Okay, so, you want to learn how to install and play Minecraft on your shiny new (or not) Chromebook.
Let me just tell you right now that it’s possible. And it’s pretty (somewhat) easy.
Last updated: 3/8/23. Updated for accuracy.
You know, most Chromebooks now can just easily activate Linux Beta. That’s all you need to get the game. Try that first.
This guide has been constantly updated throughout 2016 to 2023 (yes, I’m still updating this even now, and soon into 2023) to provide you with the most up-to-date information. So don’t be worried about outdated information.
As of version 1.18 (Caves & Cliffs: Part II), this method still works on an Acer CB3-131.
Everything following this guide should be working and up-to-date.
If you find a problem, please let me know in the comments and the guide will be updated to reflect any changes.
Also, if you find this guide useful, please consider sharing it with your friends so you can all play together =].
And be sure to check out the comments section if you get stuck. Likely, someone has already had the same problem and there’s already an answer.
Or if you have a question that you can’t find an answer to, just leave a comment.
Ready to play some Minecraft on your Chromebook?
Let’s get mining already! Those Diamonds ain’t gonna dig themselves.
How to use this tutorial

This tutorial is divided into three parts:
- We’ll first go over some basic hardware requirements that your Chromebook must have.
- Then, we’ll dive into a step-by-step tutorial that’ll have you mining for Diamond in a jiffy on your Chromebook.
- And finally, we’ll go over some troubleshooting if you can’t get the game to work, and some performance tips so you can get the best experience possible.
If you already know the requirements to run the game, or if you already have it installed and you want to getter a better FPS, feel free to skip around.
This tutorial is definitely on the lengthy side, but it’s written in that way so you get everything you need in one place- and in detail.
For the most part, this guide should get the game running on your Chromebook if followed correctly (and no updates/changes break anything).
But remember, if you do indeed get stuck, check out the troubleshooting section and also check out the comments. A lot of helpful readers have left comments on getting around certain issues and problems (thanks to all of them!)
And if you really can’t get something working, leave a comment and I’ll try to help you out.
Okay, so are you ready to dig in?
Sound good? Let’s mine.
Choosing and buying a Chromebook to play Minecraft

A lot of people buy a Chromebook just for the sole purpose of playing Minecraft, believe it or not.
You’d be surprised. Just check the comments on this guide and you can see many different readers who’ve got Minecraft working on a variety of different Chromebook models.
With the game being so popular among the younger crowd, and the fact that these laptops are distributed in schools all over the nation, it’s like a perfect pairing.
These machines can run Minecraft pretty decently even if they’re powered by Intel HD graphics. The graphics processor is indeed onboard and integrated, but it has enough power to run Minecraft at playable frame rates.
Intel HD Graphics is capable of running the game at a smooth 30FPS and onwards even for older laptops. If you own an older model, you’ll likely have 2GB of RAM with an Intel Pentium or Celeron processor. This is decent and will run the game smoothly at around 30-40FPS.
Newer models are even better.
If you’re looking for a newer Chromebook, you’ll notice that a lot of the newer devices now come with 4GB of RAM. This is pretty much the new standard and it’s way better in terms of performance and getting better FPS out of your device.
They’re still loaded with Intel HD Graphics, but they have newer and faster chips so they’ll be able to run the game like butter.
If you’re looking to buy a laptop and you want it to be able to run the game smoothly, I’d suggest getting a Chromebook made in 2017 and beyond. This is because all models made in 2017+ have the ability to run Google Play Store apps by default.
They also tend to have much better specs than older versions and they’re updated pretty often even if it’s the same model in a series. The newer the better for playing games.
(Looking for the newest models that literally just came out? Check out this list of the newest Chromebooks on the market!)
This means you’ll be able to play Minecraft, install Play Store games (like Roblox and other Chrome Web Store apps and games. And you’ll be able to do it all with plenty of power for smooth gameplay!
Can you just give me a list of Chromebooks that run the game?
Antsy, are we?
If you want a quick list of some of the best models for playing the game, here they are:
- Acer Chromebook 14 (CB3-431-C5FM)
- Acer Chromebook 15 (CB5-571-C09S)
- Acer R11 (CB5-132T-C32M)
- ASUS Chromebook Flip C302
- Lenovo N23
- Acer 11 (CB3-131-C3SZ)
They each have their own features, pros, and cons, so it’s up to you to choose the one that fits your lifestyle.
If you’re lazy do some research (who isn’t?), you’ll be happy to know that I wrote little buyer’s guide that covers each of these models in detail.
But any of these models should work just fine for running Minecraft with ultra-high FPS and performance!
Newer is better
On newer models, you can run the game with a staggering silky smooth 60FPS.
For example, the ASUS Flip 2 which is powered by an Intel Core m3 processor. It’s also got 4GB of RAM to back it up.
If your laptop is at least 2017 or newer, you should be good. Don’t know what model you have? Find out.
These newer laptops have enough processing power and RAM to render the game without a hiccup.
If you happen to own a newer Chromebook, you should consider yourself blessed.
(Considering upgrading your laptop? Check out this list of the newest Chromebooks on the market.)
Look for the Intel sticker
If you are getting a Chromebook just for the purpose of playing Minecraft, I suggest you get one that’s powered by an Intel processor as it makes the whole process a lot easier.
If it’s powered by ARM or MediaTek, you may have issues getting the game to run.
These processors don’t have the ability to integrate with Linux, which is required in order to get the game working.
Which Intel processor specifically?
The majority of Chromebooks made by Acer, Asus, and HP are all powered by Intel-based processors.
Intel Celeron and Pentium processors are more than enough to handle Minecraft, however, upgrading to an i3 or i5 is a smart move if you plan to do serious gaming on your laptop.
Do a quick search on your specific model and check out what processor it has. If it’s any type of Intel CPU, you’re good to go. I’ve also compiled a list of some cheap Chromebooks under $200, and most of them can run Minecraft provided it uses an Intel CPU.
There are some models that are powered by ARM processors, and may not work with this tutorial, let alone be able to run Minecraft with any tutorial unless some hardcore system tweaking is performed. These are usually found in Samsung Chromebooks, so these should be avoided.
However, for the majority of users, this guide should work well.
The most popular models are all powered by an Intel processor, mainly Celeron with Intel HD graphics, so this guide should apply to the majority of users who want to play Minecraft on their laptop.
If you have a different processor other than Intel, I strongly suggest that you proceed with caution and note that that the following steps may not be applicable to your Chromebook. Tread carefully.
Linux (Beta) feature
Newer Chromebooks have Linux built directly into the Chrome Browser! If you have this feature, you can skip the Linux installation part of this tutorial and go directly to installing the game!
This feature can be enabled by:
- Launching Chrome
- Go to Settings
- Find Linux Beta
- Turning it on
See this guide for directions if you’re lost.
Your Chromebook will reboot and you’ll be enrolled into the Beta channel, which lets you use Linux through a tab on Chrome without all these steps! Ain’t that awesome!
The majority of modern Chromebooks have Linux Beta built in. You literally just toggle it on and you’re set. No Dev Mode. Super easy.
But if you don’t, no worries. Just follow this entire guide from start to finish! If you get stuck, let me know by leaving a comment. This method doesn’t work well for this game. So even if you have it, I suggest you don’t use it because it doesn’t run it well.
Installing Minecraft on a Chromebook

Okay, so now we’re getting to the good stuff.
A word of warning: You’ll need to have a basic understanding of operating systems and basic programming to use this guide.
Don’t worry too much about it, I’ll give you everything you need to know- including the lines of code (gasp).
But it helps if you understand what exactly an operating system is and what you’re doing by switching between them.
If you’re a total newbie, just follow the steps very carefully.
