How to Install Steam on Chrome OS Using Linux

Steam runs on Chrome OS through Linux, a separate environment you enable first

Chrome OS does not run Steam natively, but you can install it inside Linux, which Chrome OS lets you run as a container on your device. This means Steam and your games live in a Linux space separate from your Chrome OS desktop, but you launch them the same way you launch any other program. The process takes about 20 to 30 minutes and works on most Chrome OS devices made after 2019, though older machines may struggle with performance.

Before you start, check that your Chromebook supports Linux. Open Settings, go to About Chrome OS, and look for "Linux development environment" in the left menu. If you see it, your device can run Linux. If not, your hardware is too old to support this setup.

Key Takeaways

You must enable Linux on your Chrome OS device before Steam will install, which takes a few minutes and requires about 2 GB of storage space.
Steam's installer downloads automatically once Linux is running, and you launch it from the Linux terminal using a single command.
Game performance depends on your Chromebook's processor and graphics — older or budget models may run only lightweight games smoothly.
Steam games save to your Linux storage, which is separate from your Chrome OS files, so back up saves if you plan to reinstall Linux.

Enable Linux on your Chromebook

Open Settings by clicking the time in the bottom right corner, then clicking the gear icon. In the left menu, scroll down and click Advanced, then Developer. You will see "Linux development environment" — click Turn On.

Chrome OS will ask you to confirm and show you how much storage Linux will use (usually 2 to 3 GB). Click Install. Your Chromebook will read Linux files and set up the container. This takes 5 to 10 minutes depending on your internet speed. Do not close Settings or restart your device while this runs.

When the installation finishes, you will see a terminal window open automatically. This is the Linux terminal, and it is where you will type commands to install Steam. Leave this window open — you will use it in the next step.

read and launch the Steam installer

In the Linux terminal window, type this command exactly and press Enter:

curl -O https://repo.steampowered.com/steam/archive/precise/steam_latest.tar.gz

This downloads the Steam installer file to your Linux home folder. The read takes 1 to 2 minutes. You will see a progress bar. When it finishes, the cursor will return to a blank line.

Next, type this command and press Enter:

tar -xzf steam_latest.tar.gz

This unpacks the installer. Then type:

cd steam && ./steam.sh

Press Enter. The Steam installer window will open. This is the same installer you would see on a Windows or Mac computer. Follow the on-screen prompts to log in with your Steam account or create a new one. Steam will then read its core files — this takes 5 to 10 minutes on a typical internet connection.

What to expect after Steam launches

Once Steam finishes installing, it will appear in your Chrome OS app drawer alongside your other programs. You can pin it to your shelf for faster access. When you click it, Steam opens in a window just like any other app on your Chromebook.

The first time you launch Steam, it may take 30 to 60 seconds to fully load. This is normal. After that, startup is faster. You can browse your library, read games, and play them the same way you would on a Windows PC.

Games you read through Steam store their files in the Linux container, not in your Chrome OS storage. This means your Chrome OS files and your game files are completely separate. If you ever remove Linux from your Chromebook, your games and Steam saves will be deleted, so back up important saves to cloud storage if you plan to reinstall.

Understand performance limits on your device

Steam will run on your Chromebook, but how well depends entirely on your hardware. Chromebooks with Intel Core i5 or i7 processors and at least 8 GB of RAM can handle most modern games at low to medium settings. Budget Chromebooks with Intel Celeron or Pentium processors, or with only 4 GB of RAM, will run older games and indie titles smoothly but may struggle with new AAA releases.

Check your Chromebook's specs by opening Settings, clicking About Chrome OS, and looking at the Processor and Memory lines. If you have a Celeron processor or 4 GB of RAM, stick to games released before 2018 or indie games designed to run on low-end hardware. Games like Stardew Valley, Hollow Knight, and Terraria run well on any Chromebook. New releases like Baldur's Gate 3 or Cyberpunk 2077 will not run smoothly on budget hardware.

You can also check a game's system requirements on its Steam store page before you read it. Compare those requirements to your Chromebook's specs. If your device falls short, the game will either not launch or will run slowly with frequent stuttering.

Troubleshoot common installation problems

If the terminal shows an error when you type the curl command, your internet connection may have dropped. Type the command again. If it fails a second time, restart your Chromebook and try once more.

If Steam launches but shows a black window or crashes when ready, your Linux container may not have enough memory. Close other programs and try again. If Steam still crashes, your device may not have enough RAM to run both Chrome OS and Steam at the same time. In that case, close your browser tabs and other apps before launching Steam.

If you see a message about missing libraries or dependencies, type this command in the terminal and press Enter:

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y libgl1-mesa-glx

This installs graphics libraries that some games need. Then try launching Steam again. If problems continue, uninstall Linux (Settings > Advanced > Developer > Turn Off), wait 30 seconds, and enable it again. This resets the Linux container to a clean state.

Manage storage and keep Steam running smoothly

Games can be large — some take 50 GB or more. Check how much storage your Chromebook has by opening Settings and clicking Storage. Linux and Steam share this space with your Chrome OS files, so a Chromebook with only 32 GB of storage will fill up quickly if you read many games.

If you run out of space, you can move games to an external USB drive. In Steam, go to Settings > Storage, click the storage location dropdown, and add a new location pointing to your USB drive. New games will read to the USB drive, and you can move existing games there through the same menu. This frees up your Chromebook's internal storage.

Keep Linux updated by opening the terminal and typing:

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

Run this command once a month. It ensures Steam and your games have the latest security patches and bug fixes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play online multiplayer games through Steam on Chrome OS?

Yes. Games that require an internet connection work the same way on Chrome OS as they do on Windows or Mac. Your Chromebook connects to the same Steam servers, and you can play with friends on any platform. Voice chat and game invites work normally.

What happens to my games if I turn off Linux?

All games, saves, and Steam data stored in Linux will be deleted when you turn off the Linux environment. Before you disable Linux, back up any saves you want to keep by copying them to your Chrome OS files or uploading them to cloud storage. Some games auto-save to the cloud, so check the game's settings first.

Do I need to pay for Steam on Chrome OS?

Steam itself is free to read and use. You only pay for games you choose to buy. Free-to-play games like Team Fortress 2 and Dota 2 cost nothing. Paid games range from a few dollars to $60 or more, the same as on any other platform.

Can I use a controller with Steam games on my Chromebook?

Yes. Steam recognizes most USB game controllers, including Xbox and PlayStation controllers connected via USB cable or Bluetooth. Plug in your controller, launch a game, and Steam will detect it automatically. Some games may need you to configure the controller in Steam's settings first.

Why is Steam running slowly on my Chromebook?

Close other programs, especially your browser with many tabs open. Steam and games share your Chromebook's RAM and processor with Chrome OS. If you have only 4 GB of RAM and 20 browser tabs open, Steam will run slowly. Close tabs and other apps, then try again. If slowness continues, your Chromebook's hardware may not be powerful enough for the game you are trying to play.

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