Chromium OS

Chromium OS is an open-source project that aims to build an operating system that provides a fast, simple, and more secure computing experience for people who spend most of their time on the web.

All downloads are located at https://chromium.arnoldthebat.co.uk/. This will be updated daily where builds compile succcessfully..

Build Instructions for USB

  • Linux
    1. Use p7zip to extract the IMG file from the downloaded file.
    2. At the shell, run the following (where sdX is your USB stick and ChromeOS.img is the path to the IMG file you extracted):
      dd if=ChromeOS.img of=/dev/sdX bs=4M
    3. Boot from USB stick
  • Windows
    1. Use 7zip to extract IMG file from the downloaded file.
    2. Use Win32 Image Writer, then select the IMG file and select the USB device from the menu.
    3. Click on “Write”.
    4. Boot from USB stick

All builds based on amd64 and ARM generic board.

If you want to install to your hard drive, follow the instructions here and here. Heed the warnings noted in the links!

Please note: there is a new behaviour with the chronos user password. The password has been removed from build R55-8777 onward and will continue to be removed for better overall security. Older builds have the password of ‘password’.
This means you need to use ‘chromeos-setdevpasswd’ from either shell or console to set your own password from build R55-8777 onwards.

By default, this also disables SSH access so if you also need this level of access, you will need to set a separate password using ‘sudo passwd chronos’. This allows the password for dev access and SSH access to remain separate if needed.

You can also just set a password using ‘sudo passwd chronos’ and this will allow for both dev and SSH access if you need to keep them the same. Do not use ‘chromeos-setdevpasswd’ if you want to keep the passwords the same.

Once installed, you can update from the Dev Server noted here.

Thanks to The Chromium Projects

Chromium OS GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE




2,715 thoughts on “Chromium OS”

  1. Hello been trying to make this work over my usb, but no success, tried on my pc desktop and mi macbook pro

    on both cases i choose to boot from usb and i get the GRUB bootloader… next it ask me to choose between
    local image A
    local image B
    verified image A
    verified image B
    Aletrnate USB Boot

    ive tried all of them, but it seems nothings boots and i have to restart the whole pc again.

    Am im doing anyting wrong?
    ive tried the latest version for x64 and then Camd64OS-20190101010101

    1. I had this issue with neverware’s cloudready, it was because I had a 32-bit copy of the OS and it refused to boot on a 64-bit CPU (stupid, I know)- might trying the last 32-bit version fix your problem? If not, at least edit grub.cfg to be black/white or something instead of black/black

      1. dude you can’t boot with 32 bit on a 64 bit architecture that what I know I walked in to the same problems don’t use 32 bit version of the OS if your PC is build with a 64 bit architecture.

    2. I had the exact same problem just don’t boot from UEFI,
      start directly from the USB and it should prolly work

    3. Did anyone figure this out? I am using a Surface 3 (non Pro). It’s cheap on ebay and should be a perfect Chrome tablet.

      For comparison the cloudready installer boots straight into their Chrome (without boot menu). The pendrivelinux installer creates bootable USB sticks (with working boot menu) but I can’t figure out how to get the chromium images here to work.

      As for previous comments: The S3 doesn’t seem to have an option to ‘boot directly from USB without UEFI’.
      Where is that grub.cfg to tinker with.

      Thanks.

  2. Is there any version available for Intel core i5 seventh gen with x64 bit processor as all the versions are available for only AMD and ARM operating systems. So please notify with the same as I am eager to use the new Chromium operating system developed the team.Thank You.

    1. The AMD64 in operating systems, kernels and those kind of things does not directly mean is only for the company with the green logo that bakes processors. It’s about the instruction set the CPU is using. Also noted as x86-64, x64 or x86_64

    2. AMD64 has been the industry standard ‘name’ for 64-bit applications for something like the last 15 years. You will never, EVER see a 64-bit application labelled specifically as ‘Intel-x64’, or something similar….

  3. Can anyone tell me why my chromebook hates me? Lol im not quite a developer but hoping to be. Im taking some extra coding classes, its been a long time wanted a refresh. But everytime i try to use SSH or the terminal to do just coursework google has a come apart. It shuts me down and logs im untrusted and bunch of crap in system info… Ive currently put my linux course on hold bc of this. Any suggestions?? New to chromebooks…

  4. I am using the latest special driver build of ATB based on chromium v72. The challenge I’m having is that after installing ATB to my HDD, it hangs on the white boot logo screen. If I slam my keyboard 30 to 50 times consecutively, it gets pass the logo screen. Is there some setting that I need to adjust to avoid this manual force login?

  5. I tried the daily build of feb 1 it was not working. I am using acer aspire r3 booting it through usb.

    Can you tell me a version which would work. Also let me know if i can install android apps.

