How to install Steam on a Chromebook

Gaming on a Chromebook has become increasingly viable thanks to Linux app support, and installing Steam is one of the best ways to access a vast library of games. This guide will walk you through the complete process of installing Steam on your Chromebook, step by step.

Before You Begin: Important Compatibility Information

Before diving into the installation process, it's crucial to understand the hardware requirements and limitations. Not all Chromebooks can successfully run Steam, so please review the following compatibility requirements carefully:

CPU Architecture Requirements

This tutorial will only work on Chromebooks with an Intel or AMD CPU that includes Linux Apps Support (also known as Crostini). Unfortunately, Chromebooks with ARM64 architecture processors are not compatible with the Steam client at this time, as Steam primarily supports x86 and x86_64 architectures.

You can verify your Chromebook's compatibility by checking the complete list of Chromebooks with Linux Apps (Crostini) support.

Game Compatibility and Performance Considerations

Even with a compatible Chromebook, there are important limitations to keep in mind:

• Linux-native games only: Only games with native Linux clients will work on your Chromebook. Windows-only games won't run through this setup, though some users have had success with Proton compatibility tools for certain titles.
• Hardware performance: Your Chromebook must have sufficient processing power, RAM, and graphics capabilities to run the games you want to play. Many Chromebooks are designed for productivity rather than gaming, so performance may vary significantly.
• Storage space: Modern games can be quite large, often requiring several gigabytes of storage. Ensure you have adequate free space on your Chromebook before installing Steam and downloading games.

Understanding the Installation Process

The installation process involves several steps that prepare your Chromebook's Linux environment for Steam. We'll be adding 32-bit architecture support (many games still rely on 32-bit libraries), installing necessary dependencies, and then installing the Steam client itself. The process uses the terminal, but don't worry—we'll guide you through each command with clear explanations.

Step-by-Step Installation Commands

Follow these commands in order, executing each one in your Chromebook's Linux terminal. You can open the terminal by searching for "Terminal" in your app launcher. Please follow along with the video tutorial above for visual guidance as you work through each step.

Step 1: Enable 32-bit Architecture Support

This command adds support for 32-bit applications, which is necessary because Steam and many games require 32-bit libraries even on 64-bit systems.

sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386

Step 2: Add the Debian Bullseye Repository

This temporarily adds a Debian repository to access certain packages that may not be available in Chrome OS's default repositories.

echo "deb https://deb.debian.org/debian bullseye main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/bullseye_chrome_os_made_simple.list

Step 3: Update Package Lists

This refreshes your system's package database to include the newly added repository.

sudo apt update

Step 4: Install Required Dependencies

This command installs all the necessary libraries and dependencies that Steam needs to function properly, including graphics drivers, system libraries, and utility tools.

sudo apt install libgl1-mesa-dri:i386 libgl1-mesa-glx:i386 libc6:i386 libc6-i386 libnss3 python3-apt zenity

Step 5: Download the Steam Installer

This downloads the official Steam installer package directly from Valve's content delivery network.

wget https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/client/installer/steam.deb

Step 6: Install the Steam Package

This installs the Steam package you just downloaded. Don't worry if you see some dependency errors at this stage—we'll fix them in the next step.

sudo dpkg -i steam.deb

Step 7: Fix Any Dependency Issues

This command automatically resolves and installs any missing dependencies that weren't satisfied during the initial installation.

sudo apt -f install

Step 8: Remove the Temporary Repository

Now that installation is complete, we remove the Debian Bullseye repository we added earlier to keep your system clean and avoid potential conflicts.

sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/bullseye_chrome_os_made_simple.list

Step 9: Launch Steam

Finally, launch Steam with optimized settings for better performance on Chrome OS. The vblank_mode=0 option disables vertical sync, which can improve frame rates.

steam fixedvblank_mode=0

What Happens Next

After running the final command, Steam will launch and likely need to perform a one-time update to bring itself to the latest version. This is normal and may take several minutes depending on your internet connection. Once updated, you'll be presented with the Steam login screen where you can sign in with your existing Steam account or create a new one.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems during installation, here are some common solutions:

• Graphics or display issues: Some Chromebooks may experience graphical glitches. Try adjusting the graphics settings within Steam or individual games to lower quality presets.
• Performance problems: Close other applications while gaming, and consider enabling the "Low Graphics Mode" in Steam's settings if available.
• Installation errors: If any command fails, make sure you've typed it exactly as shown, including all spaces and punctuation. You can also try running sudo apt update again before retrying.
• Steam won't launch: If Steam fails to open, try restarting your Chromebook's Linux container by right-clicking the Terminal icon and selecting "Shut down Linux."

Additional Resources

For reference, you can access the Google Doc used in the tutorial, which contains all the commands in an easy-to-copy format.

For more information about Steam and to browse available games, visit the official Steam website.

Getting Help

If you have any questions or run into issues not covered in this guide, please feel free to reach out via a YouTube comment on the video above. We're here to help and respond to questions regularly!

Looking for a new Chromebook that's perfect for gaming and other tasks? Check out our Chromebook comparison and Buyers Guide! You can also join our mailing list to be notified about major Chromebook sales and deals.