Watch out for the code
You also need to be very specific in your lines of code, because one incorrect character or casing can ruin the whole process and you may need to start over.
If you type in a command and you get an error, it’s likely that you typed in a wrong character. The code needs to be exact.
So be extra careful. Be meticulous. Make sure you follow every step. Skipping around isn’t such a good idea (unless you know what you’re doing.)
We’ll be working with Linux, which many users aren’t familiar with. It’s largely run by command lines, so it’s just something we’ll have to deal with.
I also want to let you know you are doing this at your own risk. It’s completely up to you to follow this tutorial so we’re not responsible for any damage, warranty voids, machine failures, the frustration, anger, or you tossing your Chromebook out the window.
Don’t be afraid if you screw up- just Powerwash it
I’ve only tested this method of playing Minecraft on a few machines and it worked just fine, but not every single Chromebook is accounted for.
But it should work for the majority that meet the hardware requirements in the previous section.
Also, don’t worry too much if you want to go back and start from the beginning because you messed up. All you need to do is wipe your Chromebook by doing a Powerwash and everything will revert back to factory settings.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. It’s very difficult to “break” your laptop. Powerwashing is like self-repairing instantly.
But if you mess up at any point during the guide and you want to start over and just start from the very first step below and white bean machine to start over.
Grab your favorite energy drink, because you’re in for a crazy ride.
Enough warnings. Let’s get started already!
Here’s how to play Minecraft on a Chromebook
Alright, so the first thing you need to do is to enable Developer Mode on your Chromebook.
If you don’t know how to do this, read the guide.
Please read it if you’ve never enabled developer mode before as it’ll make the next few steps super easy.
Doing this will delete all your saved images, videos, files, and other data on your hard disk, so it’s important that you back up your stuff.
For those who’ve already done this before, or are technically-inclined, here’s a brief summary of how to get your Chromebook into Developer Mode:
Enabling developer mode on your Chromebook
Step 1: Copy all your personal files that you want to keep to an external storage device (such as an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or SD card)
You can also use the free storage provided by Google on Google Drive for this purpose.
Step 2: When you’ve copied your files, press “ESC + Refresh + Power” and hold it until your Chromebook reboots.
You’ll see the recovery screen, which may look kind of scary. But don’t worry. Just read it over and acknowledge it.
Step 3: Hit “CTRL+ D” to enable Developer Mode on your Chromebook.
You’ll get another confirmation message warning you that this will erase everything on your machine. Make sure you’ve already backed up your stuff. This is your last chance to do so.
The machine will now reboot and it’ll take about 15-20 minutes. Sit tight.
After the reboot, you’ll see a screen that says “OS verification is off” and the option to enable it.
Keep it off because we want to get into Developer Mode.
You can now wait 30 seconds, or simply just press “Ctrl + D” again to skip the wait.
Okay, now your Chromebook is officially Developer Mode enabled.
Now let’s move on to the next step.
Installing Crouton on your Chromebook

So now we’re going to actually start installing Minecraft on your Chromebook.
This is the fun part. Did you take a sip of your drink yet?
Note that all of the following lines of code are case sensitive. So make sure you type the lines in exactly as you see them here.
And don’t include the quotation marks on any of the lines below as you type them in.
If you use quotes, your Chromebook will return an error and prompt you to input the line of code again. So please be careful.
Use the proper casing, spacing, and don’t include the quotes. (Seriously.)
Step 1: Get Crouton
You’ve probably heard of Linux before.
It’s the only way we can get the game to run with proven success.
By nature, Chrome OS (the operating system your Chromebook uses) doesn’t allow Java to run in order to lock down on security and make their platform super safe.
This is partly why Chrome OS doesn’t get any viruses, trojans, or malware.
So, in order to get Minecraft going, we need to run it on a platform other than Chrome OS. That’s Linux.
Linux is what’s going to run Minecraft on your Chromebook. It’s free, open-source, and very popular among a very specific crowd of computer power-users.
For those who are interested, Linux comes in hundreds of different distros and desktop environments. There are also tons of resources about Linux online.
Don’t worry too much about what Linux is. We just need it to run Minecraft since Chrome OS can’t run the game by default.
And in order to get Linux, we need something called Crouton. It’s basically a small app that installs Linux onto your Chromebook with ease. Just think of it as the installer for Linux.
After you’ve installed Linux, you’ll be doing running both Chrome OS and Linux simultaneously. This is called dual-booting.
You’ll have two operating systems that you can switch between with a keyboard combination on-the-fly. Isn’t that sweet?
Here’s another way to think about what we’re doing…
Think of it like this:
- Crouton = Minecraft launcher.
- Linux = Minecraft.
- Xfce/KDE = Minecraft mods.
Do you (kinda) get now? Heh.
So, we need to get Crouton in order to get Linux in order to get Minecraft.
Let’s get Crouton then.
If you see multiple downloads on the GitHub page, the Linux version we’re going to be using is called “Xfce.”
I’ve also written a complete tutorial on how to install Linux on a Chromebook. If you’re having problems installing Linux using this guide, try referencing it.
Don’t know anything about Linux or Crouton?
Note: It’s strongly recommended that you check out the GitHub page as it contains some important instructions if you get lost.
It also contains other important code that you may want to include.
By default, I’ll be installing a version of Linux that’s bare-bones.
If you have a Chromebook with touchscreen support, you may want to take advantage of that and include the ability to use it on Linux.
This requires additional code that you can find on the GitHub page. There are also many other features you can install with your Linux kernel. It’s like customizing your install.
You’ll have a lot of questions during installation, such as what version to install and what parameters to use. Reading the FAQ page will answer a lot of your questions, and it’s written in easy to understand language.
If you have any problems installing Linux via Crouton, you may want to check out this page about some common issues and solutions to fix them. It’ll answer most of your troubleshooting questions.
Choose your Linux distro
After Crouton has been downloaded onto your Chromebook, the next step is to install Linux using it.
Note: There are 3 different desktop environments of Linux via Crouton you can download, and they’re all different mainly in resource usage, UI, looks, and design.
For this tutorial, we’ll be installing “Xfce” which is the most basic version of Linux. It runs the fastest but looks very plain and vanilla.
If you want something more flashy or with more eye-candy, then try “KDE” instead.
Simply replace “xfce” with “kde” in all of the following lines of code.
If you’re daring enough and want to try some other crazy Linux distro, there are plenty out there. You’ll just need to replace the code and substitute your distro in the right places.
If you run into any problems, please leave a comment so I can update the tutorial.
Also, make sure the file is in the “Downloads” folder.
Open the app launcher and look for the blue folder icon.
Click on it and look for the “Downloads” folder on the left-hand menu.
By default, anything you download from the Internet gets downloaded into the “Downloads” folder, so you shouldn’t need to change to anything in most cases.
If however, the file saved into one of your custom folders, move it to the “Downloads” folder. This will make your installation much easier to deal with, and the next few steps assume you have the file in the proper folder.
Install Linux with Crouton
Next, we’ll use Crouton to install the Xfce desktop environment.
The process is pretty easy and is the first few lines of code you’ll be typing in.
So if you get an error, double-check your spelling.
Again, if you want to use KDE, replace the following steps with “kde” whenever “xfce” appears.
Make sure you don’t use them interchangeably. They’re completely different Ubuntu environments and mixing them will throw an error.
Okay, so after you’ve downloaded Crouton, let’s move on.
Step 2: Press “CTRL + ALT + T” to open the command prompt.
This will open a new command terminal for you to punch in some code.
Step 3: Type “shell” and press Enter.
Step 4: Type “sudo install -Dt /usr/local/bin -m 755 ~/Downloads/crouton” and press Enter.
Then, type “sudo crouton -t xfce” and hit Enter. And grab on tight!
This will begin the installation.
