How to install VirtualDJ on a Chromebook

In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of installing VirtualDJ on your Chromebook. VirtualDJ is a powerful DJ software that allows you to mix, remix, and perform live sets with digital music files. By following these steps, you'll be able to transform your Chromebook into a portable DJ station.

System Requirements

Before we begin, it's important to note that this tutorial is specifically designed for Chromebooks with an Intel or AMD CPU that support Linux Apps. Unfortunately, this method won't work on Chromebooks with an ARM64 architecture CPU. If you're unsure about your Chromebook's specifications, you can check our list of all Chromebooks with Linux Apps (Crostini) support.

Video Tutorial

For a visual guide, we've prepared a video tutorial that walks you through each step of the installation process. We recommend following along with both the video and the written instructions below for the best results.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Follow these steps carefully to install VirtualDJ on your Chromebook:

  1. Enable Linux Apps on your Chromebook if you haven't already. Go to Settings > Advanced > Developers and turn on Linux apps.
  2. Open a terminal from your app menu.
  3. Run the following commands in order. Each command serves a specific purpose in preparing your system for VirtualDJ installation:
sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
wget -nc https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/winehq.key && sudo apt-key add winehq.key
echo "deb https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/debian/ bookworm main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/wine_chrome_os_made_simple.list
sudo apt update
sudo apt install --install-recommends winehq-stable winbind
winecfg
wget https://www.virtualdj.com/download/pc
mv pc pc.msi
wine start pc.msi
wine .wine/drive_c/Program\ Files/VirtualDJ/virtualdj.exe

These commands will enable 32-bit architecture, add the Wine repository, update your system, install Wine (which allows you to run Windows applications on Linux), configure Wine, download VirtualDJ, and finally install and run it.

Understanding the Process

You might be wondering why we need to use Wine to install VirtualDJ. This is because VirtualDJ is primarily designed for Windows operating systems. Wine (which stands for "Wine Is Not an Emulator") is a compatibility layer that allows Windows applications to run on Linux systems, including the Linux environment on your Chromebook.

The process we've outlined above does the following:

  1. Prepares your system to run 32-bit applications
  2. Installs Wine and its dependencies
  3. Downloads the VirtualDJ installer
  4. Uses Wine to run the VirtualDJ installer
  5. Launches VirtualDJ through Wine

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues during the installation process, here are a few things to try:

  • Ensure your Chromebook's software is up to date
  • Double-check that you've entered each command correctly
  • If a command fails, try running it again
  • Make sure you have enough free storage space on your Chromebook

Using VirtualDJ

Once installed, you can launch VirtualDJ by running the last command in the terminal:

wine .wine/drive_c/Program\ Files/VirtualDJ/virtualdj.exe

Remember to enable audio input in your Linux app settings to ensure VirtualDJ can access your Chromebook's microphone if needed.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've successfully installed VirtualDJ on your Chromebook. This powerful software opens up a world of possibilities for music mixing and DJing right from your Chromebook. Whether you're a professional DJ or just starting out, VirtualDJ provides the tools you need to create amazing mixes.

For more information about VirtualDJ, visit their official website. If you're interested in learning more about Wine, check out the Wine Project website.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us through a YouTube comment on our tutorial video. We're here to help you make the most of your Chromebook!

Happy mixing!

Additional Resources

To make the most of your Chromebook, consider checking out our Chromebook comparison and Buyers Guide. It's a great resource if you're in the market for a new Chromebook or want to learn more about different models.

Interested in staying updated on Chromebook deals? Join our mailing list to be notified about all major Chromebook sales.

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