Steam is one of the most popular gaming platforms on the Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. If you recently purchased a new Chromebook, you might feel a bit excluded from the gaming party, but it turns out there are actually several methods to run Steam on ChromeOS. In fact, Google and Steam partnered together to make it possible to run Steam on ChromeOS through the Beta channel. There are also some other ways to get Steam games on your Chromebook, which we'll cover in this guide.

Can your Chromebook run Steam?

If you want to use your Chromebook for gaming, you first need to check that its specs are up to the task. Ideally, you should have an Intel Core i3, Core i5, or Core i7 processor for Steam games and at least 8GB of RAM. You also need to change your Chromebook channel to the Beta channel, since this experience is currently in open testing. Before attempting any of the approaches in this article, read our list of the ideal specs needed for Chromebooks to get an idea of what you need. If you're on a Chromebook with an Intel Celeron CPU, or any other type of CPU that's not supported by Steam, you're going to have to try Steam Link, wich we get into later.

How to run Steam on ChromeOS in Beta

Google and Steam partnered to make it officially possible to run Steam on ChromeOS in Beta. This is the best possible way to run Steam on ChromeOS. The feature is live in the ChromeOS Beta Channel, which means you'll have to switch your device over to a somewhat unstable version of the operating system. Keep in mind, that Steam on ChromeOS is best suited for higher-end hardware, like the Acer Chromebook 516 GE that we reviewed.

Again, though, these are higher-end Chromebooks, and most require Intel Core i5 or Intel Core i7 CPUs from at least Intel's 11th generation lineup and 8GB of RAM. If you have a Chromebook with an Intel Core i3 CPU and 4GB of RAM, Steam on ChromeOS won't work correctly. If your device fits the requirements, you can switch your Chromebook over to the Dev Channel with the instructions below. Keep in mind, switching to Dev Channel will erase your Chromebook, so back up your data first!

1. Launch the Settings app on your Chromebook.
2. Click or tap About ChromeOS.

   

3. Click or tap Additional details.
4. Click or tap Change channel in the Channel section.
5. Click or tap Beta Channel.
6. Click or tap Change Channel.

   

7. Click or tap the Back button.

Your Chromebook will download an update and will ask to restart. Once you finish these steps, you can go into the terminal and change a few flags with these steps.

1. Navigate to chrome://flags within the Chrome browser on your Chromebook.
2. Search for #borealis-enabled.
3. Set each option to Enabled.

   

4. Restart your Chromebook.
5. Search for the Steam Installer in the regular search field.
6. Click or tap Install.

   

7. Click Launch Steam when the process is finished.

After following these steps, you should be able to run Steam on your Chromebook. Keep in mind there will likely be a lot of bugs related to compatibility or performance. Google is still gathering feedback with Steam on ChromeOS, and it will improve over time. More information is available on Google's webpage.

How to run Steam on a Chromebook via Steam Link

For devices that don't support Steam on ChromeOS, another method is to use the Steam Link Android app, which can stream Steam games to your Chromebook. This method requires you to have a PC running Steam on the same network as your Chromebook. This is a limiting method, as you can't bring the gaming experience on the road. However, if you just want to play some casual games on your couch with a thin and light Chromebook, this could do the trick.

To use Steam Link on your Chromebook, follow these quick steps. Be sure your Chromebook and your PC running Steam are already connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

1. Navigate to the Steam Link page on the Google Play Store.
2. Click Install.

   

3. Launch the Steam Link app on your Chromebook.
4. Sign into your Steam account.

   

5. Pair a Steam-compatible controller (or use your keyboard).
6. Connect to your local PC.

Those with a PC capable of running Steam games and a Chromebook can take advantage of this streaming workaround. It's quick to set up, and as long as your Wi-Fi network is fast enough, you should be able to enjoy a quality gaming experience.

Run Steam on a Chromebook via Linux apps

For those of you who don't have an extra PC at home for streaming, or don't have one of those Chromebook models we mentioned above, you can still run Steam using Linux app support by going through your ChromeOS settings. This method only works for Chromebooks that aren't ARM-based, but still works on most of the popular Intel Chromebooks.

First, you need to enable Linux apps on your Chromebook. To do this, follow these quick steps. Do note, though that if you choose to install the Linux version of Steam, it might not always work on your device.

1. Launch the Settings app on your Chromebook.
2. Click or tap the Advanced tab.
3. Click or tap Developers.
4. Click or tap Turn on in the Linux development section.

   

5. Follow the on-screen prompts to install Linux on your Chromebook.

   

6. Navigate to the Download Steam page in your Google Chrome browser.
7. Click or tap the Steam icon to download the .DEB file.
8. Launch the downloaded file on your Chromebook.
9. Click Install.

   

Steam will now walk you through the installation process. When finished, look for Steam in your launcher. Keep in mind, Steam will be running in the Linux container, so the performance of games will likely be impacted.

As you can see, there are a few ways you can run Steam on your Chromebook. For most people, we suggest running Steam in Beta. And if all else fails, you can also try Steam Link. And if that doesn't work, you can also try streaming your Steam games to your PC through a service like Nvidia GeForce Now, or even Shadow PC and Boosteroid. Be sure to have a look at our complete guide to gaming on a Chromebook for more information, including more details about cloud streaming.