Chromebooks run ChromeOS, a lightweight system built for web-based tasks and Android apps. But you might need specific Windows software for work or personal projects.
You can get Windows on a Chromebook through a virtual machine setup using Linux. This method lets you run Windows 10 directly on your device without external hardware like USB drives.
The process uses your Chromebook’s built-in Linux support to create a virtual environment for Windows. You’ll download an official Windows ISO file and configure it through a virtual machine application.
This approach keeps ChromeOS and Windows separate but accessible on the same device.
How to Get Windows On A Chromebook?
Getting Windows on a Chromebook requires three main phases: preparing your system, obtaining Windows files, and setting up the virtual machine. Each phase takes about 15-20 minutes to complete.
Enable Linux Support on Your Chromebook
Open Settings on your Chromebook and find the Linux (Beta) option. Click Turn On to activate Linux support.
The system will prompt you to choose disk space allocation. Select the recommended 5 GB option and click Next.
A Linux Terminal window appears after activation. Type sudo apt update in the terminal and press Enter. This command prepares your system for Windows installation by updating Linux packages.
Download the Windows Installation File
Visit Microsoft’s official website to download Windows 10. Choose your preferred Windows 10 edition from the available options and click Confirm.
Select your language from the dropdown menu. Click Confirm again to proceed.
Choose the 64-bit download option to get the Windows ISO file. The download may take 20-40 minutes depending on your internet speed.
Open the Files app after the download completes. Locate the ISO file in your Downloads folder and drag it to the Linux (Beta) folder. This step makes the file accessible to your virtual machine.
Set Up the Virtual Machine
Open your App Drawer and navigate to the Linux Apps section. Launch the Virtual Machine application designed for Linux environments.
Click ISO Image in the setup window. Click Forward to continue.
Select Browse to find the Windows ISO file you moved earlier. Click Forward after selecting the file.
Set your disk size to at least 40 GB. Windows needs this space to install properly and run smoothly. Click Forward to move to the final step.
Click Finish to start the Windows installation process. The installation runs automatically and takes 30-60 minutes to complete.
Your Chromebook now runs Windows 10 alongside ChromeOS. You can switch between operating systems without restarting your device.
This virtual machine approach works better than USB installation methods because Chromebooks don’t support traditional dual-boot configurations. The method described here uses resources efficiently without compromising ChromeOS performance.
If you need more flexibility with Windows applications, consider exploring Windows emulator options for Chromebook or learning about Chrome OS vs Windows 11 performance differences. For alternative access methods, you can also run Windows through remote desktop connections.
FAQs
Can you install Windows on any Chromebook?
Most modern Chromebooks support Windows through virtual machines if they have Linux support enabled. Your device needs at least 8 GB RAM and 50 GB storage space for smooth performance.
Does running Windows slow down my Chromebook?
Windows runs in a contained virtual environment that uses allocated resources only. Your ChromeOS performance remains unchanged when Windows isn’t actively running on your device.
Can I remove Windows after installation?
You can remove Windows by deleting the virtual machine through Linux settings. This process frees up the allocated disk space and removes all Windows files from your Chromebook.
Do I need a Windows license?
You need a valid Windows 10 license to activate Windows after installation. Microsoft offers various licensing options including retail, OEM, and volume licenses for different user needs.
Can I use Windows apps offline?
Windows applications work offline once installed in your virtual machine. You don’t need an internet connection to run installed programs, though some apps require connectivity for specific features.
