened but I am stuck and panicking and very confused now. I wish I could include a picture.

    Reply
  3. Hello, thank you for the guide. I was able to install linux on my Chromebook and follow through, but I keep getting error messages at the last command (sudo apt install-oracle-java11-installer) Please, what should I do next?

    Reply
  4. I know this is late to the party. I installed java (using my chromebook lenovo’s built in linux terminal) which was nice and all… but my chromebook still won’t actually run .jar files. I just wanted to be able to run .jar files, and I thought that (logically) installing java would let me run these files. The terminal says that the process was successful but I’m not sure that anything actually changed given that, again, it doesn’t actually run java files or anything.

    Please respond soon?

    Reply
  5. when you are doing the commands in crosh I keep getting a message saying command not found where are the spaces in the command

    Reply
  6. I dont think i downloaded cruton bc it asked me to make a username and I did and then it asked for a password but wouldn’t let me type.

    Reply
    • it just makes it look like you can’t type so other people don’t see your password but it’s still typing

      Reply
  7. I don’t understand what we do after we download xfce when I start it it’s just a weird windows type interface with a mouse in the background, then what do we do?

    Reply
  8. it keeps saying install: cannot stat ‘/home/chronos/user/Downloads/croutpon’: No such file or directory
    and also sudo: crouton: command not found

    Reply
  9. sudo install -Dt /usr/local/bin -m 755 ~/Downloads/crouton
    install: cannot stat ‘/home/chronos/user/Downloads/crouton’: No such file or directory how do i fix this problem it keep saying this what did i do wrong plz respond

    Reply
  10. Hey Im new to this stuff but trying to follow your steps. Stuck at entering the code. Do i enter it in separate lines?

    Reply
  11. When I run the script to download Linux, it never finishes. It asks for me to specify a username for the primary user

    Reply
  12. Hi, this didn’t work for me. Well, it seems Java installed, but when I go to use Citrix to remote into my office computer I get an error message “JRE is not installed on your machine, install JRE and continue”. Suggestions? Also: The Java Oracle install code didn’t work. I tried that second.

    Reply
  13. Hi, this didn’t work for me. Well, it seems like it worked, but then when I try to use Citrix to remote VPN into my office (Windows) computer I get an error message stating “JRE is not installed on your machine, install JRE and continue”. Suggestions? Also: The Oracle installer code did not work. I then tried that route.

    Reply
  14. When I type the command “sudo apt install openjdk-8-jdk” it says :
    $ sudo apt install openjdk-8-jdk
    Reading package lists… Done
    Building dependency tree
    Reading state information… Done
    E: Unable to locate package openjdk-8-jdk
    How do I fix this?

    Reply
    • use the command java -jar filename.jar with the name of the file you’re trying to open where it says “filename”.

      Reply
  15. Hey Andy very helpful guide worked great! I am just wondering is there a way to install java without the xfce as i am happy with the way the regular browser is -thx Andrew

    Reply
  16. I needed to get Java on my chrome book to access a specific website using Java… I got through the entire process, and ended with an old blue desktop with a mouse on it, and the black terminal box. Now what? How do I navigate to the website I need to access? Thank you.

    Reply
  17. hello sir andy have a good day.
    The above method worked for me (I think so) because I do not present errors or problems, the doubt I have is that there is the possibility of entering the JRE configurations, that is, to dedicate ram memory to the programs especially minecaft I could do in windows but this system drives me crazy 🙂

    Reply
  18. hello, i am having trouble installing ubuntu. i type in sudo install -Dt /usr/local/bin -m 755 ~/Downloads/crouton however it says that install cannot stat sudo install -Dt /usr/local/bin -m 755 ~/Downloads/crouton no such file or directory. Please help 🙁

    Reply
  19. After I go through the first initial commands and type in the sudo startxfce4 command, it brings me to an old looking desktop and it doesn’t let me do much. How fix?

    Reply
  20. So I am getting this message when use the ubuntu linux:
    xscreensaver: 19:51:28: Errors at startup are usually authorization problems.
    But you’re not logging in as root (good!) so something
    else must be wrong.
    It opens and runs and I don’t log in as root (as noted in the error message), but I can’t do anything there and don’t have access to any files. Furthermore, I can’t download the Java and I think it’s because I’m stuck on the Ubuntu stage. I tried to look at the FAQ and Manual for xscreensaver but its very vague so I am not sure where to go from here.