I suggest that you plug in your Chromebook so it doesn’t shut off during this step (it takes a while).
If you want touchscreen support, want to add encryption, or otherwise modify, check out the optional code:
Optional stuff:
- If you want to use your Chromebook’s touchscreen function within Linux, type “sudo sh -e ~/Downloads/crouton -t touch,xfce” and press Enter.
- If you want to add encryption, type “sudo sh -e ~/Downloads/crouton -t xfce” and press Enter. You can also just add the “-e” parameter whenever you enter a Chroot to make it encrypted.
- And if you want to add both encryption and touchscreen capability, type “sudo sh -e ~/Downloads/crouton -t touch,xfce” and press Enter.
There are a ton more commands you can use to customize your Linux installation.
You can also see this list of Crouton commands.
Did you get an error? Try again. Check your spelling and remember- don’t use the quotations.
Note: If you’re trying to install this on an Acer-branded Chromebook, you may want to add “-r trusty” to your command line as well.
You may get an error later calling for “qdbus” if you don’t do this.
Although, you can proceed without doing this.
But, if you get an error when you try to launch KDE (Step 6), come back to this step.
You’ll need to Powerwash your system to reinstall Xfce, so you probably want to save yourself some time and just add the extra command.
Another note: If you install Trusty, you may get an error later in Step 10.
Adding “-r trusty” will fix the “qdbus” error, but it may cause a Java error. Trusty is compatible with Java Runtime Environment 6 (JRE6), which is outdated by now.
The current version is JRE8, which you may have to force an update to later on (thanks to Greg for pointing this out).
This solution could possibly cause a JRE issue, but don’t worry. It’s pretty easy to fix.
Yes, this is confusing. And yes, it’s contradictory.
Just do this: I’d suggest first installing with “-r trusty” and see if you can get the game running. If not, then on your second attempt, try skipping the “-r trusty” option.
If you’re having issues, here’s a video that may help you out:
Now your Chromebook is going to automatically install Linux via Crouton.
This can take anywhere up to 30 minutes. Just sit tight. Watch some Minecraft videos to relieve your excitement.
Or just sit and jitter with anticipation. The choice is yours.
You can do whatever you want during the download and it won’t interrupt it, so don’t worry (as long as you don’t close the command line).
You can also browse the rest of this tutorial to see what’s coming up. (You’re halfway done!)
Step 5: After the Crouton installation is complete, it’ll prompt you for a username and password.
Go ahead and choose whatever you desire.
When you are entering your new password, it’ll be blank for the password field. This is normal. Don’t get confused! Even when you type, you’ll see no characters appear- that’s OK!
Write down your login information so you don’t forget it. This is very important because if you forget it, you’ll have to start all over.
Step 6: Now we’ll boot up our fresh installation of Linux on Chromebook.
Type “sudo startxfce4” and hit Enter.
The Xfce splash screen will show, and then a little after your Chromebook will reboot with Linux.
You now have Linux and Chrome OS running simultaneously.
When your Chromebook boots up, it should be running Linux. Doesn’t look familiar? Don’t fret.
You can switch back to Chrome- well, actually you’ll have to for the next step.
- To switch back to Chrome OS, hit: “CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + Back Arrow.”
- And to switch to Ubuntu, press: “CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + Forward Arrow.”
Note: This is found on the top row of your keyboard– where the F1-F12 keys would be on a traditional Windows keyboard.
You’ll see a pair of Left/Right arrow keys on the top row. Don’t get this confused with the actual arrow keys used for scrolling.
Another note: Some users have reported that you need to press “CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + Forward/Back Arrow” to switch between Chrome OS and Linux.
Try this combination if the above doesn’t work. It seems to vary between models (when it really shouldn’t).
Are you getting a “qdbus” error?
Some users have also reported that they’re getting a “Could not start D-Bus. Can you call qdbus?” error.
Some models may throw this error when you try to launch up the KDE environment using the “sudo startkde” command.
If you get this error, you’ll need to reinstall KDE.
You’ll need to perform a Powerwash on your machine to get it back to factory settings and start over.
The exception and how to fix this error is easy- when you install KDE again, add “-r trusty” to the command line when you’re installing KDE (Step 4).
For example:
“sudo sh ~/Downloads/crouton -t xfce –r trusty”
This should fix the D-Bus error.
Step 7: Now that you’re back in Chrome OS, launch the Chrome Browser.
Go to the Minecraft official site and find the alternate download that reads “Minecraft.deb” (it should be the fourth one down).
You’ll find a few different versions on that page, other than the Windows versions:
- Debian/Ubuntu – Minecraft.deb
- Arch Linux – minecraft-launcher
- Mac – Minecraft.dmg
- Other Linux – Mincecrat.tar.gz
You’ll want to grab the “Debian/Ubuntu” version, which will let you get the .deb file and is exactly what we’re looking for!
Download it. It’ll save to your local hard disk.
A possible shortcut
There’s actually a way to skip the rest of this tutorial by doing the following steps. If this works for you, then you’re all set!
You can first try double-clicking the Minecraft.deb to launch it after it’s downloaded to start the installer.
The problem would be that because it’s a .deb file, you may not be able to open the file directly. This may require that you use some fancy commands to the magic for you.
But let’s give it a try!
First, let’s get the latest version of Java Default OpenJDK.
Type the following in the command prompt (“CTRL + ALT + T”):
“sudo apt update”
“sudo apt install default-jdk”
Test your Java version by using “java -version” and you should see something similar to this:
“openjdk version “x.z.y” [timestamp]”
If you see that, you’re good to go. If not, try using these commands to get OpenJDK8:
“sudo apt update”
“sudo apt upgrade”
“sudo apt install openjdk-8-jdk”
Java not installing?
If you still continue to get an error, try using:
“sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade -y”
This will update the database of available packages, and update the packages themselves on Ubuntu.
Then run:
“sudo apt-get install openjdk-8-jdk”
Check your list of Java installations by running:
“sudo update-java-alternatives –list”
You should see a list of all the Java installations on your Chromebook. You’re looking for JDK version 8, which will run the game.
If you have multiple instances, you can set your default to Java 8 by typing:
“sudo update-alternatives –config java”
Then hit the number corresponding to the Java instance in the “Priority” column (should be the first one) to set your default Java version.
It should look (very roughly) something like this:
- *1 OpenJDK version 7
- *2 OpenJDK version 8
You’d hit the number “2” on your keyboard to select it in this example.
Then check your Java version once more with “java -version” to make sure you’re good to go.
You should now have Java on your machine!
Next, let’s install the game.
Move your Minecraft.deb file to any folder you want. Here I just left the file in my Downloads folder. Just remember where the file exists.
Launch the command prompt once again (“CTRL + ALT + T”), and type the following command:
“sudo apt install ~/Downloads/minecraft.deb” and hit Enter.
If you get an error, you’ll need to specify where the file exists.
Be sure to change the path to the folder depending on where you saved the .deb file. You’ll get an error if the system can’t find where the file exists. Change it as needed!
If that doesn’t work, try this:
“sudo apt-get install -f ~/Downloads/minecraft.deb”
Or this:
“sudo dpkg -i ~/Downloads/minecraft.deb”
If this works, you’ll be all set! This will install the game and you can launch it straight from Applications > Games.
And if none of this worked, you can try getting something like .GDebi if needed:
“sudo apt install gdebi-core”
“sudo gdebi ~Downloads/minecraft.deb”
After you get the game launcher up, follow the directions and install the game! If this worked for you, skip to the optimization section to see how you can make the game run smoother on your device.
Didn’t work?
Or you can simply continue with the instructions to get the game the old school way.
I’m assuming that you’re Minecraft account subscriber (i.e. you’ve purchased the game).
If you’re not, you’ll need to purchase an account. Cracked versions of Minecraft or other illegal copies won’t work on Chromebooks. Sorry.
