Chromebook runs on Chrome OS which is similar to Google Chrome browser. It is a low-cost alternative to traditional laptops. It is mainly used to run web applications. It boots much faster than Windows or Mac laptops. Chromebook lacks the features Windows 11 has. To be able to use Windows 11, you need to get a regular laptop. But at times, we have to use the resources we have. In such cases, this guide will help you to learn how to install Windows 11 on a Chromebook.
Is it OK to install Windows on a Chromebook?
When you install Windows 11 on a Chromebook, the warranty the device comes with becomes void as Chromebooks are meant to run Chrome OS in the older models. In addition to that, Windows 11 is heavy on Chromebooks and can impact the performance of the laptop hugely. Some Chromebooks are incompatible with running Windows 11 or any Windows OS. It might pose risks to the device and its security. After the installation of Windows 11, you cannot revert to Chrome OS and the data will be erased on the Chromebook if you do not install it via virtual machine.
How to install Windows 11 on Chromebook?
To install Windows 11 on a Chromebook, you need to follow the below method.
- Enter Developers settings and enable Linux Beta
- Transfer Windows 11 ISO to the Linux files directory
- Install KVM and Create a Virtual Machine using Windows 11 ISO
Let’s get into the details of the process.
To get started, open the Settings app on the Chromebook and select Advanced. Then, click on Developers. In the Developers settings, click on Turn on beside Linux development environment (Beta). Allocate a size of at least 80GB to run Windows 11 without any issue, and click Install.
If the Developer features are not enabled, you can enable it by pressing Esc+Refresh+Power buttons simultaneously and selecting Enable Debugging features.
It will install Linux on the Chromebook and create a directory. Transfer the Windows 11 ISO file downloaded from the Microsoft website to the Linux files directory.
Now, open the Terminal app from the Linux apps or by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T and run the following command to update all the packages and dependencies.
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
After running it successfully, run the following command to install QEMU and Virtual Machine Manager
sudo apt install qemu-kvm libvirt-clients libvirt-daemon-system bridge-utils virtinst libvirt-daemon virt-manager -y
It will install Virtual Machine Manager in the Linux apps folder. Launch the Virtual Machine Manager. Click on the File and select New Virtual Machine.
In Step 1 of creating a new virtual machine, check the button beside Local install media (ISO Image or CDROM) select Forward, and select the Windows 11 ISO file you have earlier moved to the Linux files directory following the on-screen options to browse and select.
In the Memory, allocate 4096 (4GB) and select 4 as the CPU cores. In the Create a disk image for the virtual machine, select a memory of more than 65 GB and click Forward. Follow the on-screen options and click Finish. If you see a popup saying Virtual Network is not active, click Yes. It will boot your Chromebook and you can proceed with Windows 11 installation.
Alternatively, you can use third-party premium programs like Parallels to install Windows 11 on Chromebook. For older Chromebooks, it involves opening the back shield of the Chromebook and disabling the security chip to install Windows 11 which is not at all recommended as they cannot run the resource-demanding OS like Windows 11.
Also read: Stream Windows to Chromebook, MacBook, Linux devices using Chrome Remote Desktop
Can you put Windows on a Chromebook without USB?
Yes, you can install Windows on a Chromebook without a USB. It involves downloading the ISO file from Microsoft and mounting it on a Virtual Machine. The process does not involve a USB except for the allocation of internal memory to the virtual machine to run smoothly.
Is Chromebook a Windows PC?
No, Chromebook is not a Windows PC as it comes with Chrome OS and lower resources than a Windows laptop. Chrome OS is a better choice if you run web apps, and have no installations involved. They come for a lower price than a Windows laptop and work conveniently for web-based tasks.
Related read: Chromebook set to dual-boot with Windows.