  6. Thank you for your work!

    Does anyone think it is possible to modify chromium OS to support a non-Google authentication ?

    on the chromium site they say:

    https://www.chromium.org/chromium-os/chromiumos-design-docs/login
    We want to ensure that people can fully use Chromium OS without needing a Google login
    While the initial work on the login mechanism has been focused on providing instant access to Google services for users with Google accounts, we are investigating support for OpenID to allow people to fully use the system without needing a Google login.

    http://www.chromium.org/chromium-os/chromiumos-design-docs/user-accounts-and-management
    End users must already have, or be willing to create, an account that is used to store preferences and settings. Along with Google Accounts, we want to support other authentication systems, particularly OpenID.

  7. Hello, I submitted a post earlier today, if you’ve rec’d it disregard this one.
    I tried 2 different (Camd64OS) image files and 3 usb imagers: balenaEtcher, Rufus and DiskImager. They all imaged fine but my 64bit i7 would hang on ‘Booting the kernel’. It is a Dell Optiplex 9010 i7-3770, do you suppose it requires anything SPECIAL? It runs CloudReady fine but I would really like to get this one going. -Thanks!

      1. Dell OptiPlex 9010 i7 running graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4000. I have imaged the usb with the Feb 1 and also tried Feb 8 and both will hang at loading kernel. The bios was just updated and all other components are up to date.

      2. I have tried the same usb stick on my new Lenovo 110 Touch-15ACL Laptop ideapad laptop and get the same exact result as a user above:

        I get the GRUB bootloader… next it ask me to choose between
        local image A
        local image B
        verified image A
        verified image B
        Aletrnate USB Boot

        I’ve tried all of them, but nothings boots.

        1. I am stuck at the same screen.
          Even when trying to go through
          grub> set root=(hd0,gpt3) #This is the partition that has the root folder
          grub> linux /boot/vmlinuz-4.4.132-14139-gbefbaf46eeea2 root=/dev/sda3 #sda is in accordance to hd0 = sda and 3 is gpt3
          grub> initrd /boot/vmlinuz-4.4.132-14139-gbefbaf46eeea2
          grub> boot #after this line the system is frozen

  8. Does anyone know how to fix an error I keep getting.

    When I start writing the CARMOS-20190208010101.img using win32 disk image -1.0, I get an error half way through every time, that it cannot read from the device and a load of windows message come up saying I have to format about 5 new partition on the USB and the win32 disk program stops. I removed all partition from the UBS check the size 16gb, so I tried again and the same error comes p half way through (tried on two usb’s now) so thought id try a ‘verify only’ on the qin32 app and i get verification failed at sector: 0 so i assume this is part of the problem?

    My steps:
    I am downloading the .img extracting it to a folder then using win32 disk imager – 1.0 and i am simply clicking write.

    Running on a windows 10 OS

  9. Hi, I have a LapTop with Celeron, this processor is non supported PAE, Is there any version for this processor? Which version I need ?
    Thanks for your answer.

  10. Hi, I am new to Chrome OS trying to set the password for chronos using command as per the instruction from your main page. when I open command asks me to login what account do I login with so I can set the chronos account up?

    Thanks

  11. For QCA9377 do this:
    type Ctrl + Alt + F2
    $ cd /lib/firmware/ath10k/QCA9377/hw1.0
    $ ls
    board-2.bin board.bin firmware-5.bin firmware-6.bin notice_ath10k_firmware-5.txt notice_ath10k_firmware-6.txt
    $ sudo rm firmware-6.bin notice_ath10k_firmware-6.txt

    So for QCA6174, $ cd /lib/firmware/ath10k/QCA6174, remove hw3.0, I think its OK, but I don’t ensure.

  12. I’m trying to boot R72 on a HP Chromebook 14 (Falco, AMD64) but the laptop reboots after reading the usb stick. Could this work on a chromebook or is it for full computers?

  13. Good day
    am using dell optilex 9020 with i5 gen5 , 16GB of ram
    try all 64 speical and vanilla , working perfect.
    what do you need is to update your bios to detect linux partitions on intel.
    facing 2 problems ….
    1- google play not working on live Camd64OS
    2-how to install on hard disk ….am still trying.
    everything working , sound , mouse keyboard ,even my hp touch screen smooth and very fast.

    **for who is asking about local image A …local image B..
    forgot this and download another ver.
    **for who is asking its hanging in startup , yes its not recognize the ssd or hdd hard disk , only usb (use hdd to usb converter)

    i like to share what happen with me and how i succeed booting

  14. Can You Do Support For ASUS X453MA, nowadays, the newer build I am having a hard time even booting it from USB !!

  15. Does the special build support celeron processors? I tried to use it awhile ago and it had some sort of grub bootloader, I’m using a x86-64 type processors.

