In this article, we are discussing how to get Steam on Chromebook in 2023. Although Chrome OS is not designed for gaming, we have managed to get Steam to operate on Chromebooks! Steam is a popular gaming platform as well as a strong digital distribution tool. Steam runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux, but what about Chromebooks? Though the experience isn’t flawless, it is doable, and there are a few drawbacks.
How to Get Steam on Chromebook
Is Steam compatible with Chromebooks? Yes, it is conceivable, in a nutshell. The longer answer is that it isn’t a straightforward procedure because the Steam on Chromebook native Steam Chrome OS app is still in beta and only works on a few higher-end Chromebooks. Furthermore, your Chromebook’s internals may be incapable of handling Steam. Let’s get into the specifics.
Is your Chromebook sufficiently powerful?
Chromebooks are well-known for being excellent low-cost PCs. This is because Chrome OS does not require a lot of resources, so manufacturers can keep specifications low while still delivering excellent performance. However, this only works if you perform basic computing functions using a low-cost Chromebook. Don’t expect to run strong Steam games on Chromebook machines at the low end of the range.
If you intend to use Steam on Chromebook for gaming or other resource-intensive applications, we recommend that you first purchase a Chromebook with sufficient processing power. Some devices have more powerful CPUs, such as an Intel Core i5 or i7 chip, which appears to be the reason for the need for the official Steam app for the time being. Some of these may be found in our recommendations for the best Chromebook devices.
Installing Steam Alpha on a Chromebook
- Navigate to the Settings app on your Chromebook.
- Navigate to About Chrome OS.
- Select More information.
- Select Change channel next to Channel.
- Choose Developer: unstable.
- Select Change channel.
- Return to About Chrome OS and wait for the machine to update.
- When prompted, restart the computer.
- After upgrading, launch Google Chrome and enter chrome://flags in the address bar.
- Find #borealis-enabled and toggle the Enabled button next to each.
- At the bottom of the Flags menu, you’ll find a Restart option; click it to restart your Chromebook.
- When the computer resumes, press the Search button and enter “Steam.” Choose the best app from the results.
- Choose Install.
- Allow the procedure to complete before pressing the Launch Steam button.
- Log in and start having fun!
Examine whether your Steam on Chromebook can run Linux and Android Apps
Some methods of running Steam on Chromebook devices necessitate the use of native Linux software or Android apps from the Google Play Store. Because not all Chromebooks can run Linux and Android apps, you must check that the one you intend to use to install Steam on a Chromebook can. We have compiled a list of Chromebook machines that can run Linux and Android applications. Check to see whether yours is included. Then follow our instructions for installing Linux programs on Chromebooks.
Steam Link Android App: How to Install Steam on Chromebook Devices
This is the simplest method for running Steam on Chromebook machines, but it has more stringent prerequisites. The Steam Link Chromebook app extends the gaming experience to any mobile device (even Chromebooks), but it does so by connecting to a PC on your network. You would effectively be streaming games from another PC to your Chromebook.
This imposes some constraints. For starters, you can’t carry the gaming experience with you because it is limited to the network to which your other computer is linked. It also necessitates the ownership of another computer, at which time you may as well game on the second PC. However, if you have a strong family computer at home and want to game from another room, this is a wonderful way.
Using Steam on Chromebook:
- Install Steam Link from the Google Play Store.
- Ascertain that your Steam on Chromebook is linked to the same network as your other machine.
- Launch the Steam Link application.
- Select Get Started.
- If you have a Steam-compatible controller, pair it. Otherwise, you may utilize touch controls.
- Steam Link will look for PCs on your network that are running Steam. Find and pick the one you wish to utilize.
- You’ll be given a PIN and prompted by the PC to approve the Chromebook.
- Navigate to Steam, input the PIN, and click OK.
- Allow the system to process your request, and you’ll be connected in a minute or two.
- When your PC is ready, you should see it listed in the Steam Link app.
- Select the Start Playing option.
On both your PC and the Chromebook, you’ll see a list of your games. It’s game time!
Installing Steam on Chromebooks with the Linux app
You can install the entire Steam Linux application and run everything locally if your Steam on Chromebook can handle native Linux software. This involves more fiddling and knowledge, but it is doable. Follow the steps below to discover how to download Steam on a Chromebook with Linux app compatibility.
- Begin by allowing Linux programs on your Chromebook.
- Click the System Tray, which is at the bottom-right corner of your Chrome OS interface.
- To access the Settings menu, click the gear symbol.
