Chromebooks are becoming increasingly popular, and with their user-friendly interface, they’re not just for productivity but also for gaming. If you’re an enthusiastic gamer looking to bring your favorite Steam games to your Chromebook, you’re in luck! Installing Steam on a Chromebook is a straightforward process, opening up a world of gaming possibilities. In this guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of installing Steam on your Chromebook.
Set Up Linux on a Chromebook
1. First off, open the Settings page by clicking on the cogwheel icon in the Quick Settings panel.
2. Next, click on “Advanced” in the left pane and expand the menu. After that, click on “Developers“. If you have a school-issued Chromebook and the “Developers” menu is not available then contact your school administrator.
3. Once you are in the Developers menu, click on “Turn on” next to the “Linux development environment (Beta)” section.
4. A setup dialog will open up. Now, click on the “Install” button and proceed ahead to run Linux on your Chromebook.
5. On the next page, enter your desired username for Linux and select “Customised” to choose how much disk space you want for Linux. I have total internal storage of 64GB so I have allotted 25GB. If you have a larger storage capacity and want to play games or develop programs on Linux, you should extend the storage even further.
6. It will take a few minutes to install Linux on your Chromebook. After the installation is done, you can run Linux and start using the Linux Terminal on your Chromebook. You will find the Terminal app inside the launcher.
Download Steam on Chromebook
Enhancing your Linux experience on a Chromebook involves not only setting up the Linux environment but also leveraging tools like Flatpak for efficient app management. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough to install Flatpak on your Chromebook’s Linux environment, allowing you access to an extensive array of applications.
Step 1: Launching the Terminal App
Press the Search/Launcher key on your Chromebook, type “Terminal,” launch the Terminal app, and click on Penguin.
Step 2: Installing Flatpak
To install Flatpak, execute the following command in the terminal:
sudo apt install flatpak
Step 3: Adding the Flathub Repository
Flathub serves as a central hub for Flatpak apps. Enable it by running the following command:
flatpak --user remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoStep 4: Restart to Complete Setup
Restart Your Linux Environment: To finalize the setup, restart your Linux environment. Right-click on the terminal, then select “Shut down Linux.” Once rebooted, you’re ready to explore and install a variety of Flatpak apps tailored to your needs.
With Flatpak installed and Flathub configured, you’ve unlocked a streamlined process for acquiring and managing applications on your Chromebook’s Linux environment. Now it’s time to install Steam.
Step 5: Download Steam on Chromebook
Press the Search/Launcher key on your Chromebook, type “Terminal,” and launch the Terminal app, and click on Penguin.
To install Steam, execute the following command in the terminal:
flatpak install flathub com.valvesoftware.SteamIt will take a few minutes to install Steam on your Chromebook. After the installation is done, you can run Steam and start using it on your Chromebook. You will find the Steam app inside the launcher.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bringing Steam to your Chromebook opens up a world of gaming possibilities, allowing you to enjoy your favorite titles on this versatile device. While the process involves setting up Linux on your Chromebook, the step-by-step guide provided simplifies the installation of Steam through Flatpak. Leveraging tools like Flatpak and Flathub enhances your Chromebook’s Linux environment, providing efficient app management and access to a diverse range of applications. By following the outlined steps, you not only make your Chromebook a productivity powerhouse but also transform it into a gaming platform, demonstrating the adaptability and flexibility of this increasingly popular device. So, dive into the gaming experience on your Chromebook and explore the vast world of Steam, right at your fingertips.