Step 8: After Minecraft has finished downloading, switch on over to Linux.
You can easily switch back to Linux by pressing “CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + Forward Arrow,” and then “CTRL + ALT + Refresh.”
(Remember, the Forward Arrow is on the top row of keys on your keyboard, not the Up/Left/Down/Right arrows on the bottom.)
Now that you’re back in Linux with a copy of Minecraft, right-click your desktop with your cursor, and click on System and then Xfce Terminal.
This will open up a window with a black background and white text.
You’re going to enter the following commands in this window (yeah, more code).
Note: If you’re using KDE, click the KDE button on the bottom left of the screen- similar to where the “Start” button would be on a Windows computer.
Then type “konsole” into the search bar and you should see it pop up. Go ahead and click it.
Step 9: In the new window that opens, you should see some text that reads “sh-x.x$.”
You’ll use this to type in more code. Yay.
Step 10: Now we’ll make a new directory for Minecraft and get Java.
In the command terminal, type the following lines of code:
(Don’t include any quotations- and mind your spelling.)
“mkdir ~/games”
“mkdir ~/games/minecraft”
“mv ~/Downloads/Minecraft.jar ~/games/minecraft”
“sudo apt update”
“sudo apt install openjdk-8-jdk”
After you entered the last line, you’ll have to wait as Linux is now downloading some additional required applications.
If you get an error, don’t panic. Keep reading.
Note: If you’re using Xfce and the following step doesn’t work, try starting over and using KDE instead.
Some users have reported that Xfce didn’t work, but KDE did, so if you’re one of them, just wipe your Chromebook and start over.
But for most people, it should work just fine.
This goes with Iced Tea as well. You might want to try Ubuntu Iced Tea as it’s a newer version with updated packaged applications.
Getting errors?
If you’re getting errors, it’s likely due to the Java version being outdated.
Here are some common errors and ways to fix them:
Are you getting a “Package openjdk-6-jre is not available” error?
This error is thrown because we’re trying to install Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6, which is considered to be outdated by now.
You can easily fix this error by typing the following:
“sudo apt-get install openjdk-8-jre” and hit Enter.
An alternative way to update Java
Open up the command prompt and type the following (don’t use the quotes, use only one entry per line, and hit Enter after each line):
“sudo apt-get install software-properties-common”
“sudo add-apt-repository ppa:webupd8team/java”
“sudo apt-get update”
“sudo apt-get install oracle-java8-installer”
“sudo apt-get install oracle-java8-set-default”
If you get this error:
“sudo: add-apt-repository: command not found”
Try this code:
“sudo rm -fR /var/lib/apt/lists/*”
“sudo apt-get update”
If you’re not getting any errors, continue with Step 11.
Still getting Java errors?
Another option is to install Xfce without the “-trusty” flag in the code.
Remember back in Step 4 there was a note about how you could get Java errors if you add “-r trusty” to the code?
Trusty is an older version of Ubuntu that doesn’t play well in terms of compatibility with JRE8 (it only works with JRE6).
All you need to do is simply Powerwash your laptop and make your way back to Step 4. But this time, don’t install Trusty.
Instead of installing Xfce with “-r trusty” back in Step 4, try the following line of code instead:
“sudo sh ~/Downloads/crouton -t xfce” and hit Enter.
And then make your way through Step 5-9. When you reach Step 10, add the following line of code after you type in all of the other code in Step 10:
“sudo apt install openjdk-8-jr” and hit Enter.
This will install JRE 8 on your device. This is the newest version of Java and should be compatible with Minecraft. It also offers some performance enhancements as well.
Still not working? Try installing Ubuntu Iced Tea…
Alternatively, you can install Iced Tea, which is a newer version of Ubuntu with the right Java version.
I actually recommend doing this if you’re getting any kind of Java error. I know for most people, this is kind of scary. But for those who are familiar with Linux, this option is worth a try.
You can download Ubuntu Iced Tea here.
Don’t be afraid to install it. It installs the same way as Xfce. You’ll just have to replace some words in your code. Remember how I mentioned that you can customize your installation earlier? This is where it can come in handy.
You can refer to this guide if you need help.
Step 11: After the downloads are complete, you’ll have to find where Minecraft is installed and add a new item to your menu.
Depending on the version of Xfce/KDE you have installed, it shouldn’t be that hard to find.
For most people, you can simply right-click on the kickoff button which is located at the very bottom left corner.
Note: If you don’t have the button, don’t panic.
You don’t necessarily need the Kickoff button to install the game. It’s nothing more than a launcher button (just like the Launcher button on Chrome OS or the Start button on Windows).
This seems to be something that confuses a lot of people. You can safely ignore this step if you don’t know where the Kickoff button is. All it does is add a shortcut to your desktop menus. This is NOT required.
The exact location of the button can vary depending on the Linux distro you have installed, and the version of it. If you can’t find it, don’t worry.
Just do a quick search on “how to add applications to [your Linux distro] menu.” (without the quotes, obviously).
For example, if you installed Xfce, you can search for “how to add applications to xfce menu” and you’ll find a healthy dose of tutorials online.
Just pick one and follow it.
If you’re running Xfce, you can reference this guide.
In essence, it’s pretty straightforward to customize your menu in Xfce:
Go to Edit Applications > Games > New Item.
Type in “Minecraft” in the new window, and then click OK.
You’ve just added a new quick-access item to your Linux menu. Awesome.
You should have another window pop up after you’ve added Minecraft. Don’t close this, as you’ll need it for the next step.
You’re almost done! Take another sip. Can you smell the Creepers yet? Or how ’bout them Zombie Pigmen? Or Diamonds?
Note: If you’re running KDE and your Chromebook doesn’t give you the option to edit applications, open another command window and type “sudo apt-get install kmenuedit” which will install an additional application to give you the option.
If you do this you’ll need to log out and log back in and then repeat this step.
Can’t find the Kickoff button? Can’t figure out how to add a new item? Can’t work the menus?
If you can’t get the game added to your menu, don’t fret. It’s completely optional.
You can still launch, run, and play the game using the command prompt.
It just may get annoying after a while, so that’s why I included some steps on adding it as an application shortcut- but again, it’s not required to play the game.
Step 12: In the new window that popped up, look for some blank fields.
Go to the command field and type “java -jar Minecraft.jar” in the field.
Step 13: Click on the Advanced tab, and find the word path. Type “~/games/minecraft/” and then select the option to “run in terminal.”
Save and close the window when you’re done.
Step 14: Now when you launch the Xfce menu, you should be able to access Minecraft and add it to your home screen.
The icon will appear and you can launch it like a Windows (or Chrome) application.
The primary purpose of this is to make it easier to launch the game. You’re adding a shortcut to it so you don’t have to type in the code every time you want to play it.
Wouldn’t that get annoying rather quickly?
Double-click on the Minecraft icon and the game will run like just like you’re used to on Windows.
Again, if you run into any issues just leave a comment and I’ll see if I can help you out.
Congrats, you’ve just installed Minecraft on your Chromebook!
Treat yourself to some miner’s delights. Light some torches. Craft some pickaxes.
It’s Diamond time.
Couldn’t get it working? Want the best performance and FPS? Keep reading…

Differences between the Windows and Linux versions
The controls are identical, other than the missing keys on a Chromebook’s keyboard- but you can adjust them within the game’s settings screen.
Your profile settings, display settings, graphics, sound, FOV, rendering distance, mipmap settings, brightness, and other settings will revert back to the defaults, so you’ll have to reset all these settings.
However, since you’re playing it on a new device, you might as well go through them again quickly to optimize your experience.
You’ll also have to reinstall any mods you’re used to playing with. Yes, you can use mods on your Chromebook.
