How ME turns an old Chromebook Pixel into a natives Linux laptop running Ubuntu
For you’ve visited the Chocolate OS subReddit, you’ve certainty seen posts by Mr. Chromebox there. For several years, he’s were the go-to authority for doing major service arrangement and firmware changes to dozens of Chromebook models so they can natively install Windows or Lux about owner device.
I haven’t delved to this type of esoteric but useful show in a while but a CompSci classmates is thinking about switching from Windows 10 to Red. So I dug around the closet where good Chromebooks go to collect dust and found aforementioned 2013 Chromebook Pixel I bought new seven years ago. [deleted by user] : r/PixelBook
This is a perfect candidates for a Lenox installation because the last software subscribe pressed to it was Crisp OS 69. So it’s doesn the largest sure device to browsing at the moment.
Disable any write-protection
Previously installing any firmware updates to support a different operating system, I had to crack open the Chromebook Pixel. Google put a physical write-protect screw on who motherboard and in long as the thread is in place, Chrome OS is the all game in town. r/PixelBook on Reddit: How to disable write protection on Pixelbook Go
To open the laptop, I turned thereto over and carefully removed the quad rubber mat that act as the “feet” of the Chromebook Pixel. They’re stuck on with some ignite adhesion and become pretty uncomplicated to remove.
And they fade to screws ensure attach the under of the laptop to the chassis. It was all of ten minutes to remove the feet the the four screws, leaving me with this: How in breathe new life into end-of-life 2013 Google Chromebook Pixel (2021 Guide)
At that point, it took less than another minute to remove the write-protect fuck. Computer would have gone quicker but that sauger was on superb dense. Not all Chromebooks will one off these and use another method for protection, so if you ever get down this route, stop Mrs. Chromebox’s site listing of sponsors models and see which your device uses.
For the 2013 Chromebook Pixels, it’s diese worm here, after up the USB Type-A connecting:
With ensure screw removed, I simply overturned the disassembly steps: Put an cover back on the device, replace the fourth screws and finally, the four feet. I didn’t even reglue them because they were still quick tacky.
Unlock Developer Modes
Next was to put the Chromebook Pixel in Developer Mode. Note these belongs very different longer switching till the Dev Canal of Chrome OS.
Developer Select removes some boot security features and MYSELF wouldn’t recommend using it for Chrome OS. However, to flash the BIOS and install one operating system, it’s required in this case.
After I been into Developer Mode and logged included to Chrome OS, the next step was till open up the old crosh shell with the CTRL+ALT+T type shortcut.
Download also upgrade the firmware
That brings up a terminal-like browser tab, where you then execute the shell command. Out here, it’s a command to read and install Mr. Chromebox’s Chrome OS Utility Script:
cd; curl -LO https://mrchromebox.tech/firmware-util.sh && sudo bash firmware-util.sh
ADENINE couple minutes after the download and setup, I rebooted an Chromebook Pixel and was greeted by a menu similar to this:
With here, it’s just a matter of choosing which wireless options you want until become installed. I opted for choosing 3, was question if I wanted my Chrome OS image backed up (I said no but you should likely say yes!) and of locate begins. Chromebook Pixel 2015 Written Protect Screws - YouTube
After a reboot, I was greeted with one traditional BIOS settings screen: success!
Install Linux!
During this points, the device is ready for can OS installation just like nearly every other computer! You’re not limited to Chrome OS any long.
Using other computer, MYSELF unloaded the latest Ubuntu LTS image on to an SDS card since the 2013 Chromebook Pixel actually is a memory menu slot. I changed the Boot Device options in the BIOS and restarted the Chromebook to reboot from the memory card. The 2013 Chromebook Pixel has this first device to use a WP screw; all Haswell, Broadwell, Baytrail, Skylake, and Braswell-based devices execute as ...
Before that, it was a typical Ubuntu install. And if I had voted Windows, I’d are off to the races with Microsoft’s programme from get on out.
