How To Install Windows On A Chromebook
ChromeOS has many functionalities, such as being able to install Linux apps using the terminal and installing Android apps through the Play Store. However, sometimes that won’t be enough. In order to use apps such as Photoshop, and advanced audio editing apps, you will have to install a new OS onto your system. Today, I will be walking you through the steps to install Windows on your Chromebook.
Resources/Materials
Before proceeding with installing Windows, you should check with these sources to see if there are drivers compatible with your Chromebook. If there are not any drivers, you could lose some functionality, like sound or touchpad support. Also, make sure that you have the materials required to install Windows.
- Windows Computer
- USB Flash Drive with 8+ GB of space
- Screwdriver small enough to remove screws on the back of the computer
- USB Keyboard or Mouse
Chromebook Hardware Support List: This website lists compatible Chromebooks to install Windows on, along with which pieces of hardware will work on the Chromebook.
Chromebook Installation Helper: This website lets you select your Chromebook model, and then provides installation instructions and drivers in order to enable certain pieces of hardware on your specific Chromebook.
Installing Windows
Step 1: Remove the Write Protect Screw
In order to install a new BIOS onto the system, we will need to remove the write-protect screw. This screw stops people from installing a new BIOS. However, this screw is quite easy to remove.
First, fully power off your Chromebook. Do not just put it to sleep — make sure to perform a full shutdown. Turn the Chromebook over and unscrew all of the screws on the back in order to gain access to the motherboard. Make sure to store the screws in a bin or a magnetic mat, as these screws are very small and can easily get lost.
Once you have unscrewed all of the screws, open up the case and look for the write-protect screw. You should easily be able to identify it, as it is a different color and larger than many of the other screws. You can also search up the location of the screw based on your Chromebook model. I already removed the screw. Once you remove it, close the case back up, making sure that all of the screws go back to their correct spots. Then, power your Chromebook on.
Step 2: Enable Developer Mode
Now that we have removed the write-protect screw, we are now able to install the new BIOS. However, before we can make any changes, we will need to enter Developer Mode. Without Developer Mode, we will be unable to make changes. Before starting, make sure to store all of your local data somewhere else, because this process will delete all of your local data.
First, press the Esc+Refresh+Power buttons while the Chromebook is shut off completely. Your Chromebook will then pop up with a message saying that “Chrome OS is missing or damaged.”
Next, click Ctrl+D to open up another screen asking if you want to enable Developer Mode. Click Enter here, and wait for the Chromebook to enable Developer mode.
From now on, every time you boot up your Chromebook, you will get a screen saying that “OS verification is off.” Don’t worry about this — just click Ctrl+D to bypass this message. However, once the new BIOS is installed, this message will not pop up again.
Step 3: Flash the New BIOS
Now that we have full access to the Chromebook, we are able to flash the new BIOS.
First, press Ctrl+Alt+T to open a Crosh window. Once it has opened, type “shell” into the terminal to get more access to the Linux environment.
Copy and paste the following command in order to install the new BIOS on the Chromebook, and press Enter:
cd ~; curl -L -O http://mrchromebox.tech/firmware-util.sh; sudo bash firmware-util.sh
If you want more information on how this works, go here.
You should now see an interface that will help guide you through the process. Choose “Install/Update Full ROM Firmware” by typing 3, and then press Enter.
It will now ask you if you want to continue. Type “y” and then type “U” in order to flash a UFEI firmware. Do not select the other option, otherwise you will be unable to run Windows. If the option to select UFEI firmware does not appear, do not worry. You can continue on. Press “y” to continue. A message will appear asking if you want to create a backup copy of the stock firmware. It is completely optional, however it is recommended. I decided not to create a backup.
The firmware will now install. Once it is finished, power off your Chromebook.
Step 4: Create a Windows Installation USB Drive
You can now install Windows on your Chromebook, but you will first have to create an installation drive by burning the ISO file onto the drive using Rufus. You will need to have access to a Windows PC for this section.
First, download a Windows installation file from Microsoft.
Select “Download Tool Now” and run the downloaded application. Next, select “Create Installation Media For Another PC”.
Click “Next,” and then click “Next” again when it asks for the recommended Windows Edition. Then, select ISO File and download the file.
While the ISO File is downloading, download Rufus, and plug in a USB drive. All your data on the USB drive will be erased, so make sure to store any data on the drive somewhere else. Once the file has finished downloading, exit out of the launcher, and open Rufus. First, select your flash drive in Device, and then click the select button underneath and click on your Windows.iso file. Make sure that the Partition scheme is set to “GPT”, and the target system is “UFEI.” Set the File system to “NFTS,” and leave the cluster size alone. Then, click “START.” Rufus will now burn the ISO onto your flash drive.
Step 5: Install Windows
Now that we have the flash drive prepared, we can now install Windows onto your Chromebook. Make sure your Chromebook is off. Plug in the USB drive into your Chromebook, and power it on. It should automatically open up to the Windows Installer. If it doesn’t, just press ESC when it says select boot options. You will need to connect either a USB mouse or USB keyboard to go through the launcher. Using the keyboard, you will use Tab, Enter, and the arrow keys to go through the launcher.
Go through the installer like you normally would. The installer will restart about halfway through, so make sure to remove the USB drive, otherwise, it will go back to the beginning of the installer. If it does go to the beginning of the installer, remove the USB drive, power the Chromebook off, and turn it on again. It should continue on from the hard drive. You do not have to have a product key to use Windows, but you will have some limitations.
Step 6: Install Third-Party Drivers
Now that Windows is installed, the final thing that we have to do is install some drivers to enable functionality with some of the hardware. However, since these drivers are third party drivers, we need to enable test signing.
First, open the start menu and search up “command prompt”. Select “Run As Administrator.” Then, in the terminal, type the following command.
bcdedit -set testsigning on
It should say that it was completed successfully. Now that we have access, go to the Chromebook Installation Helper and find the drivers that match with your model. Install all of the drivers, and with that, you are finished installing Windows on your Chromebook! If anything stops working, go to coolstar.org to see if there are any new drivers to install. Enjoy!