Isn’t that awesome? This means you use any and all mods that your laptop can handle. Thankfully, the majority of the must-have mods don’t require too many resources to run.
So you’re pretty much covered if you stick to these mods.
This includes some of the most popular Minecraft mods:
- JourneyMap
- Not Enough Items (NEI)
- WAILA
- Bibliocraft
- Carpenter’s Blocks
- Pam’s Harvest
- Biomes O’ Plenty
- Twilight Forest
- Inventory Tweaks
- Thaumcraft
- Thermal Expansion
- ComputerCraft
No matter which modes you decide to install, I only recommend that you get Optifine (aka Fastcraft) to help increase performance on your laptop for sure.
The majority of Chromebooks are pretty modest in terms of performance, and Optifine will nearly double your FPS for smoother performance.
Newer laptops really do pack quite a punch and if you happen to own one, you could probably get away without it.
But if you own an older one, you should probably get the mod to get better framerates.
This will let you go caving, mining, hunting, exploring, and build your empire with silky, buttery smoothness. Wouldn’t that be nice?
Update: Some people have asked me about getting mods and the process of installing them. The process is exactly the same as how you’d do it on Windows. You’d download the mod and then drag it into the “mods” folder.
So the process is:
- Download the mod.
- Drag the file into the mods folder.
- Relaunch Minecraft.
When you launch the game, you should see the modpack show up. I know that you’re probably not familiar with doing this on Ubuntu, so if you get stuck, ask me and I’ll try to help you out.
Of course, the modpack must be compatible with Linux-based systems. If you’re trying to use something that’s weird, it may not work. Texture packs tend to work just fine, as long as it doesn’t overload your computer.
Increasing Minecraft FPS and boosting performance on Chromebook
Chromebooks can get about 50 FPS or higher. I’ve seen frame rates in the 100+ category on a Chromebook.
It really depends on the specific model and make you have. A lot of newer laptops have tons of power and should be able to give buttery smooth framerates and you’ll be able to traverse Mushroom Island without a hiccup.
High-end Chromebooks such as the Chromebook Pixel, Samsung Plus, ASUS Flip 2, and HP 13 have powerful specs that can run Minecraft with a higher frame rate due to a faster and more powerful Intel processor and more RAM capacity.
They feature processors like Intel Core m3, m5, i3, and i5 processors which are many times more powerful than Pentium and Celeron CPUs.
(Thinking about upgrading your Chromebook just to play Minecraft? See this list of the best Chromebooks for running Linux.)
If you plan to do some serious gaming on your Chromebook with Minecraft or any other game, consider purchasing a stronger Chromebook. It’ll be worth it instead of having to deal with lag or FPS drops on a maxed-out Chromebook.
However, for most Chromebooks, they’re loaded with your standard Intel Pentium or Celeron processor with 4GB of RAM. This will net you in the 50 FPS range.
Is it high? Not really. Is it playable? Definitely.
You only need about 30 FPS to play Minecraft without too much distraction from performance issues.
That’s seriously not bad for such an inexpensive little machine running integrated graphics.
You can try tweaking the game settings and turning down the stuff that’s not important to you to give yourself a little FPS boost. This is where you’ll get the most performance- by changing the settings. Turn off fancy graphics. Use a lower render distance. Turn off all particles. Turn off animations. Turn off clouds. Turn down mipmap levels. Turn off anti-aliasing. Turn off view bobbing and V-Sync. Turn down the resolution. Use as little rendering power as you can.
You can also close all the other apps you have running as well to reserve your RAM for Minecraft specifically.
And again, you can try using some mods like Optifine or plain 16 x 16 texture packs.
There are a ton of mods out there and texture packs that can help speed up your game by reducing resource usage. Some of these mods are made just for improving your performance, so you just need to hunt them down.
You can also try using a different version of Linux. There are some extremely lightweight ones that are built just for speedy response times and minimal resource usage. You can check out this resource for a list of them. This should also help increase the performance of the game and snag you a few extra frames.
Feel free to experiment so you get the best performance possible from your laptop. It’s always good to squeeze out a few more frames so you can hunt down those zombies with an arrow from 350 blocks away. Oh yeah.
Can’t switch between Chrome OS and Linux?
If you’re having trouble switching between the two systems, you can try the following troubleshooting tips to fix the problem:
- Try using “CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + F1/F2” instead of “CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + Back/Forward Arrow”
- Log out of Linux by using the “Log off” function every time
- Restart the Chromebook
Can’t log in?
Sometimes Chrome OS will lock up when you’re trying to log in and thus can’t launch Linux. You’ll see that your username credentials change to:
“chronos@localhost”
To fix this, just use the command “sudo enter-chroot” and then “sudo startxfce4” or whatever distro you installed.
The reason you get this error is that you’re not running the command in the right place. You may be running the command from the Chrome OS shell, rather than the shell of the Linux install which will throw the error. The command enters the proper chroot.
Can’t get it to run?
- Double (or triple) check your lines of code (this is the most common issue, type in the lines of code exactly as shown without quotes)
- Did you use the exact password and username you created? (if it says your login credentials are wrong, it’s because they’re wrong; write down your password when prompted in the guide)
- Did you enable Developer Mode? (you need to do this)
- Did you restart your Chromebook when prompted? (it should be automatic, but if not, it’s important to restart)
- Did you use the right arguments in the commands suited for your laptop? (if you don’t have a touchscreen, don’t use the touchscreen argument)
- Did you try using Iced Tea?
- Read the Crouton FAQ page (it answers a lot of common questions)
- Read the steps thoroughly (it’s easy to skip an important substep)
- Read the comments (you may find your issue there; thanks to those who posted helpful comments!)
Getting the game to run is hit-or-miss. After dozens of comments on this article, it’s apparent that some models will work and others won’t- even if they’re both exactly the same brand or have the same specs. It’s quite perplexing.
Even if two people both have an Acer, Intel CPU, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, and the latest version of Chrome OS, one person may have success and the other gets stuck somewhere. It could be due to technical variation, but more likely it’s human error. Typing in lines of code into a black-and-white command terminal isn’t something the typical user is familiar with, therefore it’s easy to make a mistake.
It’s also quite extraordinary what we’re doing here- we’re trying to get a Java-based application to run on a laptop with an OS built to block such applications by using another OS which allows it. That’s the gist of it. Bugs, technical issues, and problems are just bound to happen. We’re pretty much going against nature here…in terms of Chrome OS. And it’s freakin’ glorious.
We’re bypassing some hard-coded software by building a workaround. It’s just pretty cool to think about. It makes you feel like a computer hacker.
If you can get the game running, you’re one of the few who made it. If not, you’re with the rest of us who are still trying to figure it out. With code changes, updates, and lots and lots of tweaking, it makes it both difficult and gives us a new window of opportunity at the same time to get this working.
I mean, we (everyone here) must all be hardcore Minecraft fans here if we’re willing to go this far just to play it on a Chromebook. Any breakthroughs or new findings will be posted here to help guide anyone who wants to give this a try.
Thanks to the fans and helpers in the comments who have contributed by helping others, suggesting alternatives, or posting new workarounds. These people have helped out (on their own time) and contributed to the discussion. I guess there really are nice people out there.
Got it to run?
Well, there you have it.
You’ve installed Minecraft on your Chromebook!
That wasn’t too hard, right?
To all the people that say you can’t play Minecraft on a Chromebook, just shove this guide in their face and rub it in.
Please share this guide if you found it helpful.
Now, go hunt for those Diamonds.
Dig in, Steve!
How do you do it on a chool chromebook/
Sorry, school chromebook.
Yes, it says “username@localhost:-$” also mentions something about xenial, What should I do? (Couldn’t reply so I had to make an entirely new comment)
Hello! When i open the xfce terminal no text saying sh-x.x$. shows up, What can that possible be?