    Reply
  21. I got through all the steps but now I cant use google chrome as my web server? Now I cant even get to blackboard from this new “netsurf” browser let alone use collaborate which was the entire reason I wanted to download java. It seems like I just ruined my chromebook for this and now I’m freaking out. What is going on? I just wanted to add java to my chromebook, please help.

    Reply
  22. Hiya Andy, When entering dev mode its esc+refresh+power. Could you edit the article, if possible, to change that instruction? It has confused multiple people including myself

    Reply
  23. Hello Andy, i seem to be stuck on the installation part of Java. After the “sudo crouton -t xfce” command, instead of installing it just say’s: /usr/local/bin/crouton: 1: /usr/local/bin/crouton: PK: not found
    /usr/local/bin/crouton: 2: /usr/local/bin/crouton: �]�P: not found
    /usr/local/bin/crouton: 3: /usr/local/bin/crouton: �]�P: not found
    /usr/local/bin/crouton: 1: /usr/local/bin/crouton: : not found
    /usr/local/bin/crouton: 1: /usr/local/bin/crouton: crouton-master/.github/CONTRIBUTING.mdUT�y�^��=O�0
    @��: not found
    /usr/local/bin/crouton: 2: /usr/local/bin/crouton: K]�!�Ά�ؐN�膴q֮b��}�:!�0����M�R: not found
    /usr/local/bin/crouton: 5: /usr/local/bin/crouton:�]�PH7+��U,: not found
    /usr/local/bin/crouton: 1: /usr/local/bin/crouton: Syntax error: Unterminated quoted string
    I don’t know if this is a ID10T error or if it’s an actual common problem, but I would appreciate your help.

    Reply
    • You are typing, it just doesnt show a trace of it. Type the password as normally, and hit enter when you are done. It will work despite the password not showing.

      Reply
  24. can someone link me to the older version of this please. also the installing crouton thing doesn’t work is it because I

    Reply
  25. hey im trying to download a runescape private server client i did as above said but im still confused on getting the actual download and client to work

    Reply
  26. Hey, I wanted to know if this works with Linux Beta, because everything went fine until “sudo apt install openjdk-8-jdk” in which the error was:

    Reading package lists… Done
    Building dependency tree
    Reading state information… Done
    E: Unable to locate package openjdk-8-jdk

    So uhh, what’s the solution?

    Reply
  27. after i use the command “sudo install -Dt /usr/local/bin -m 755 ~/Downlaods/crouton” it says cannot stat ‘/home/chronos/user/Dowloads/crouton’ no such file or directory, what do I do? I’m in dev mode

    Reply
  28. my chromebook worked with the sudo installation without the other stuff automatically. you may want to make a note of this within the tutorial.

    Reply
  29. Hey brother. I want to play runescape private server. I downloaded JDK and the reps. I dont see client. Can you help me.

    Reply
  30. On some computers, to open the linuxpanel, you need to left click. That will allow you to use the apt command

    Reply
  31. When looking at the settings on my chromebook, I saw that I had the option to turn Linux (beta) on. I did that. When I use the command ctrl + alt + T, it brings something up and has me listed as crosh>. None of the commands are recognized. What am I missing?

    Reply
  32. Never mind, I figured it out! Tho now I’m concerned because after I entered the code to install ubuntu, it’s been spitting out code for about 20 mins, and in your instructions, it doesnt seem like it should be doing this…

    Reply
    • buntu is not a small operations system. Especially if you are connected over even fast wifi, not Ethernet, it may take a long time to download.

      Reply
  33. Is there some trick to the CTRL+REFRESH+POWER step? When i press them all at the same time, it just seems to restart… no warning message like you suggest

    Reply
  34. when i go to type in “sudo apt update” linux tells me that sudo is an unknown command. i know i am in dev mode and that everything is typed in correctly, and i have tried it with and without shell. is there anything else i could be doing wrong? thank you!

    Reply
  35. So I installed it. I have the main screen with the mouse. I am trying to ay a runescape rsps and it wont load when I click it. I try to run with opennjdk java 8 runtime. It wont work with anything.

    Reply
  36. I am sorry, I have a problem, when installing everything and checking that my javac -version, and java -version is 1.8.0 when loading a java app (specifically Minecraft) it says that I don’t have java installed on Linux, can you help me?

    Reply
  37. After typing in the coding it’s asking for the password, but i’m not sure what that is. It doesn’t show letters the first time then you press ENTER and it allows the letters to be shown. Why??

