Fix Chromebook “Error Installing Linux” Beta

If you can’t install Linux Beta on your Chromebook, you’ve come to the right place. Many ChromeOS users complained the Linux installer often shows various errors when they try to install the feature. If you already restarted your Chromebook, but the issue persists, follow the steps below to fix it.

Why Does My Chromebook Say “Error Installing Linux”?

Update Your VM and Packages

First of all, make sure you have sufficient storage space available on your laptop. Delete any unnecessary apps and files to free up some space. Then update your virtual machine and packages.

1. Launch Chrome, open a new tab, and go to chrome://components.
2. Go to cros-termina and click Check for updates.
3. Then open the Terminal app and run the sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade command.
4. Restart your Chromebook to apply the changes. Check if you can install Linux Beta.

Disable the “Crostini Use DLC” Flag

Many ChromeOS users confirmed they could fix many Linux-related errors simply by turning off the “Crostini Use DLC” flag.

1. Launch Chrome, enter chrome://flags in the address bar, and hit Enter.
2. Locate Crostini Use DLC.
3. Disable this Chrome flag using the drop-down menu.
4. Restart your laptop. Check if you can install Linux on your Chromebook.

Use Secure DNS With Current Service Provider

Chrome’s “Use Secure DNS” setting may trigger all sorts of Linux installation errors. The solution is to enable the option that lets you use this setting with your current provider.

1. Launch Chrome, and go to Settings.
2. Then click on Privacy and Security.
3. Select Security, and click Advanced.
4. Go to Use Secure DNS.
5. Toggle on the option that says Use with your current service provider.

If the issue persists, go to Wi-Fi settings, and switch your DNS to Google’s DNS settings.

• For IPv4, use 8.8.8.8 and/or 8.8.4.4.
• For IPv6 use 2001:4860:4860::8888 and/or 2001:4860:4860::8844.

Powerwash Your Chromebook

If the issue persists and you’ve got everything backed up, you can powerwash your Chromebook. Keep in mind that using this method will factory reset your device.

1. Log out of your Chromebook.
2. Then, press and hold Ctrl, Alt, Shift, and R.
3. Click Restart, and then select Powerwash.
4.  Then log in to your Google Account, and follow the on-screen steps to set up your Chromebook.
5. Check if Linux installation errors persist.

Conclusion

If your Chromebook says that an error occurred while installing Linux, update your virtual machine and packages. Then disable the “Crostini Use DLC” flag, and use Secure DNS with the current service provider. As a last resort, powerwash your Chromebook. Did these tips help you fix the problem? Share your feedback in the comments below.