Chromebooks aren’t particularly good at games, but now that Linux Support is available, they’re better than ever. This is because Chrome OS can install and run many desktop-level games. One of the best digital game distribution platforms is Steam, which has official Linux compatibility. As a result, you can install it on Chrome OS and play desktop games. The best part is that you don’t have to install Crouton or switch your Chromebook into developer mode. Now that everything is clear-cut, installing new hardware is simple. Additionally, Borealis on some Chromebooks will improve Steam gameplay. So without further ado, let’s learn how to set up and use Steam on a Chromebook in 2022.
Install and Play Steam Games on a Chromebook (Updated 2022)
The procedures for installing Steam games and turning on Borealis on particular Chromebooks are described here. Additionally, we have covered how to install Steam on Chromebooks that support Linux. Remember that you won’t be able to run Steam on a Chromebook that was provided to you by your school and has Linux locked by the administrator. However, you can use the Steam Link app to stream desktop games on your Chromebook if it supports Android apps. After having said all of that, let’s move on to the procedure.
Enable Borealis to Play Steam Games on Select Chromebooks
Google has finally made Steam available on Chrome OS, but only on a select few Chromebooks. High-end hardware is needed for Project Borealis, a.k.a. Steam Gaming, on Chrome OS. You require 8GB of RAM (or more), an i5 or i7 processor from the 11th generation (or later), and Intel Iris Xe Graphics support in order to enable Steam on Chrome OS. Only a few few Chromebooks are supported for Steam Gaming via Borealis, so here are those that are at the moment. If you own one of these Chromebooks, follow the instructions below to immediately begin playing Steam games.
- Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514-1W)
- Acer Chromebook 515 (CB515-1W)
- Acer Chromebook Spin 713 (CP713-3W)
- ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5500)
- ASUS Chromebook CX9 (CX9400)
- HP Pro c640 G2 Chromebook
- Lenovo 5i-14 Chromebook
1. You must first switch to the Dev channel. To do it, go to About Chrome OS under Settings. Select Additional details from here.
2. Next, select Developer unstable as the channel. Keep in mind that switching to the Dev channel won’t destroy any of your data, but switching back to the Stable channel will wipe all of your data.
3. Return to the About Chrome OS page and look for any recent changes. The most recent Dev build will now be installed on your Chromebook. Following the installation of the update, restart your Chromebook.
4. After switching to the most recent Dev build, click Chrome:/flags and enable the two flags listed below. Click Restart in the bottom right corner to continue.
#borealis-enabled #exo-pointer-lock
5. Open the Chrome browser and press Ctrl + Alt + T to launch the Chrome Terminal after restarting your Chromebook. Enter after pasting the command below into this box.
insert_coin volteer-JOlkth573FBLGa
6. Steam will now be installed on your Chromebook when you complete the on-screen directions. After that, you can sign onto Steam and start enjoying native desktop game support. Games like Portal 2, Hades, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, World of Tanks Blitz, Vampire Survivors, and others that Google tested and found to be compatible with Borealis are included here. You can click on this website for further details.
Enable Steam Play to Play PC Games on Chromebook
You must activate Steam Play in order to access PC games on a Chromebook that supports Borealis. It is a compatibility layer that enables PC games to be played on Linux computers. Here’s how to make it work.
1. Switch to Settings in Steam on your Chromebook. Open Steam Play here.
2. Next, tick the box next to Enable Steam Play for all other games. Then, choose Proton Experimental from the drop-down menu to finish.
Run Steam Games on Any Chromebook in 2022 (Linux Required)
As long as your Chromebook supports Linux, this technique will work. Google has established high-end spec requirements to operate Steam because Borealis is a unique container (developed on Ubuntu) created especially for Steam. However, you can install and play Steam games on your Chromebook just like any other Linux device thanks to the Crostini container (developed on Debian). This is the procedure.
1. To begin with, install Linux on your Chromebook by following the instructions in the attached article. For improved graphics and more fluid gameplay, activate GPU acceleration for Linux on your Chromebook after that. Don’t worry if GPU acceleration is not enabled; simply continue with the procedures.
2. After that, launch the Linux Terminal and enter the command listed below.
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade -y
Your Chromebook’s Linux will be updated to the most recent build. Don’t worry if you encounter any errors; simply continue.
3. Next, visit this link to get the Steam setup file. It’s a DEB file for Linux, which is comparable to the EXE format for Windows. The DEB file should then be moved to the Linux section of the Files app.
5. After completing step 5, double-click the setup file and select Install. Your Chromebook will start the Steam installation process.
6. After installation, use the keyboard’s Search key to look up “Steam.” Open it following that.
7. As an alternative, you can manually search for the Linux folder when you enter the App Drawer. Open Steam after that. The last page of the App Drawer is typically where the Linux folder may be found.
8. At this point, Steam will automatically begin downloading the libraries and dependencies required for a smooth operation on a Chromebook.
9. Steam will launch automatically after the upgrade. Enter your Steam account information now. Open Steam manually from the App Drawer if it does not launch after the upgrade. Be aware that you might need to press down on the trackpad rather than soft-tapping it if you’re using the trackpad on your Chromebook.
10. And there you have it, folks.
A Chromebook successfully running Steam. You should activate one more parameter, though.
Stream Steam Games on Your Chromebook With the Steam Link App (Play Store Support Required)
11. Navigate to Settings -> Steam Play -> and click on the Steam icon in the top-right corner.
Click OK after enabling Steam Play for all other games. Make sure the drop-down menu is set to Proton Experimental. This will enable you to play a number of Windows games that aren’t available for Linux by default.
12. During testing, we attempted to install Counter-Strike: Global Offensive via Steam on a Chromebook, but it was unable to function. Other less demanding games, such as Tank Force, Among Us, Stardew Valley, Squad, and worked flawlessly and without any graphic problems. You should check to see if your favourite Steam games are compatible with your Chromebook by giving them a shot.
You can easily run Steam on your Chromebook if you don’t want to fiddle with Linux and your Chromebook has Play Store support. On your Chromebook, you must download the official Steam Link app from the Play Store. Also keep in mind that in order to stream desktop games to your Chromebook from your local network, you will need a Windows PC. Here’s how you approach it.
1. Access the Play Store and look up the Steam Link app (Free). Install the app now.
Play Your Heart Out with Steam Games on a Chromebook
2. Open it after installation, then attach your game controller to the Chromebook. You can skip it if you don’t have one. You may play games with your mouse and keyboard.
3. I’m presuming you’ve previously installed Steam on your Windows computer and connected it to the local network using Ethernet or WiFi. Ethernet is suggested for lag-free gaming, by the way. Now, the Steam Link app will scan the local network and show the server name. Simply click it to connect your Chromebook and PC.