So let’s say that you bought a Chromebook and realized just how limiting Chrome OS can be, or perhaps you are perfectly content with Chrome OS but want to do a little more with it. Whatever your situation may be, I am here to inform you that you can run Windows 10 on your Chromebook. Yes, I am talking about a complete and nearly functional version of Windows 10. In my quick time of using it, I was able to download and play League of Legends (unbearable frame rate though) watch a couple of YouTube videos and use a few lightweight programs. Now I can’t guarantee you that this solution will provide you with a nice Windows netbook. For one, there are a couple driver issues, mainly the keyboard and track pad. Interestingly, someone is working on a fix to get it working. So for now you will need to depend on an external keyboard and mouse.
To do this is fairly simple. Before we begin though, you will need to make sure that you have developer mode enabled along with the legacy bios. Check my tutorial if you have not done so. Also, we are going to completely wipe Chrome OS, so backup anything that you might want to save. And one last thing, this will only work on Chromebooks running an x86 processor (such as the Intel powered Chromebooks). So here’s how to install Windows 10 on Chromebook.
If this method is not working for you, or you want to completely get rid of Chrome OS entirely, check out this tutorial.
What You Will Need:
- Chromebook with at least 16GB Storage
- Developer Mode Enabled
- Windows 10 Technical Preview
- Rufus (Need a Windows Machine to run this)
- 4GB Flash Drive
Step 1: Preperation
First, download the Windows 10 iso and install it to a flash drive using the Rufus program. For partition scheme, make sure you select MBR for Bios or UEFI.
Step 2: Boot
Make sure your Chromebook is powered off, and connected to an external power source. Connect the flash drive to your Chromebook, then power it on. Press CRTL + L on the developer screen to bring up the legacy bios. Hit escape to see the boot options then choose your flash drive from the boot devices.
Step 3: Installing Windows
From this point, you will need to make sure that you connect an external mouse and keyboard so that you can navigate around the system. The first order of business is to completely wipe Chrome OS from the disk. On the Windows installation screen go to repair.
Go to troubleshoot, advanced and select command prompt. Type in the following:
This will format your drive. Then type in exit to exit disk part, and type in exit again to exit command prompt. Then reboot your Chromebook.
Step 4: Finishing Up
After your chromebook reboots, go back to the legacy bios and boot from the flash drive again. From this point on, you can install Windows just like a normal installation. Wifi should be functional. If you are on an Acer C720 and you need aduio to work, download and install this driver. If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them down below.