How to install Google Chrome Dev on a Chromebook

In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of installing Google Chrome Dev on your Chromebook. Google Chrome Dev is the development version of the popular Chrome browser, offering early access to new features and updates. This can be particularly useful for developers or tech enthusiasts who want to stay ahead of the curve.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, it's important to note that this tutorial is specifically 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.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps carefully to install Google Chrome Dev on your Chromebook:

1. Enable Linux Apps

First, we need to enable Linux apps on your Chromebook. This feature, also known as Crostini, allows you to run Linux applications alongside your Chrome OS apps.

  1. Go to your Chromebook's Settings
  2. Click on the "About Chrome OS" section in the left panel
  3. Under the "Developer" section, choose "Turn on" for Linux development environment
  4. Follow the on-screen prompts to set up Linux

2. Download Google Chrome Dev

Next, we'll download the Google Chrome Dev package:

  1. Visit the official Google Chrome Dev download page
  2. Download the appropriate .deb package for your system

3. Install Google Chrome Dev

Now that we have the package, let's install it:

  1. Open the Files app on your Chromebook
  2. Navigate to the downloaded .deb file
  3. Right-click on the file and select "Install with Linux"

The installation process will begin automatically. Once it's complete, you'll be able to launch Google Chrome Dev from your app drawer.

Additional Information

Google Chrome Dev offers several benefits for users who want to explore cutting-edge features:

  • Early access to new Chrome features and improvements
  • Opportunity to provide feedback to Chrome developers
  • Ability to test web applications against upcoming Chrome versions

However, keep in mind that as a development version, Chrome Dev may be less stable than the regular Chrome browser. It's advisable to use it alongside your main browser rather than as a complete replacement.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues during the installation process, try these steps:

  • Ensure your Chromebook's operating system is up to date
  • Restart your Chromebook and try the installation again
  • If the Linux environment fails to start, try resetting it in the Chrome OS settings

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Google Doc used in this tutorial.

Conclusion

Installing Google Chrome Dev on your Chromebook opens up a world of new possibilities for web browsing and development. By following this guide, you've taken a step towards being at the forefront of web technology. Enjoy exploring the latest features of Chrome!

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out through a YouTube comment on the tutorial video.

For more information about Chromebooks and their capabilities, check out our Chromebook comparison and Buyers Guide.

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