    Reply
  38. Hi Andy
    I downloaded Crouton and the zip file is in my downloads folder. When I press CRT ALT P, in the bottom in yellow it reads “crosh” . I try to input the comands shell and hit enter. In green it reads chronos@localhost. I tried entering the second command, sudo etc and hit enter and it says sudo crouton command not found. Stuck.
    Robert

    Reply
    • Hey Robert,

      Try running “sudo enter-chroot” and then the commands as listed!

      Let me know if you’re still stuck.
      Thanks.

      Reply
      • ive now completed all the steps and in linux. The steps to download java dont seem to be working. Or maybe it worked but im not sure how to validate if i have java now. I walked through your steps to install java on the linux terminal. Was this correct?

        Reply
        • Neither of the commands are found on my chromebook and I wish I could enter a screenshot but I can’t so I’ll just copy and paste the text

          crosh> shell
          chronos@localhost / $ sudo install -Dt / usr/local/bin -m 755 ~/Downloads/crouton

          We trust you have received the usual lecture from the local System
          Administrator. It usually boils down to these three things:

          #1) Respect the privacy of others.
          #2) Think before you type.
          #3) With great power comes great responsibility.

          install: cannot stat ‘usr/local/bin’: No such file or directory
          install: cannot create regular file ‘/crouton’: Read-only file system
          chronos@localhost / $ sudo crouton -t xfce
          sudo: crouton: command not found
          chronos@localhost / $ sudo crouton -t xfce
          sudo: crouton: command not found
          chronos@localhost / $ sudo startxfce4
          sudo: startxfce4: command not found
          chronos@localhost / $ sudo enter-chroot
          sudo: enter-chroot: command not found
          chronos@localhost / $ sudo crouton -t xfce
          sudo: crouton: command not found
          chronos@localhost / $

          Reply
      • I had the same problem as Robert and tried your solution but it still says that it can’t find either command

        Reply
  39. Okay so I got through all of the steps and downloaded Java, but it changed my chromebook completely. It now looks like a computer screen from 2008. It there a way to still keep all of the things I downloaded, but with my chromebook back to looking how it did? Thanks.

    Reply
  40. Thanks for all the help. im a noob and it was pretty easy to follow. however i have not been able to install java. ive used every method explained above but it says “command not found” I’m 100% in dev mode. i’m also on linux imputing commands. i logged in as chronos and that’s as far as i have made it. Thanks for all the help Andy!

    Reply
  41. Hey Andy,

    So I tried following the steps to get into developer mode but I think I failed, however, going into the settings of my chromebook after it rebooted there is now an option to download Linux (Beta). Can I run different commands from there to install Java or do I still need to be in developer mode to bypass the security that blocks Java? When I click on the linux app it opens the command window showing my username”@penguin: ~$”. Lmk what you think.

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Hey there,

      Can you enter “shell” by itself on a single line before running the “sudo” command? Or does that also not work?
      If not, you may not be in Developer Mode and we’ll want to double-check that you are.

      Let me know if you’re still stuck.
      Thanks.

      Reply
  42. Whenever I code shell”

    “sudo install -Dt /usr/local/bin -m 755 ~/Downloads/crouton”

    “sudo crouton -t xfce
    the system says command not found

    Reply
    • Hey Scourgestar,

      Has Crouton been downloaded and saved to the “Downloads” folder? Has Dev Mode been enabled correctly? When you type “shell” do you get any errors?

      Thanks.

      Reply
  43. i had problems when i started using crosh
    here’s the line of txt, can you help me

    shell
    bash: warning: /home/chronos/user/.bash_profile: warning: script from noexec mount; see https://chromium.googlesource.com/chromiumos/docs/+/master/security/noexec_shell_scripts.md
    bash: warning: /home/chronos/user/.bashrc: warning: script from noexec mount; see https://chromium.googlesource.com/chromiumos/docs/+/master/security/noexec_shell_scripts.md
    chronos@localhost / $ sudo install -Dt /usr/local/bin -m 755 ~/Downloads/crouton
    chronos@localhost / $ sudo crouton -t xfce
    Downloading latest crouton installer…
    ################################################################################################################################################ 100.0%Warning: Transient problem: HTTP error Will retry in 1 seconds. 2 retries
    Warning: left.
    Throwing away 92 bytes
    ################################################################################################################################################ 100.0%Warning: Transient problem: HTTP error Will retry in 2 seconds. 1 retries
    Warning: left.
    Throwing away 107 bytes
    -=O=- # # # #
    /tmp/crouton-installer-cache/crouton: 1: /tmp/crouton-installer-cache/crouton: Syntax error: redirection unexpected
    chronos@localhost / $ sudo crouton -t xfce
    /tmp/crouton-installer-cache/crouton: 1: /tmp/crouton-installer-cache/crouton: Syntax error: redirection unexpected
    chronos@localhost / $ sudo startxfce4
    sudo: startxfce4: command not found

