Install Ubuntu on ChromeOS Crostini as an LXC container
Introduction
Create an Ubuntu 24.04 container on ChromeOS
Integrate ChromeOS with Linux containers
Enable desktop applications
Manage Linux containers with additional commands
Next Steps

  Log an issue

  Fork and edit

  Discuss on Discord

About this Learning Path

Skill level:  Introductory
Reading time:  1 hr
Last updated:  28 Jul 2026
Skill level:
  Introductory
Reading time:
  1 hr
Last updated:
  28 Jul 2026
Author:Jason Andrews, Arm
Arm IP:Cortex-A
Tags: Containers and Virtualization ChromeOS Ubuntu
Author:
  • Jason Andrews, Arm
Arm IP:
Cortex-A
Tags:
Containers and Virtualization ChromeOS Ubuntu

Who is this for?

This Learning Path is for software developers who want to install Ubuntu and other Linux distributions on their Arm-based Chromebook with ChromeOS file sharing and GUI support.

What will you learn?

Upon completion of this Learning Path, you will be able to:

  • Create and run an Ubuntu 24.04 container on ChromeOS Crostini using LXC and Termina shell
  • Set up ChromeOS integration for file sharing and GUI applications
  • Manage LXC containers on ChromeOS
  • Enable file sharing between ChromeOS and Ubuntu containers
  • Run Linux GUI applications on your Chromebook with Sommelier integration

Prerequisites

Before starting, you will need the following:

  • A ChromeOS device with the Linux development environment enabled. The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 is recommended.
  • Basic knowledge of the Linux command line

Summary

AI-assisted

This summary was drafted with an approved AI-assisted workflow and reviewed by Arm contributors before publication. Human technical review remains part of the process so the final page reflects engineering rigor, accuracy, and Arm editorial standards.

Close
?
You’ll set up an Ubuntu 24.04 container on an Arm-based Chromebook with ChromeOS Crostini and LXC from the Termina shell. You’ll create and manage the container, share ChromeOS folders with Linux, configure Sommelier, and install a minimal desktop stack. You’ll then launch a GUI test app and use lxc commands to inspect, stop, and remove the container.

Frequently asked questions

AI-assisted

These FAQs were drafted with an approved AI-assisted workflow and reviewed by Arm contributors before publication. Human technical review remains part of the process so the final page reflects engineering rigor, accuracy, and Arm editorial standards.

Close
?
How do I know the Ubuntu container started correctly?
Run lxc list to confirm the container appears with Status set to RUNNING. Use lxc info for details such as Architecture, PID, and creation time that match the example output.
How do I share a ChromeOS folder with the Ubuntu container?
In the ChromeOS Files app, right-click a folder and choose Share with Linux. The folder becomes available to Linux apps and the command line inside the container. If the folder doesn’t appear, ensure the container is running.
How do I launch and verify a Linux GUI app from the container?
After enabling Sommelier and installing the minimal desktop packages, start a test application such as terminator from the container shell. A window should open on the ChromeOS desktop. If a window doesn’t open, revisit the display configuration steps.
Which command opens a shell inside the container for installs and configuration?
From the Termina shell, run lxc exec <container> -- bash (for example, lxc exec u1 -- bash). This places you in the container’s shell to install packages and run commands.
How do I stop and remove the container when I am done?
Use lxc stop <container> to stop the container, then lxc delete <container> to remove it. Deletion is permanent, so run the delete command only when you no longer need the container.
Next