Introduction

This guide will show you how to setup Ubuntu Linux on your Chromebook Pixel without flashing your BIOS.

A word on flashing...

You may choose to remove the Write-Protect screw and tinker with the BIOS or flash it in the future. Note that I am not responsible for any mishaps that may arise from that.

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    • Enable Developer Mode/Legacy Boot

    • As mentioned before, you don't need to flash your BIOS, we'll just use the stock SeaBIOS.

    • This means you'll have to press "crtl" + "L" on each boot

    • It'll take some time so grab a coffee while you're waiting...

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    • Unlike the Windows installation, you don't need a USB keyboard or mouse to boot the OS

    • Select your USB installer drive on startup

    • You should get the Ubuntu startup screen

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    • I highly recommend you connect to Wi-Fi before you continue to get all the necessary drivers

    • The Wi-Fi card is automatically detected on boot

    • Just step through the installer like you would with any other distro

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    • Remove your installation media and reboot when prompted by Ubuntu

    • On startup, login to your account and setup your hotkeys to enable volume (mute, decrease, increase).

    • Display brightness can be fixed by setting up a custom keymapping:

    • sudo apt-get install xdotool

    • name: Brightness Up command: xdotool key XF86MonBrightnessUp

    • name: Brightness Down command: xdotool key XF86MonBrightnessDown

Conclusion

You're done! If you ever want to get back to ChromeOS just create a recovery drive in your Chrome browser and enable secure boot at the Pixel startup.

Kevin Fessler

Member since: 17/04/16

1770 Reputation

One comment

Trying to do the brightness key map .I did this sudo apt-get install xdotool.What do I do next i cant seem to find the app xdotool ?

wesley tejeda -