How to Install Windows 10 on Chromebook? (2024)

Installing Windows 10 on a Chromebook can unlock advanced software capabilities and provide a traditional desktop experience. However, it requires some technical steps because Chromebooks are optimized for Chrome OS.

Pre-requisites:

• Compatibility: Please ensure that your Chromebook supports the developer mode.
• Hardware Requirement: Also, ensure that your system has the following specifications:
  • Processor: Intel-based CPUs
  • Storage: 64GB
  • RAM: 8GB
• Windows 10 ISO File: You may download it from the Windows official website
• USB Flash Drive: FAT 32 with 16GB storage
• External Hardware: Mouse and a Keyboard
• Required Software:
  • Rufus (preferably)
  • Drivers specific

How to Install Windows 10 on Chromebook with USB

Below, we have segregated a simple way to install windows 10 using USB drive. Following are the 6 basic steps:

Step 1: Back Your Data

Before you proceed with the Windows Installation, ensue to backup your data first. As you move in to the Developer Mode, all your data will be wiped out.

Step 2: Enable Developer Mode

• Entering the Recovery Mode.
  • Press Esc+Refresh+Power
  • Now, your laptop will enter the recovery mode
• Enable Developer Mode.
  • Press Ctrl+D and proceed ahead
  • You may be asked with a few action, follow them
  • Now, your Chromebook will erase all its local data
• Disable OS Verification
  • Your Chromebook will reboot now
  • Press Ctrl+D when prompted to disable OS verification

Step 3: Install a UEFI Firmware

Since Chromebook does not officially supports Windows so we need to replace the system's firmware with the supporting one.

• Download and Install MrChromebox's UEFI Firmware:
  • Open Terminal in Developer Mode
  • Type the following command and choose the FULL ROM Firmware option:

curl -LO https://mrchromebox.tech/firmware-util.sh && sudo bash firmware-util.sh

• Do note that you need to keep a copy of your original Firmware which you may require in future.

Step 4: Create a Bootable Windows 10 USB

• Insert USB drive in your system
• Use Rufus
  • Open Rufus and choose Windows 10 ISO
  • Create the bootable USB after choosing the partition scheme
  • Now, plug the USB in your Chromebook

Step 5: Boot Chromebook from USB

• Turn off Chromebook
• Insert the bootable Windows USB
• Access the boot menu
  • Hit the Esc button multiple times while start up
  • This will allow your Chromebook to enter the boot mode
• Choose the USB drive as the BOOT DEVICE

Step 6: Install Windows 10

• Follow the Windows installation Wizard
• Format your SSD to install Windows 10
• Finish the installation process

Note: There are certain features such as touchpad, sound drivers, Wi-Fi, etc that may not work without installing additional drivers. So, you may get it from the online websites and reboot your system so that it can perform as usual.

How to Install Windows 10 on Chromebook without USB

Now let's dive in to learn about installing Windows 10 without using any USB drive.

Step 1: Linux Beta Option

Open Chromebook Settings & go for the Linux Beta option. Under that, click on the Turn On option.

Step 2: Go to Recommended Space

Now, go for the Recommended Space which is 5 GB & click on Next.

Step 3: Execute the command to Finish the Installation

Now, the Linux Terminal will be opened on the Chromebook as the process is completed. You have to execute the following command to make the Chromebook ready for installation.

sudo apt update

Step 4: Visit the Official site for Windows Installation

Now, Browse to the Official Page of Windows & select the Edition of Windows 10. Click on Confirm to continue in the process.

Now, select the Product Language & click on Confirm to continue.

Step 5: Choose the compatible version

You may be asked to choose the compatible version for your system. Now, click over 64-bit Edition to download the Windows ISO File.

Once the file is downloaded, open the Chromebook File Application. The ISO File will be downloaded in the Download Folder. Move the File to the Linux Beta Folder.

Step 6: Open App Drawer

Now open the App Drawer on your Chromebook. Now, under the Linux Apps, click on the Chromebook Virtual Machine which is only dedicated & available on Chromebooks.

Click on the Browse option & select the ISO File. Now, click on the Forward.

