How to Dual Boot a Chromebook with Linux and Windows 10

In Chromebooks, Tutorials, Ubuntu, Video, Windows by dbtech

In this video we’ll look at how to dual boot Linux and Windows 10 on a Chromebook.

Please keep in mind that dual booting a Chromebook was never meant to be a thing, so this is a kind of hacky way to do this.

Some things to keep in mind when dual booting Linux and Windows 10 on a Chromebook:

  1. This was never intended to be a thing, so it might not work for you.
  2. You’ll need a compatible Intel-based Chromebook with a modified BIOS. Links Below.
  3. ARM Processors won’t work. Neither will Samsung Xenyos processors. ONLY Intel.
  4. You’ll need a USB with whatever version of Linux you want to install (this video uses POP!_OS) as well as a USB with Windows 10 version 1803 (This version is important).
  5. You’ll need a fairly large hard drive to make this work. A MINIMUM of 64GB is recommended. I’m using a 256GB drive from Banggood.com. Links Below.
  6. The order in which you install operating systems will matter. This video shows how to install Linux first as the primary operating system with Windows 10 as a secondary system. If you want Windows as your primary system, leave that comment and, if I get enough requests, I’ll make that video, too.
  7. You’ll lose everything on your Chromebook when you do this so make sure you back up everything you need.
  8. This was never intended to be a thing, so it might not work for you. I’m saying this again, because it needs to be repeated.

Once you’ve got a compatible Chromebook with a modified BIOS, you’re ready to begin. All the instructions moving forward will be based on POP!_OS as it’s what I used in the video. If you want to use a different flavor of Linux, you’ll have to make your own accommodations.

Insert your Linux USB and power on the Chromebook.

You should be presented with a Linux installer. Start the installer and delete all the partitions on the hard drive in your Chromebook.

Create a 1GB partition. This will be the Boot (/boot/efi) partition.

Then split the remaining space as you see fit into 2 partitions large enough for Linux and Windows respectively.

Select the first of the 2 newly created partitions and set it to be the Root (/) partition.

Next, select “Erase and Install”.

Linux will take a few minutes to install. Complete the install process and create your user account.

Be sure to remove the Linux USB drive once the install is complete.

Power off the Chromebook.

Insert the Windows USB and power on the Chromebook.

The Windows installer should begin on its own.

Select the last of the remaining partitions available that haven’t been used up to this point and click “Next”.

Windows will take a few minutes to install. When it’s done, Windows will reboot itself.

When Windows reboots, be sure to start tapping the ESC key until you get into the BIOS screen.

Next, you’ll make the following selections:

  1. Select “Boot Maintenance Manager”
  2. Select “Boot From File”
  3. Select the 2nd option. The first option should be the USB drive
  4. Select “EFI”
  5. Select “Microsoft”
  6. Select “Boot”
  7. Select “bootmgfw.efi”

This should boot Windows back up with the USB drive plugged in so that the remainder of the Windows install can complete.

Once the install is complete, you can remove the Windows USB from the Chromebook.

Now you have both operating systems available to use. By default, your Linux install will boot, but you can boot into Windows by tapping the ESC key as soon as you press the power button so that you can get into the BIOS.

Next, you’ll make the following selections:

  1. Select “Boot Maintenance Manager”
  2. Select “Boot From File”
  3. Select the first option.
  4. Select “EFI”
  5. Select “Microsoft”
  6. Select “Boot”
  7. Select “bootmgfw.efi”

That should boot you into Windows. You’ll have to do this any time you want to boot your Windows installation. Otherwise your Linux installation will boot by default.

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LINKS

Check Chromebook compatibility: https://coolstar.org/chromebook/windows-install.html

Modify Chromebook BIOS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK8-cBJw6wg

Replace / Upgrade Chromebook Hard Drive: https://youtu.be/1staB8LtmQM

Buy Chromebook Hard Drive: https://dbte.ch/banggoodm2

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