    Reply
  44. First off thank you for your in-depth guides! Second, i’m having troubles launching the crouton via CTRL ALT T page. These are the last few lines of code:

    chronos@localhost / $ sudo install -Dt /usr/local/bin -m 755 ~/Downloads/crouton
    install: cannot stat ‘/home/chronos/user/Downloads/crouton’: No such file or directory
    chronos@localhost / $

    I’m not entirely sure what i’m doing wrong. I’ve figured out how extremely CaSe SeNsItIVe this is and i’ve (tried) making absolutely sure everything is spelt correctly.. What should i do? thank you.

    Reply
  45. Hi, I enabled dev mode. Then i am trying to download crouton. After typing this in, “sudo install -Dt /usr/local/bin -m 755 ~/Downloads/crout” … it says install: cannot stat ‘/home/chronos/user/Downloads/crout’: No such file or directory. (The crouton folder is in my downloads folder. Do I have to put it somewhere else?)

    Reply
    • The command should read as this – “sudo install -Dt /usr/local/bin -m 755 ~/Downloads/crouton”, not crout…must have been a mistype here. I was having the same issue and this resolved it.

      Reply
  46. Could not get the oracle jdk last install comand to work. Source not available. I prefered oracle but then I used the defaut jdk and it’s installing. keepng fingers corssed

    Reply
  47. THanks for this post. I was not sure it will work with Crostini. But followed the instructions for Oracle JDK and it worked

    Reply
  48. Hey,
    I have a solution that seems to be working. Instead of Developer Mode, you can use Developer CHANNEL with Linux (Beta). It seems to be doing everything right on the terminal. It does not erase any files either. Please look into this.

    Reply
  49. it wont let me type a password what does it mean i type the first sentences but after i click enter for the 3rd one it say i need a pass word and it wont let me type password i did do developer mode

    Reply
    • Hi! So I figured out that you just have to type it. It wont say you’re typing or show anything but just type in the password and then confirm it and itll go through. 🙂

      Reply
      • i’ve tried putting in the password that i use to log in to my account and it just says ‘Sorry, try again.’ which password am i supposed to put in for it to work?

        Reply
  50. Hey there!
    I have a question about crouton. If I install Linux and java (and other apps) while in Developer Mode and then re-enable the OS Verification, will I still be able to use the chroot I just installed? Or will re-enabling the OS Verification and rebooting delete everything I just installed?

    Reply
  51. Hey Andy,
    I am using a Samsung xe303c12 Chromebook, it uses the Samsung Exynos 5 processor. With this Chromebook, is there any way I can get Java?
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Did you attempt all 3 methods? If so and it still didn’t work then download it onto a usb (recommenced), transfer it to your chromebook and run the installer on Linux

      Reply
  52. Hi Andy,
    I followed your directions from the beginning and am now on the installing and enabling Java step. I have confirmed that I am in Developer mode, and my chromebook is not under my work or school. I typed Ctrl+Alt+T and then shell, and then sudo apt update. The message reads sudo: apt: command not found. \What I want is to be able to use the Java Development Kit because it is a requirement for an online course I am taking.
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Hi natalie,

      What step are you on when you’re typing in this command? I just updated the tutorial with some updated commands. Please let me know if you’re still getting the error after trying out the new lines! I apologize, but they were outdated!

      Thanks for bringing this to my attention.

      Reply
      • I am trying to install crouton, but I got a message saying “bash: shell: command not found” I have crouton downloaded and its in my downloads, but the codes not working. Ive also tried downloading the JDK but thats when it said “unknown command: sudo” Thanks for getting back to me.

        Reply
        • Also on the Oracle JDK, after I launched the first line of code, it says “sudo: apt: command not found”

          Reply
        • Hey natalie,

          When you launch the command prompt on Chrome OS and punch in “shell” followed by hitting Enter, do you get the “unknown command” error every single time? Can you verify that your Chromebook is in Developer Mode? When you turn off your machine completely (shut down, not sleep), and power it back on, do you get a warning screen stating that “OS Verification is OFF?”