Step 7: Select the ISO file

Now, click on the ISO Image option & click Forward.

Step 8: Adjust Disk Size

After that, increase the Disk Size to a minimum of 40 GB to hold the Windows 10 OS. Now, click on the Forward option.

Step 9: Finish the download

At last, click on the Finish & the Windows OS will start execution.

Install Windows 10 on Chromebook using Alternate Methods

Method 1: Install an Operating System using Network Boot (PXE)

Not all Chromebook supports Network Boot so make sure tat you can proceed with this method. Below are the quick steps to perform Windows Boot Installation:

Step 1: Enter Developer Mode

• Press Esc+Refres+Power button simultaneously
• This will allow your system to enter the Developer mode

Step 2: Setup PXE Boot

• Connect your Chromebook to a network server configured for Windows Installation

Step 3: Install Windows

• Now, simply follow the provided instructions on your screen
• Reboot your system to install and setup Windows in your Chromebook

Method 2: Third Party Tools to Install Windows 10 on Chromebook

Step 1: Windows ISO File

• Go to Windows official website to download the ISO file
• Now, upload the ISO file to any cloud storage (such as Drive, icloud, etc.)

Step 2: Install Tools

• Now, install any tool in your system to to perform a safe Windows 10 installation
• Tools like VirtualBox or GalliumOS can be used in the Linux Beta Environment

Step 3: Patch Files

• Now, access the uploaded ISO file from the cloud
• Patch it through the VirtualBox to setup Windows 10 installation.
• This will allow your system to Install Windows on Chromebook with cloud.

Method 3: Using Remote Desktop Client on Chromebook

Step 1: Setup Compatible Software

• Install and setup the RDP software

Step 2: Connect it with your PC

• Simply connect your PC or Virtual Windows Server

In the end, we can conclude that the Installation of Windows on a Chromebook is not a big deal. If you have followed all the above steps, the Windows Installation Process will become a breeze for you. So, without waiting any longer, use the above steps & Get New Windows 10 along with ChromeOS on your Chromebook.

Why to Install Windows 10 on a Chromebook?

Users often think that the Microsoft Windows 10 Home can be installed on Chromebook simply by creating Chromebooks a Bootable USB Driver. However, It's also the conventional method where the Windows ISO File will be kept in the USB Driver with the help of software like Rufus. It is the process that suits other High-Level OS like Mac.

But for Chromebooks, we will recommend not to use such a method for Windows Installation. The Chromebook is a lightweight system that will not support the Dual Booting System. In earlier times, Dual Booting was quite possible, but with time Chrome eradicates the chance to use the same path.

How to Install Windows 10 on a Chromebook Without USB - FAQs

Can you install Windows 10 on a Chromebook without a USB?

Yes, you can install Windows 10 on a Chromebook without a USB from any of these methods:

• VirtualBox
• Network Boot
• Bootable Partition

Can I get Microsoft Windows 10 Home for free?

Offcourse, you can upgrade Microsoft Windows 10 Home without any additional charges irrespective of their version i.e. Windows 7, or Windows 8.

How do I prepare Chromebook for Windows Installation?

Follow 4 simple steps to prepare your Chromebook for Windows Installation

• Create a backup
• Enable Developer Mode
• Press Ctrl+Alt+T and install a Linux environment
• Check for your laptop's compatibility and proceed with the Windows Installation.

Can Windows 10 be installed on an Acer c720 Windows 10 Chromebook?

Most Chromebooks aren't made for Windows and that's why you probably won't be able to install on Acer c720 Windows 10.

Is it possible to dual-boot Windows on a Chromebook?

Yes, it's technically possible under one condition if your Chromebook model allows you to do so. There is a list of certified models on the official site which allows user to enable SeaBIOS to perform the dual boot menu.

How to enable Windows Defender on Windows 10?

Below are 5 easy steps to enable Windows Defender in no time:

• Click on the bottom left corner of your screen where you find a Windows logo
• Now, click on Windows Security
• Now, check if any antivirus is running in your system
• If not, then click on that option to open settings
• Click on the button to "Turn on" Windows Defender