Skip to main content

How to get Steam on a Chromebook

Chromebooks aren’t designed for gaming. In fact, Google originally targeted students and schools, offering a lightweight, web-based platform powering affordable low-end devices. That has since changed, as a wider variety are now available from cheap machines to premium, high-dollar Chrome OS PCs.

Still, the average Chromebook isn’t really designed for gamers. Sure, you can run Android games if the Chromebook supports the Play Store. Heck, you can even install Steam if Linux is enabled on the machine. But does your Chromebook have the hardware and storage to run most Linux games? In many cases, not really.

If you’re curious about playing Linux games on your Chromebook, this guide shows you how to get Steam. It’s not simple, and if you despise entering console commands, turn back now, but it can open up a much wider game library on your Chromebook.

Consider Steam Link for Android

Valve Software offers two Steam apps for Android on the Play Store: The base Steam client and Steam Link. This version of Steam doesn’t allow you to install and play Linux-based games, but you can certainly make purchases as seen on any other Android device. However, this app is not compatible with all Chromebooks.

Steam Link, meanwhile, turns your Chromebook into a receiver. This requires another, more robust PC that will stream its installed Steam games, regardless of the operating system, to your target Chromebook. If you have a second gaming PC, this might be the better route given Chromebooks normally don’t have the hardware — or the storage capacity for that matter — to play Linux games.

We offer a separate guide on how to play Steam games on Android using the Steam Link app.

Install Linux

Linux Enabled
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Google still classifies Linux support as “beta,” and it’s not available on all Chromebooks. If you’re uncertain about your Chromebook’s ability to handle Linux, Google provides a list of supporting devices.

Unfortunately, getting Steam on your Chromebook isn’t as simple as installing an Android app. The long road to Linux gaming starts here and can be a real headache if you’re not familiar with all the associated terminology and console commands.

Note: This integrated virtual machine is based on Debian 10 (Buster).

Step 1: Click on the System Clock, followed by the Gear icon on the pop-up menu. This opens the Settings screen.

Step 2: Select Linux (Beta) listed on the left.

Step 3: Click the Turn On button.

Step 4: Click Install to get Linux. The process will take around 10 minutes, possibly more.

Install Steam

Chromebook Linux Install Steam
Image used with permission by copyright holder

With the Linux container installed, we can now get Steam.

Here’s where the console commands come into play. You may want to load this guide on the Chromebook and copy/paste the commands into the Terminal. If you take this route, use Ctrl + C to copy the commands in the browser and then Ctrl + Shift + V to paste them into the Terminal window.

Step 1: Press the Crtl + Shift + T keys simultaneously (if you previously closed the Linux terminal).

Step 2: Type the following command, and then press the Enter key:

echo ‘deb http://httpredir.debian.org/debian/ jessie main contrib non-free’ | sudo tee -a /etc/apt/sources.list

Note: The sources.list file is stored locally and keeps a directory of repositories. Each line starts with “deb” which is the file format used to compile the binaries stored in these repositories. This command adds the repository where Steam is stored.

Step 3: Type the following command, and then press the Enter key:

sudo dpkg –add-architecture i386

Note: This command adds 32-bit architecture support. The use of “sudo” — short for SuperUser DO — allows you to run programs at the high superuser security level.

Step 4: Type the following command, and then press the Enter key:

sudo apt update

Note: This command refreshes the list of packages currently made available to the Advanced Package Tool, which installs and uninstalls Debian software.

Step 5: You’re almost done, honest. Type the following command, and then press the Enter key:

sudo apt install steam

Note: This command tells the Advanced Package Tool to install Steam.

Step 6: Once Steam installs, log in to your account. You can also find the program inside the Linux Apps folder on the Launcher.

Enable the microphone

If you need to trash talk while playing your favorite Linux games, the microphone needs to be enabled in Linux. It should be enabled by default, but if not, here’s how:

Step 1: Click on the System Clock, followed by the Gear icon on the pop-up menu. This opens the Settings screen.

Step 2: Select Linux (Beta) listed on the left.

Step 3: Click the Toggle next to the Allow Linux to Access Your Microphone setting to switch this feature on.

Troubleshooting Linux

Use these steps if you’re having issues with Linux and a reboot doesn’t help.

Update Linux packages

Chromebook Update Linux Packages
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step 1: Click the Launcher button and open the Linux Apps folder.

Step 2: Open Terminal. Alternatively, you can press the Shift + Crtl + T keys simultaneously to open the Terminal.

Step 3: Type the following command, and then press the Enter key:

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade

Step 4: Restart the Chromebook if needed.

If you’re having problems with this command, you may need to type this first:

sudo dpkg –configure -a

Update the virtual machine

Chromebook Edit Chrome Components
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step 1: Open the Chrome browser.

Step 2: Type the following into the address field:

chrome://components

Step 3: Click the Check for Update button listed under cros-termina, as shown above.

Step 4: Restart the Chromebook if needed.

Editors' Recommendations

Kevin Parrish
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then…
You’ll have to wait a long time for a Steam Deck 2
Steam Deck sitting on a pink background.

Just as we started getting excited at the prospect of a Steam Deck 2, it now seems that gamers will have to wait a lot longer for the handheld. According to a recent statement, Valve is not looking to release the new Steam Deck for at least a couple more years. Will the console be able to stay competitive against its rivals?

Pierre-Loup Griffais, the designer of Steam Deck and a rep for Valve, spoke to The Verge and revealed some information about the future of the gaming handheld. While the company has plans to upgrade, it's playing it safe and doesn't see that happening until late 2025 at the very least -- but it could be even longer than that.

Read more
Steam Deck 2? This leak suggests Valve is working on new hardware
Steam Deck sitting on a pink background.

An exciting piece of gossip just dropped, and it might have something to do with the Steam Deck -- or it could be something else entirely. We're talking about a mysterious new device made by Valve that has just received radio certification from the South Korea National Radio Research Agency. Code-named "RC-V1V-1030," the product is referred to as a "low-power wireless device." What's Valve up to now?

The problem is that it could be nearly anything. Aside from a Steam Deck 2, or perhaps even just a refresh to the existing console, Valve has expressed interest in making a new virtual reality (VR) gaming headset to follow up on the Valve Index. Even an updated Steam Controller fits the description. The only thing to be learned from the certification is that the device uses 5GHz Wi-Fi, which could apply to all three of those potential products.

Read more
Refurbished Steam Decks are now official — here’s how to buy one
Steam Deck sitting on a pink background.

After product pages went live early, Valve has officially opened up orders for "certified refurbished" Steam Decks. All three capacities Valve offers are available to purchase, and there are some hefty discounts over list price:

64GB model -- $319 (down from $399)
256GB model -- $419 (down from $549)
512GB model -- $519 (down from $649)

Read more