          Thanks.

          Reply
          • Sorry, to create a microsoft/Minecraft/Mojang account (mojang accounts deprecated), you need an email. You already have one if you can sign into your Chromebook. The first page of login asks for email. Note that a minecraft license is 27 USD, gold being 37 USD (iirc). Good luck getting this set up!

  53. Hi Andy. I successfully installed Java using the default-sdk in the new Linux (beta) terminal. However, I am a Linux newbie. How can I install a web browser that runs in the Linux sandbox?

    Reply
    • Hey Scott M,

      Hmm, is there a specific browser you wanted to install? You could do so just by running a command using the terminal- however it’d depend on the browser itself. Let me know and I’ll try to help you out.

      Thanks.

      Reply
  54. hello im pretty new to this stuff and every time i type one of your code in it says ERROR: unknown command: sudo

    Reply
  55. Hello,
    question: since now you can enable Linux straight without developer mode and enable crostini, is it possible to skip the whole section related to cruton and jump straight to the java installing section through the terminal?

    thanks in advance

    Reply
    • yes via crostini you can skip right to installing the package “default-jdk” one tip: if you don’t know whether a package exists use “apt-cache search” followed by the package name

      Reply
  56. so i installed linux (beta) and i was not able to download the first java that is listed but the second i was. i dont know how to use it though. not in dev mode. im trying to use optifine for minecraft

    Reply
      • Hey, I also got an Samsung Chromebook3 you can install the Linux beta as an easier option or you can turn on developer mode…And install crouton but irst i think your not install crouton theres a link thatll automatically send crouton to your fies and then try running the commands

        Reply
  57. my chromebook wont seem to go into developer mode. ive tried what you said to do several times and it wont work.

    Reply
    • Hey Army,

      What error do you get when you type that in? Did you install Crouton? Are you in Developer Mode?

      Thanks.

      Reply
  58. Ok, so im one of those newbies. I made it to the enter developer mode part, OS verification is off. I downloaded crouton, it pops up in my file. when i click on ctr alt T, crosh pops up, i entered the code you enlisted and it keeps saying unknown command. what am i doing wrong?

    Reply
  59. I’ve downloaded crouton got Xfce installed and running .. even have java installed which I’ve checked using “command java -version” but whenever I go to run the program needing java it still says I need java

    Reply
  60. so, on the new linux beta (still on the secure chromebook, i.e. not on the dev channel!) i just opened up the terminal and i was trying to install a package with dpkg, which required java and other crap.

    then i decided to run apt update and upgrade, which told me to run --fix-broken install and ta-da, java was installed!

    lol.

    so much for simplicity.

    fast, easy and small. less than 200mb or so. i think. from reading the logs.

    cheers!

    Reply
  61. I had Linux already installed on my Chromebook, so I skipped the first section of the tutorial. When I typed in “sudo apt install jre”, I got this message:
    “Reading package lists… Done
    Building dependency tree
    Reading state information… Done
    Package jre is not available, but is referred to by another package.
    This may mean that the package is missing, has been obsoleted, or
    is only available from another source

    E: Package ‘jre’ has no installation candidate”
    Do you think you can help with this issue?
    Thanks!

    Reply
  62. I downloaded crouton but now am stuck trying to install java because the command line won’t open…?
    Please help!
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • I see you had the same issue but you have to open crosh by using (ctrl, alt, t). Then type “shell” (without quotations) the continue on.

      Reply
      • Oh and I forgot it might take 2 hours (well at least for me) but it works. Love the author, (no ho**).

        Reply
  63. hey guys i need some help! In the developers page when i type in what you told us to i get the error unknown command: sudo message. what does that mean?

    Reply
    • Hey Kristina,

      You’ll see this error when your Chromebook isn’t properly in Developer Mode.

      I’d try enabling developer mode one more time after a restart. If you see that error, it’s likely because Dev Mode isn’t enabled because your Chromebook won’t take any commands until it’s turned on, hence why you see the message. Either that or a command was improperly typed.

      You may want to refer to this tutorial for help and detailed directions.

      Let me know if you still can’t get it working
      Thanks.

      Reply
  64. first i figured out i needed to unzip the crouton file, then i figured out i needed to rename it. then because it was my first time using the sudo command i was given a confusing warning message but i figured out i just needed to do it a second time and now when I type the command it gives me no errors but it doesnt install ubuntu.:[

    Reply

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