Hey Cj,
What do you see when the prompt is launched? Does it ask for localhost?
Yes is does. what should i do about it?
Yes it does, my username@localhost:-$, What should i do about it?
Yes, it asks for my user@local:-$ What should i do?
Yes it says “username@localhost:-$” What should i do
Yes it says “Username@localhost:-$” what should i do about it? it also mention xenial
Same problem here! It says (xenial)usernamelocalhost:~$ I was thinking of power washing and going with KDE but was hoping this would work, what should I do?
Yes, it says “username@localhost:-$” what can i do about it?
I have to echo the same problem that I see unanswered in this forum
“I downloaded gdebi but ironically it displayed as a .deb file. I don’t know how to run .deb files, or which applications to run them with.”
What is the solution?
TY
i dont know how to use the xcfe terminal
This didn’t help me because I didn’t have the right version of Chromebook, my version is an HP Chromebook 12.
Ok, so I have gotten to download Minecraft and it works like a charm, but when I installed mods they don’t seem to work. I made a separate folder in the Minecraft system and even switched back to 1.7.10. Can you help me install the mods?
i got changed it to .deb but neither .jar or .deb work for me. it opens the terminal for a split second then it closes. i need help.
Hi! I made it to the 13th step but when I double click Minecraft it gives me a error saying unable to access JarFile, please suggest what I should do.
Hi! I made it to the 13th step but when I double click Minecraft it gives me a error saying unable to access jarfile, please suggest what I should do
Hey Newox,
Could you upload an image of the problem? Did the game install successfully? You could try using the .deb file instead if the command doesn’t work.
Thanks.
hello I wanted to tell you that your tutorial was very helpful however I was having a few problems with my game. When you mentioned the new beta Linux version that you mentioned earlier is what I used to run the game Minecraft however there are some problems operating the game like the controls don’t necessarily match up to the actions… I was wondering if you had any advice on this 🙂
Hey Guitar,
Could it be a connection problem? Is there noticeable latency and lag when you try to move around in the world? Or the controls aren’t mapped correctly? Or am I missing the picture and it’s something else entirely?
Thanks.
When I go to terminal xfce and type konsole it says command not found please give me suggestions on what I should do.
what about hp Chromebook 14? will that Run minecraft well?
Hey Nick,
As long as it has an Intel-based CPU, you should be good to go! You can check what kind of CPU you have by using the resources in the tutorial near the beginning.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Thanks.
Another way to get back in to linux was “ctrl alt t” opens command prompt.
crosh> “shell”
chronos@localhost / $ “sudo startxfce4”
Enter your password and you’re in!
I got the installer onto the desktop and was not able to continue getting an error message saying that I have the incorrect architecture. I figured since I had gotten that far I could download Minecraft from a different source with the correct architecture. The only types I found are amd64 and i386. Both of these installs also give me the same error message.
Hey Zaeryth,
What kind of Chromebook do you have? Do you happen to know the CPU type (Intel/AMD/MediaTek)?
Thanks.
Hi! I got an acer specifically recommended on this site to see if I can get minecraft on there. I Installed Linux and can toggle back and forth but when I go back to Chrome, I get a dbus error. Even with trusty. I’m using an Acer 14 cb3 431. Help!!
Can you get it to work on my HP Chromebook x360 – 11-ae010nr. I can’t get it to work because I can’t get to the developer mode on this. That also might because it is a school laptop.
Hey Kunkun,
Typically, managed laptops like school/work Chromebooks have Developer Mode disabled by default. You’ll have to ask an admin to get your permission.
You may find this guide about managing enrolled Chromebooks helpful.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks.
Just got modded minecraft running on Acer Chromebook Spin 13 (CP713-1WN-53NF) but I’m getting <30fps most of the time and I see some 15fps often. So, what am I doing wrong. I think this chromebook is better than most and you say most are capable of 50fps!? yikes. 100fps? I don't believe it.
Intel Core i5-8250U, 1.6Ghz w/ turbo boost up to 3.4GHz
8GB RAM
What about modded minecraft through the Twitch desktop app?
I didn’t read far enough into your article where you mention mods. I also found that Twitch app doesn’t run on Linux, but there is a light weight launcher that does with instructions on how to get a great modpack running on linux here: https://sevtechages.gamepedia.com/How_to_install_Sevtech_with_Multimc
Hey TD,
Thanks for this. Lemme check it out and see if I work it into this tutorial. Awesome suggestion!
“20 seconds ago XD”
Sevtech is an awesome pack, but for some reason I can’t get MultiMC to install it. Did you get it working @AndyZ?
Hi! Installed Linux (I think?) and can seem to toggle back and forth between it and chrome but when I do go back to Chrome, it shows a dbus error. Even with trusty. I’m using an Acer 14 cb3 431.
I’m on an Acer Spin 13 and I didn’t get the dbus error, however when I switch back to Chrome from Linux, the colors are all inverted weird. Not grey scale, but blues and purples. If I do Ctrl+Alt+ForwardArrow and then Ctrl+Alt+BackArrow the color problem goes away.
Hi! I’m still getting the dbus error even with trusty? Using an Acer. Ideas? Thanks!
Am i dumb? I cant figure out how to get it to work with the linux beta thats built into my chromebook.
Hey dora,
If you already have Linux, you just need to go to the Minecraft downloads page:
https://minecraft.net/en-us/download/alternative/
Then grab the Minecraft.deb file. After that, you’ll want to get gdebi to run the .deb file from the Ubuntu Software Center (or you can just search for “how to run .deb files” and use specific commands if you don’t want to download the program.
After that, you’re all set. You should be able to run the game!
Let me know if you need help.
Thanks.
I cant figure out the file path to use, none of them work.
“file path”? what do you mean “file path to use”. After downloading the .deb file, double click it and it will install and then you will find it in the Applications menu (top left corner when in Linux). I found Minecraft under Games. I thought it wasn’t installing cause it never told me where it put it, nor did I get a link in the desktop.
what does it have to do with the type of chrome book for example i am lagit on a chromebook right now right this second. it is still blocked. plz help me.
its not working for me plus it is blocked. what is wrong?
Still getting the dbus error even with trusty? Using an Acer
Specifically Acer 14 cb3 431
I know someone else commented about this already. But when i type in “mv ~/Downloads/Minecraft.jar ~/games/minecraft” it says it can’t find a file. You said to find the “Ubuntu Center” but i don’t know where that is located, or what to do after that step in general. I’ve been trying for hours but i can’t get it to work
Hey Zydagon,
You can go here to download the game:
https://minecraft.net/en-us/download/alternative/
You’ll want to get the minecraft.deb file.
Then install it by typing:
“sudo apt install ./minecraft.deb”
OR
“sudo apt install /path/to/package/minecraft.deb” depending on where you downloaded the game.
You can also get something like gdebi to launch the file if you’re having problems. There are a ton out there that you can directly download from the Ubuntu Software Center, which should be included by default when you installed it.
Let me know if you still can’t get it running.
Thanks.
I tried both of the first two code lines you gave me and none of them worked. Where is the Ubuntu Software Center located so I can find gdebi?
I’m using KDE and (I think) my chromebook is powered by ARM
I downloaded gdebi but ironically it displayed as a .deb file. I don’t know how to run .deb files, or which applications to run them with.
it says its blocked im using school chromebook
Hey there,
Yeah, in that case, your school’s admin team disabled the ability to install Linux or probably run any games within it. You’ll need to get in touch with an admin and get permission to have Developer Mode enabled.
This guide may help you out.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thanks.
hey jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj it says blocked for me too, i am also using a school chromebook. help me plz i keep on getting no feedback.:( !
Hey supreme,
Are you getting an error saying it’s blocked? What does it say exactly? Could it be your school’s firewall or restriction on the device?