- More settings are available by selecting Advanced.
- Navigate to Developers.
- Locate the section Linux Development Environment (Beta).
- Next should be selected. Follow the on-screen instructions and click Install.
- When everything is installed, a command-terminal window will emerge.
You may now install the Steam Linux app:
- Using Chrome, navigate to the Steam download page.
- Below the Install Steam button, you’ll see a few little logos.
- The first is an Apple icon, and the second is a Steam icon.
- Click on the Steam icon to see the download page for the Linux app.
- Launch the Files app.
- Duplicate the DEB file you just downloaded.
- Check that it’s in the Linux files folder.
- Launch the DEB file.
- Choose Install.
- Click OK to allow the system to install the Linux app.
- When you’re finished installing, go through your programs and look for Steam.
Install Steam on Chromebook by first installing Ubuntu Linux
Installing a second operating system on your Chromebook appears to be a daunting task. It’s a terrific method to enjoy all the benefits of Chrome OS while also accessing a complete desktop OS from your Chromebook if you have some technical expertise, are ready to do some study, and don’t mind a challenge. You’re not going to replace Chrome OS with Ubuntu. They may operate concurrently, making this an best alternative for gaming and other chores.
Remember that you are responsible for everything that occurs to your computer while doing this. We can provide you with the steps, but you should know what you’re doing before you do it.
To begin, activate developer mode:
Remember that activating Developer Mode will erase your Chromebook. It doesn’t really matter because most Chromebook data is stored online, but make sure you back up any local data first.
- You must enter recovery mode.
- Turn off your computer.
- Press the Esc, Refresh, and Power buttons at the same time (the combination may change on various Chromebooks).
- Ctrl + D once in Recovery Mode.
- You will be prompted to “turn OS verification off.”
- To do so, press enter.
- Every time you restart, a warning will appear.
- To proceed, hold down Ctrl and D.
- Crouton may be used to install Ubuntu.
- You can get the crouton script here.
- Ctrl + Alt + T will launch Shell.
- Enter shell into the search box.
- Press enter after typing sudo sh /Downloads/crouton -t unity.
- The installation procedure will start.
- This will take some time, so leave it to the computer.
Ubuntu and Chrome OS will be available after the installation is complete. Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Back and Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Forward are now shortcuts for switching between operating systems. If you log out of Ubuntu, you will be sent to Chrome OS. Return to Ubuntu by executing sudo startunity in the shell.
You now have a Linux operating system at your disposal. To install Steam on Chromebook, open the terminal and type sudo apt-get install Steam on Chromebook.
Streaming Steam from a different PC
This is not the ideal method because streaming normally entails some latency; however, streaming Steam from another PC is an option if your network has decent speeds and low ping. You may accomplish this by utilizing a tool such as Chrome Remote Desktop.
This Chrome feature allows you to connect to a PC and operate it from another computer or mobile device. Of course, you’ll need another PC to do this, so it’s not for everyone.
Chrome Remote Desktop on a Chromebook:
- Install Steam on the computer that will be accessed remotely.
- Download the Chrome browser if you haven’t already.
- Navigate to the Google Chrome Remote Desktop page.
- Navigate to the Remote Access tab.
- Select Turn on under the Set up remote access section.
- Select a name and click Next.
- Select a PIN and press the Start button.
- Now, launch the Chrome browser on your Chromebook.
- Navigate to the Google Chrome Remote Desktop page.
- Choose the computer to which you wish to connect.
- Enter the PIN you chose.
- You may now remotely access your PC and launch Steam (or any other software).
Alternatively, you might use TeamViewer or Windows Remote Desktop. We also have a list of the top remote desktop apps. Because Chrome is already incorporated into Chromebooks, we recommend Chrome Remote Desktop.
Utilize Steam on Chromebooks with cloud computing
There are ways to stream a Windows PC to your Steam on Chromebook without purchasing an additional device. Cloud computing is a newer method of accessing powerful computers from afar, but it requires a consistent internet connection with low ping to be a viable alternative.
Shadow Cloud Computing, which offers a monthly subscription service starting at $29.99, comes highly recommended. Steam on Chromebook will provide you access to a virtual computer with the same specifications as a gaming PC. You can also pay extra for enhancements.
Shadow recommends the following data speeds: 15 Mbps download, 5 Mbps upload, a ping of no more than 30 ms, and a jitter of no more than 10 ms. You may access your Shadow virtual machine from any mobile device, including Chromebooks, if your internet meets these conditions. This remote Windows machine can easily run Steam and most games.