  16. hello does any latest build support secure boot option. I can’t boot Special build on Lenovo T450. I am using 16GB USB Drive and chromium image usage GPT partition scheme.

    1. Adding to this I have created 8 GB cloudready USB drive. which can boot on same laptop with secure boot enabled

  17. I used a special IMG from 2017 and it worked pretty much straight out of the box on my eeePC 1005HA and booted off a 16gb Lexar usb drive.

    Your links to install on a hdd just go to the ChromiumOS general site.

    So what’s the next step? How do I get this on my hdd permanently?

  18. Eee PC 1005ha installs easy with chromeos-install /dev/sda

    With the latest special from 2017. Octane2 score of 3400 or so.

  19. Your latest “special” build (Camd64OS R72) Currently shows the date of Mar 10th 2019; whereas I first downloaded it on the 7th of January. I just downloaded it again, and found the files inside of them to be identical. Only the date has changed. So what is the significance of the “date change”?

  20. Hey, so I was wondering if I could install this on an older macbook to use for schooling and research stuff. Would it be stable on Mac hardware?

  21. I have an issue with the touchscreen where it does not match up with the display (eg, tap on the top right and it will trigger an action on the bottom left). I’m using a Samsung Galaxy Book 10.6″ on the R72 Special build, behaviour is the same on Fydeos 6.0

    When running evtest I can see my touchscreen listed as WCOM0028:00 2D1F:000C

    Anyone know how to fix this?

  22. Hi, I am trying your latest image on a Dell Vostro 1410 I think and when booting from USB it goes into “your system is repairing itself. please wait” and stays there any ideas???

  23. Hello people, I need your help.
    I’m using the latest special version installed on the PC and I need to disable developer mode.
    So I was reading, from a terminal window, with the command “sudo crossystem disable_dev_request=1” is achieved.
    But it always returns the error “Parameter disable_dev_request is read-only”.
    How can I fix it? Thank you.
    It is to deactivate the version warning that is being used, which appears at the top right, in the log screen.

  24. Hi. I’ve been successful in booting up ChromiumOS. But I can’t get past the screen that says, “Searching for Bluetooth and USB devices…” I’ve tried connecting a keyboard and a mouse but I can’t.

  25. Hi- Love your work. I have used a few versions on pcs’ Picked up a old iMac 9.1 (2009). AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi wireless – What version is compatible? (if any?)

      1. Awesome project!
        I just thought if you could try to update the special build to chromium os 73 ( I have problem with audio with version 72 )

  26. Hi everyone

    I have a MSI U180 with dual core Intel Atom N600, that I am looking to install a different OS to. I have a new motherboard (broken power switch) and a 500gb SSD in the post for it. I have also found 2GB of RAM, So it will be a fresh install.

    I have tried Mac Os on it but no luck. I am wondering if Chromium OS is the way to go, if so what build will it need on Arnold And The Bat.
    I also unsure for on what arcutecture to go for, the chip is x86 but the standard windows installed was 32bit, do install 32bit or 64bit?

    Worth noting that I tried cloudready before and it was unsuccessful but I have heard Arnold And The Bat works on more builds.

  27. Hi Arnold,
    I am trying to build my own build that will work on intel Macs. But I have no idea how to add in the nvidia drivers. All the guides are really vague on actual steps. Can you provide any guidance?

  28. I can boot with USB, i can log with my gmail account, etc…
    But i cannot install it, when im in log screen “[ Ctrl ] [ Alt ] [ F2 ]” doesnt work, tried with [ Ctrl ] [ Alt ] [ F1] and also inside after logging

    nothing happens… any help?

  29. I have an old HP that runs your chromium builds from the USB stick without a problem (but only if I legacy boot – UEFI just hangs after selecting Boot Image A). Unfortunately, the HP won’t legacy boot from the hard drive and I’ve found no way to fix this so I need to install in UEFI boot mode. Has anyone managed to get the builds to boot in UEFI mode without hanging?

    1. Did you ever find a solution for this? I have the same issue on an ASUS UX31A: no proper boot through UEFI, and when installed to the hard drive it isn’t even recognized in the BIOS.

  30. I Have an ASUS Desktop Windows PC and I want to know if I could Install Chrome OS on my Internal Hard Disk Drive?

  31. Hi Arnold:
    On Chromium os 74 special,my sony vaio wireless card Intel(R) Centrino(R) Advanced-N 6235 is turned off, on 73 special its
    OK. Can I get any help?

    1. is it an ath10k card? I just tried 74 for the first time and found that the newest firmware isn’t working on my card, removed the newest and it fell back to the older fw and worked fine.

  32. Hey there ATB. Am trying to setup an HP Stream 8 as a chrome device. The problem I encounter is trying to boot from the USB – when I interrupt boot sequence and press F9 to select an install option, I then choose EFI boot, and it gives me a choice of (what looks like) the USB, or the original Win10 OS. When I choose the USB boot file it moves to a new window which is blank and shows no further options. Secure boot is disabled in BIOS. NO OPTION to enable legacy boot. Any thoughts around this? THANKS.