Thanks.
1) When i visit http://www.minecraft.net to download minecraft it just says “Unfortunately we couldn’t find a minecraft version suitable for your device”
2) When I typed in “mv ~/Downloads/Minecraft.jar ~/games/minecraft” it said there’s no such file
Any idea what to do about the error “do not launch startxfce4 as root inside the chroot”?
Thank you!
Hey JB,
What distro did you install? Are you running KDE? If so, xfce “trusty” should fix this bug. You’ll have to reinstall it, but it’s quick and easy.
You may also be using “sudo startxfce4,” you’ll want to remove the “sudo” when you in a chroot.
Is Minecraft Windows 10 Edition possible?
it didn’t really work for me, i have a chromebook right now that i am using and it is not working:(
Is there any way to get optifine on a Chromebook?
Hey Goon,
I believe you can just copy/paste OptiFine into the mods folder and it should work just like how it does on a Windows PC. It’s been a while since I tried, but there’s a section in this guide that goes over OptiFine so you can boost your FPS.
Let me know if you can’t get it working.
Thanks.
i entered in all the code for step 10, but i cant get anything to work after that point. nothing else is showing up on my screen
on mojang’s website (minecraft.net) it says “Note; Minecraft does not work on a chromebook”
…
just look up ‘minecraft linux’ and the right download will show up
it says minecraft not available on chromebooks when i type it in chrome browser please help also i dont understand the part where it says i can skip installation if i have linux beta cause i do have linux beta option and i have it enabled on my asus c202s chromebook
Hey,
If you already have Linux enabled, you can simply download Minecraft directly from Mojang. Does the game not let you download? You’ll want to grab the “minecraft.deb” file.
just download minecraft.deb, make sure it is in your downloads folder, open the terminal, and type:
sudo apt install ./Downloads/minecraft.deb
the linux terminal
ar old linux user
slgoahifndfbnignbinvpxpgpib
Thas has been an awesomely written article – thank you. We had it up and running and shut down the computer and then try to get back in to Linux and it comes up with black developer’s console screen wanting local host login and password but doesn’t accept what we had entered. Any ideas?
Hey Glngerninja,
Hmm, try logging in again and when you’re prompted with “localhost login” do the following:
1. Type “root” and hit Enter.
2. Type the password you set for root earlier. If you didn’t set one, leave it blank and just hit Enter.
If that doesn’t work, try using “chronos” as the user and the password you set for it.
Let me know if you’re still stuck. And thanks for the kind words =]!
Tried that and when we type in “root” and press enter it then comes back with “localhost” written in red and then ~ # after it?
Oh, it sounds like you’re in Chrome OS. That’s probably why.
Try switching over to Linux (“CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + Forward Arrow”) and then logging in. The Forward Arrow is on the top row of your keyboard, not the keypad at the bottom! You can also try “CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + F1/F2”
If Linux hasn’t already been started, you’ll have to launch it by typing “sudo” then “startxfce4” or “startkde” depending on which one you installed.
Thanks.
Andy Z is the man!
I was stuck locked out of linux seemingly.
Ctrl alt > and < could toggle between chrome and a prompt but i couldn't log in. Andy hooked me up with:
"Chronos" (enter)
"sudo enter-chroot" (enter)
"sudo startxfce4" (enter)
You have to enter your password somewhere when prompted. But….
Bam! Back in Linux.
Now to figure out an easier way to get back in…
Thanks again!
hello! what do i have to do to download optifine? do i just download it and open the file cause i tried opening the file and nothing would happne
Download OptiFine as normal and right-click it and click “Properties”. There should be a box that says “Run as executable”. Click it, then hit OK. Click OptiFine and it should load up.
Thank you so much for an awesome detailed tutorial!
Santa brought my daughter a Lenovo N21 not realizing minecraft wouldn’t work. (This 8 year old kid managed to get minecraft and add ons on an ipad with no $ i had to try and make this work)
Twice I’ve gotten minecraft up and running for her on this chromebook following your basic install. but can’t log back in to save my life. Yes i wrote Down passwords…
I power washed once. Then started over.
Developer console
Localhost login:
Login incorrect
Can’t get past it …
Root changes it to
Localhost ~ #
Chronos changes it to
Chronos@localhost
I’m floundering here
Hey JB,
Hmm, when you log in and it changes to “Chronos@localhost,” try running this command:
sudo enter-chroot
That error you’re getting is typically what happens when you run the command from the Chrome OS shell, rather than the Linux install inside your chroot.
Let me know if that doesn’t work. And thanks for the kind words! This is why I write =].
That got me:
(xenial)username@localhost:~$
Sorry. But I’m stuck trying to get back into linux…
I can’t seem to get the Minecraft.jar file. I saw the previous comments and followed your instructions, but I am stuck. I downloaded the GDebi package installer that you told zehbrah to install, but when I install the Minecraft.deb file using GDebi, nothing happens. I can’t find a new file in my downloads or games file, and nothing happened to the Minecraft.deb file. I used a deb to jar file converter I found online to convert the file to a Minecraft.jar file, but when I tried to run it I get an error saying, unable to access jarfile Minecraft.jar. Any idea as to what I should do?
Hey 1915,
Hmm, do you have Java installed? If not, run the following commands:
sudo apt-add-repository ppa:webupd8team/java
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install oracle-java8-installer
Once it’s done doing its thing, and you have the .jar file, right-click on the Minecraft.jar file and select Open with > Java Runtime and the game should launch.
If this doesn’t work, something seriously weird is going on and I’ll have to break out the Chromebook and take a look.
Thanks.
Hello, I got java to download but when I try to open Minecraft the way you told me to, It just opens for a second before closing with no error given. Maybe if I could find a ‘run in terminal’ option then it might work? I am using kde if that makes a difference.
Hello. I unfortunately received the same error ~/Downloads/Minecraft.jar ~/games/minecraft line of code it gave me an error that it couldn’t find a file.
Continued through the process and when I attempt to open Minecraft. It comes up and immediately closes. After reading the comments I was going to attempt the .jar file but I do not see it on the website.
I see one that says Minecraft.tar.gz
I am using Dell Chromebook Inspiron 11
Hey Atcogan812,
After download and extracting that file, look for Minecraft.jar. That’s the file you need to run. You can see my previous comment for details.
Let me know if you’re still stuck.
Thanks.
I believe that I am having the same issue. I can download Minecraft but it only shows up as Minecraft.deb. I can’t seem to find Minecaft.jar after downloading the file.
Hey Zehbrah,
Oh, looks like Minecraft updated their downloads page. No wonder.
Try this:
1. Launch the Ubuntu Software Center (should be tucked in your menus)
2. Search for “GDebi Package Installer”
3. Download/install the application.
4. Download Minecraft.deb from the Minecraft official downloads page.
5. Find the GDebi installer.
6. Right-click on it.
7. Select “Open with” and choose the Minecraft.deb file.
8. Be patient and let it do its thing.
After that, you should have Minecraft installed and you can launch it by going to Applications > Games > Minecraft (or something like that). Then you can log in with your account details.
Let me know if this doesn’t work.
Thanks.
I actually can’t get back to Linux. When I do ctrl+alt+ forward arrow, I get a prompt asking for the localhost login. I tried my username and password but that didn’t work. I also did ctrl+alt+T and then typed in shell, since you told a previous user to do so, but it didn’t work. Any ideas as to what to do?
No worries. Sometimes the comment system glitches.
Can you switch when you hit CTRL + ALT + F1/F2?
When it prompts for “localhost” what happens when you use “root” as username and the same password you created for your account? Does that work?
Thanks.
(I don’t see my reply, so if it posts twice then I am sorry) I can’t get back to Linux. I am asked for a localhost login. I saw that you told other people to do ctrl + alt + T and then type shell to fix it, but when I did it, nothing happened. Any ideas?
