As many of you are undoubtedly aware of, the world of gaming has expanded its horizons to embrace Chrome OS. Yes, you heard it right! Steam gaming has now made its way to Chromebooks, albeit in an alpha stage. While it’s still being tested and fine-tuned, the prospect of playing your favorite Steam games on a Chromebook is undoubtedly exciting. However, getting Steam up and running on your Chromebook may seem like a daunting task for many users. That’s where we come in.
How To Install Steam on A Chromebook: A Step-by-Step Guide
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of setting up Steam on an eligible Chromebook, making your gaming dreams a reality.
Understanding Compatibility
Before we dive into the installation process, it’s crucial to understand which Chromebooks support Steam gaming. At present, Steam gaming is compatible with a select few Chromebook models, including:
- Acer Chromebook 514
- Acer Chromebook 515
- Acer Chromebook Spin 713
- ASUS Chromebook CX5
- ASUS Chromebook CX9
- HP Pro c640
- Lenovo 5i 14
However, not all variants of these models are supported. To ensure compatibility, your Chromebook must be equipped with an Intel 11th Gen processor, preferably Core i5 or higher.
Installation Steps
Switch to the Developer Channel:
- Navigate to Settings > About Chrome OS > Additional details.
- Click on “Change channel” and select “Developer.”
- Accept the prompt to download the developer build. Note that switching to the developer channel may cause some instability, so proceed with caution.
Enable Borealis Flags:
- Open a new tab and type
chrome://flagsin the address bar. - Search for “Borealis” and enable the flag labeled “Borealis enabled.”
Open Crostini Terminal:
- Press
Ctrl + Alt + Tto open the Crostini Terminal.
Install Steam:
- Copy and paste the following command into the terminal:
vmc start termina && lxc exec penguin -- bash - Press Enter to execute the command and initiate the installation process.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation of Steam.
Launch Steam:
- Once the installation is complete, launch Steam from the app launcher.
- Log in to your Steam account or create a new one if you don’t have an existing account.
Install and Play Games:
- Browse the Steam library, install your favorite games, and start playing!
- Keep in mind that the performance of Steam games on Chrome OS may vary depending on your Chromebook’s specifications.
Can you download Steam on a Chromebook?
Chromebooks use Chrome OS, which is a Linux-based operating system, and while some Chromebooks support Linux apps, the capability to run Steam is limited due to hardware and software constraints.
However, there are alternative methods to play games on a Chromebook:
- Steam Link: You can use the Steam Link app on your Chromebook to stream games from your PC to your Chromebook over a local network.
- Cloud Gaming Services: Consider using cloud gaming platforms like Google Stadia, GeForce Now, or Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly known as Project xCloud) to play games directly on your Chromebook via streaming.
- Android Games: Many Chromebooks support Android apps, so you can download and play games from the Google Play Store.
- Browser-Based Games: Play browser-based games directly in the Chrome browser on your Chromebook.
Keep in mind that the availability of these options may vary depending on your Chromebook model and its specifications. Always check your Chromebook’s capabilities and available features before attempting to install or run software.
Will Steam not run on Chromebook?
Running the full version of Steam natively on a Chromebook is not supported. Chromebooks use Chrome OS, which is a Linux-based operating system, and while some Chromebooks support Linux apps, the capability to run Steam is limited due to hardware and software constraints.
Anyway, you can explore alternative methods to access Steam games on your Chromebook:
- Steam Link: You can use the Steam Link app on your Chromebook to stream games from your PC to your Chromebook over a local network.
- Cloud Gaming Services: Consider using cloud gaming platforms like Google Stadia, GeForce Now, or Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly known as Project xCloud) to play games directly on your Chromebook via streaming.
- Android Games: Many Chromebooks support Android apps, so you can download and play games from the Google Play Store.
- Browser-Based Games: Play browser-based games directly in the Chrome browser on your Chromebook.
Keep in mind that while these alternatives provide ways to access games, the availability of certain games and performance may vary depending on your Chromebook model and specifications.
Conclusion
While Steam gaming on Chrome OS is still in its early stages, the progress made so far is promising. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can join the growing community of Chromebook users enjoying their favorite Steam games. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, the ability to play Steam games on your Chromebook opens up a world of possibilities. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of Steam gaming on Chrome OS and elevate your gaming experience to new heights!
Remember, patience is key, and as development continues, we can expect even more improvements and optimizations to enhance the gaming experience on Chromebooks. Happy gaming!
