Linux Mint is a popular and user-friendly Linux distribution that many users enjoy for its stability and ease of use. If you are a Chromebook user, you may want to try Linux Mint but are unsure how to do so within the confines of Chrome OS. Fortunately, with the help of the Crostini feature, you can run a Linux environment on your Chromebook. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to download and run Linux Mint on your Chromebook.
Prerequisites
- Chromebook with Linux Support: Ensure your Chromebook supports Linux (Crostini). Most modern Chromebooks do, but it’s best to check your settings.
- Stable Internet Connection: You’ll need a reliable internet connection to download the necessary files.
- Storage Space: Ensure you have enough storage space on your Chromebook for the Linux Mint installation.
Step 1: Enable Linux (Beta) on Your Chromebook
- Open Settings: Click on the time in the bottom-right corner of the screen, then click on the gear icon to open the settings.
- Find Linux (Beta): Scroll down in the settings menu until you find "Developers" or "Linux (Beta)."
- Turn On Linux (Beta): Click on “Turn On.” Follow the prompts to set up the Linux container. This will install a terminal that you can use for Linux commands.
Step 2: Update the Linux Environment
Before downloading Linux Mint, it is essential to ensure that your Linux environment is up to date.
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Open the Terminal: Once the Linux (Beta) is installed, you can open the terminal application.
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Update and Upgrade Packages: In the terminal, type the following commands one by one and press Enter:
sudo apt update sudo apt upgrade -
Enter Your Password: If prompted, enter your password. This will ensure your system has the latest packages and security updates.
Step 3: Download Linux Mint ISO
While you cannot run Linux Mint directly on your Chromebook, you can download the Linux Mint ISO file for a virtual machine or to create a bootable USB drive if you want to install it on another machine.
- Visit the Linux Mint Website: Open your Chrome browser and navigate to the Linux Mint download page.
- Choose Your Version: Select the version of Linux Mint you want (e.g., Cinnamon, MATE, or Xfce) based on your preferences.
- Select a Mirror: Choose a download mirror that is closest to your geographical location for a faster download.
- Download the ISO: Click on the link to download the Linux Mint ISO file to your Chromebook. This file will typically be saved to your “Downloads” folder.
Step 4: (Optional) Create a Bootable USB Drive
If you intend to install Linux Mint on another machine, you may want to create a bootable USB drive.
- Get a USB Drive: Use a USB flash drive with at least 4GB of space.
- Install Etcher: You can install Etcher or use the command line with
ddto create a bootable USB. To install Etcher, you can download the AppImage from the Etcher website. - Run Etcher: Open the Etcher AppImage from the terminal or your file manager.
- Select the ISO: In Etcher, select the downloaded Linux Mint ISO file.
- Select Your USB Drive: Ensure that the correct USB drive is selected.
- Create the Bootable USB: Click on the "Flash!" button to create the bootable USB drive.
Step 5: Boot from USB (If Needed)
If you created a bootable USB drive and wish to install Linux Mint:
- Reboot Your Computer: Insert the bootable USB drive into the target machine and restart.
- Access Boot Menu: While your computer is starting, access the boot menu (usually by pressing F2, F10, F12, or Esc, depending on your manufacturer).
- Select USB Drive: Choose the USB drive from the boot menu to start the Linux Mint installation process.
- Follow the Installation Instructions: Proceed with the installation by following the on-screen instructions.
Conclusion
While you cannot run Linux Mint directly on your Chromebook due to its Chrome OS nature, you can easily download the ISO file and create a bootable USB drive for installation on another machine. Using Crostini, you can still enjoy various Linux applications directly on your Chromebook. Happy exploring!