Ok, so I was able to get into Linux, and got the the Ubuntu Software Center but I can’t get the GDebi Package Installer. I get an Authentication Error. It says, Software can’t be installed or removed because the authentication service is not available. (org.freedesktop.PolicyKit.Error.Failed: (‘system-bus-name’, {‘name’:1.44}): org.debian.apt.install-or-remove-packages. Then it says, You are not allowed to preform this action.
Hey again,
Sorry. Didn’t see your new comment show up until a bit after I replied to the previous one.
You can try either of these:
Run the command prompt and type this line:
/usr/lib/policykit-1-gnome/polkit-gnome-authentication-agent-1
Then try installing GDebi again and see if it works.
You can also try doing a search on your desktop (hit the superkey) and then search for “startup applications” in all programs. Then click “Add” and add the same line to it:
/usr/lib/policykit-1-gnome/polkit-gnome-authentication-agent-1
If none of those work, there are alternative ways to get Minecraft going. Let me know. Sorry that you’re running through a few hoops to get this going. Sometimes it just works and other times it’s finicky. No idea why.
Thanks.
Thanks for this walkthrough. I was able to load Minecraft on an Acer Chromebook. I used KDE, did NOT use the trusty version. And I installed java through the apt command. Used the dpkg from the comments below to unpack the Minecraft.deb file. Then ran the install -f command and it worked!
Hey Kasper,
I’m glad you got it working! Comments like yours make this all worthwhile =].
Thanks.
You don’t need to create all of the additional directories and install java, the .deb package can be installed and ran with programs preloaded onto linux (gdebi package installer).
Hi in the step 10, for Mkdir ~/games it’s doesn’t work. it’s written, bash : Mkdir : command not found. Can you help me please.
My first attempt to install Linux did not go well. I got to step 10 and after the mv ~/Downloads/Minecraft.jar ~/games/minecraft line of code it gave me an error that it couldn’t find a file. If I start again, is it going to create another partition to my drive? And do I need to be concerned with that? It is a brand new Acer chromebook.
Hey Hoglenyc,
If you decide to Powerwash, it’ll wipe the Linux partition and restore it back to just Chrome OS on your SSD- just like when you first got it.
Chromebooks are extremely versatile and can be reversed back to default settings with just a Powerwash as many times as you like.
Also, here’s a guide on Powerwashing you may want to take a glance at.
This time around, you can try downloading Minecraft directly from their site.
Get the Minecraft.jar file.
Then do the following:
1. Right-click Minecraft.jar
2. Go to Properties > Permissions
3. Tick the box for “Allow executing file as program”
4. Launch the command prompt (“CTRL + ALT + T”)
5. Type in the following code, one line at a time:
sudo apt-add-repository ppa:webupd8team/java
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install oracle-java8-installer
6. Double-click Minecraft.jar and the launcher will appear
7. Log in with your account
8. Play!
Let me know if you get stuck again.
Thanks.
Thanks! I just thought of something. Do I need to download the Minecraft.jar in the Linux OS? I downloaded it on the chrome OS last time.
Thanks! Does it matter if I download the Minecraft.jar file on chrome or Linux?
Hey Hoglenyc,
No problem.
Yes, it should be downloaded on Linux in order for the process to work =].
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thanks.
Every time I put in the mkdir-/games, it says No such file or directory. Any help?
There should be a space between the command and the directory name. And if there’s no directory that already exists, you can use the -p flag like this:
“mkdir -p games”
Thanks.
Hello, I tried to do what you said and it does not work. It says “Mkdir, command not found”. Can you help me ?
Do you switch it to the Developer Channel or Mode? Is there a difference?
Hey Knux,
You enable Developer Mode by pressing the keyboard combination and rebooting your Chromebook. It’s not the same as the Developer Channel.
The Developer Channel is more like a version of Chrome OS that lets you mess around and test new features, but doing so only enables you to do just that. It won’t let you install Linux, which is required for Minecraft as Chrome OS doesn’t support Java (or any third-party programs).
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thanks.
Hi, we have an Asus C202S, which has in the settings an option to turn on (which then downloads) Linux (beta). Do I then just start from your step seven?
Hey JimBob,
Yup! You can skip the Linux install and just jump straight to the Minecraft installation =].
I’m going to update this tutorial with instructions for installing Minecraft with Linux beta on Chromebooks next month. But for now, you can just skip everything up until the actual Minecraft download.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thanks.
Im stuck on trying to download minecraft. I have Linux but when it said to go back to the chrome browser and download minecraft it still says chromebook isnt available. Ive downloaded it on Linux only but I can never get the launcher to open
Hey EMma,
Can you copy/paste the exact error output you’re getting when you try to download the game?
You may have to install Java, which can be done easily like this:
1. Launch the command prompt “CTRL + ALT + T”
2. Type the following commands:
sudo apt-add-repository ppa:webupd8team/java
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install oracle-java8-installer
3. Wait for Java to install.
4. After it’s done, pretty much all you need to do is grab Minecraft from Mojang.
5. Then after it’s downloaded, find it in your “Downloads” folder.
6. Right-click on it and go to Permissions.
7. Tick the box that says “Allow executing file as program”
8. Then double-click on it to launch the launcher.
9. Log in with your Minecraft account and you’re good to go!
Let me know if you’re still having problems.
Thanks.
Ive had this installed and working on my Chromebook for sometime now, and recently whenever I try to start up Linux with sudo startxfce4 , It begins to start up, then says it failed to access it, permission denied. Any ideas on this one?
Hey KuliTV,
Try doing this:
Download Crouton here
Launch shell (“CTRL + ALT + T”)
Punch in “sudo sh ~/Downloads/crouton -u -n trusty”
Then “sudo enter-chroot trusty”
If you’re not running trusty, replace it with your chroot’s name.
I think this should fix the problem. Let me know if it doesn’t!
Thanks.
after much fiddling around with this, I finally realized that my chroots name was Xenial, and I was able to get back into Linux (Thank you for your help!), and now I’ve run into another problem which is just as annoying. Upon attempting to run Minecraft using the command prompt, it simply states “cannot access jar file Minecraft.jar”. I have been trying to figure this out on my own for a bit now, and so far no progress has been made
Alright, after awhile I was able to get Linux up and working again. But now when I try to start up Minecraft, it tells me it “cannot access jar file Minecraft.jar” which is confusing, as I said earlier, everything was working perfectly fine for a long while.
it says ERROR how do i fix dissss 🙂
I have an Acer Chromebook 14. Minecraft loads and starts correctly. My issue is that the trackpad and usb mouse controls only spin Steve around. He cannot look around, only one spot on the ground. Movement keys work, he can move forward, back, left and right. The game is unplayable at the moment.
Hello! Everything went smoothly up until Step 6. When I tried switching back to Chrome os from Linux, it only showed a black screen. When I press the key combo again when I’m at the black screen, it goes back to Linux.
Hey Cece,
Try rebooting your Chromebook. When it boots up, you should see a warning prompt. Stay in Dev Mode with OS Verification OFF and try logging into your Chromebook again. Sometimes the switch causes some graphical glitches which renders the screen blank, but it’s easily fixed with a restart!
Let me know if you’re still getting the same problem.
Thanks.
I read the article and noticed that it said most chromebooks are not compatible, if I have a Samsung chromebook 3 with intel Celeron, is it compatible?
Hey there,
Yes, all you need is an Intel-based Chromebook, which the Samsung 3 has =]. You should be fine. The only processors you need to watch out for are ARM-based CPUs or MediaTek ones, which are found in a few models here and there. But as for you, you should be okay.
Let me know if you have any other questions. Get your Minecraft on!
Thanks.