  33. Hello Arnold

    I have try to deploy Chromium OS on a Intel Compute Stick, most function works fine, except display.
    O cannot change resolution, and cannot adjust brightness.
    There is no Intel_backlight folder inside /sys/class/backlight/

  34. Why does the latest Chromium R74 build take so long to boot? If you thought Windows 10 was bad, wait until you have seen Chromium R74.

  35. Can the Chromium builds be used to recover a Chromebook & to replace a Chrome OS that had reached it’s EOL?

  36. I cannot boot into Chrome OS. When booting from USB, there are 5 options in the boot menu, try all options are not working, the screen does not display anything.
    My device is Dell Inspiron 3521 – Acer Aspire 4752.

  37. I tried to install Chromium OS & it said something like “Cannot determine Device Destination, Please Specify Yourself” What do I do w/ that error?

    Plus my bookmarks and addons were taking too long to load, why is that? I even put in my sync passphrase & they still were taking too long to load. Why is that?

  38. Hello,

    I have a HP 9470m and I am using the latest special build 74 and Chrome OS Eve 75. Everything is working, except the camera. I remember the camera was working when I was using build 69 but not anymore after build 72 with the security update. Could it be a driver issue or security issue? Please advise. Thanks.

  39. Lenovo Thinkpad Yoga 11e 4th Generation 20HSS05100
    Intel Celeron N3450 CPU (Apollo Lake)
    AC7265 Wifi

    Latest special build R74 gets stuck on white screen with blue chromium os screen. Also freezes on fydeos screen with fydeos. Seems to only work with Cloudready.

  40. Hello been trying to make this work over my usb, but no success, tried on my pc my windows tablet anything and this is all i get doesnt boot to anything just sits there forever

    on both cases i choose to boot from usb and i get the GRUB bootloader… next it ask me to choose between
    local image A
    local image B
    verified image A
    verified image B
    Aletrnate USB Boot

    Am im doing anyting wrong? Like how do you even install this doesnt seem possible would love a reply dude!

      1. Hi, i have the same problem.

        Mine is Lenovo z570 with i5-2430M 64-bit CPU. I tried 64bit Special build. Should i try 32bit build? Or is there something i should be doing?

  41. Tried latest release to this date “Camd64OS_R74-11895.B-Special.7z” on my laptop that has Qualcomm Atheros AR9285 Wireless Network Adapter and i have no wifi so cant finish setup and cant use this nice os . If you can somehow add those drivers on next version or maybe point me on how to add them manually thanks.

  42. Hi Arnold
    I have the same case where it stucks at….

    local image A
    local image B
    verified image A
    verified image B
    Aletrnate USB Boot

    and doesn’t even boot to whatever i choose.. Is there anything special that we need to performed? or does it mean that i am installing it to a non-compatible hardware

    My laptop model is HP EliteBook 840 G1 powered by a 1.6 GHz Intel Core i5-4200U Dual-Core processor and 8GB of 1600 MHz DDR3L RAM

    Appreciate the feedback.

  43. Tried latest release to this date “Camd64OS_R74-11895.B-Special.7z” on my laptop that has Qualcomm Atheros AR9285 Wireless Network Adapter and i have no wifi so cant finish setup and cant use this nice os . If you can somehow add those drivers on next version or maybe point me on how to add them manually thanks.

      1. Hi, Arnold. I have to say I’m extremely impressed with this. Currently running your most recent 64-bit Vanilla build from just a few days ago, on a new HP compact tower from a USB 3.0 SanDisk thumbdrive. Absolutely everything works!

        Question (if I may?)

        How do we get PepperFlash and Widevine installed here? I normally run ‘Puppy’ Linux, so I’m well used to diving into the file-system & manually moving things around, linking/re-linking, changing permissions, re-assigning ownerships, etc, etc. But we can’t do that here, can we?

        So; what’s the easiest, current way to do this? I’m guessing it involves the terminal, doesn’t it? (I HATE the terminal….

        1. @ Arnold:-

          Okay. I see a couple of what I presume are install scripts, yes? So…..talk me through this, would you? It’s been nearly six years since I really did any terminal work, and that was in Ubuntu 14.04 ‘Trusty Tahr’.

          I’m what you might call a bit ‘rusty’ with this kinda thing, ‘cos Puppy, being a hobbyist system, kind of encourages you to literally tear it apart & re-build it the way you want it. We don’t tend to bother with the terminal much, except for trouble-shooting & such-like, because most of us prefer to get ‘up close & personal’ with the file-system itself.

          It shows, don’t it? ( lol )

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

The general witterings of a nerd