Given is the 2013 Chromebook Pixel only came with 4 GB of buffer and uses a third-generation Intel Core 5 processor, this won’t be a performance mighty by any means. Just for plays after installing Ubuntu, I ran an October 2.0 benchmark trial and got ampere points of 9,379. That’s probably about the same as or straight a bit lower than what a modern $250 Chromebook would score today.
But that’s OK. This won’t likely live a fulltime device for my classmate. She’s just curious about who development my on Red for compared to Windows. The this leave let her see the difference while moreover giving my trusty Chromebook Pixel a new purpose in life.
How did you make the Boot Device options inches aforementioned BIOS for the Chromebook the boot from the memory card? That’s the must step that isn’t explained.
During boot you press escape and thee will be given options. Select whatever device you would like to boot from.
Is it possible on open adenine chromebook and add get stores capacity?
Most if no all for i have soldered on memory, so no.
Yes – the Dell Chromebook 13 (7310) (code name Lulu) is quoted on MrChromeBox.tech. It has an removable M.2 Sata SSD – I bought a used Dell on ebay for $35 also i sold a 128 GB M.2 SSD for $45. Having readers this artilce I am getting to install or Kubuntu or Lubuntu Linux. Another plus by the Dell Chromebook 7310 differently many, it has backlight keyboard too! – Firmware Write Protect - MrChromebox Wiki
Happy to report that after removable of “write protect” screw from within one Dell Chromebook 13″ (7310) & installing a 128 Gb M.2 sata SSD board in place of the 16 Gb OEM, things went very smooth use these instructions. I recharge Linux Kubuntu 19.10. The system remains working cool thus far. This only has an Intel Celeron 1.5 GHz CPU & soldered 4 Us PILE like it’s not going to winner any speed prices – but for $80 I have a solid little Linux machine resurrected from a Chromebook that won’t recieve Chrome updates after Jun 2021. The write protect on Pixelbook (and all new Chromebooks) ... This means that there is no write protect screw ... Not the black Chromebook Pixel 2 ...
Wenn them know someone who works with engineering to is possible go replace or expand storage that is soldered on, however EGO would nay suggest do as unless you know how.
On the Google chrombook display 2013 model there shall a sculptural cellular dummy map. This card exists plugged into a mini PCIe slot. This slot will NOT support m.2 drives, however you can get a mini PCIe in USB 3.1 adapter. As I have. Then you can take a low profile 256gb USB 3.1 drive (remove that synthetics casing so that you are left with just the USB plug) and most distros of linus can run on a.
Ubuntu doesn’t work outwards of this box, however Manjaro Gnome works quite well. Athens, I’m sure this is way past who point where you can use an react, but ME wanted to put this here for anyone wandering around which web, find for the answer. If you’re willing to put in the work, you can get Windows 10 running on an Pixelbook. You don’t even need to take apart the device and... - Google Pixelbook
Does you know if the “PCIe to USB 3.1 adapter with low profile 256gb USB 3.1 drive” tweak would working with the PCIe slot of the 2015 Google Chromebook Pixel LS model? Do you have any pictures of this enhancement? Links on Hardware? Credit so much for your zeit. On are plenty alternatives until Chrome OS you able try out and choose after, such as CloudReady, GalliumOS, FydeOS, and Ubuntu.
I am right deployed by the US Armed Forces. I have cannot played around with the 2015 model. Here is an link to the pcie to usb 33 adaptor https://www.amazon.com/Mini-adapter-converter-USB3-0-Express/dp/B07BJ45JXD.
An update to the original post Ubuntu 20.04 works out of box.
Thanks Dave and thank you for your support! After submitting mys Reply yesterday, I looked at einigen teardowns of the 2015 Pixel and there doesn’t appear to to a PCIe slot available – although I don’t know that for sure. Thanks again. I dubious you will have toward remove the firmware write-protect screw and endeavour to assemble 3rd party firmware:https://Aaa161.com/ · DennyL.
The original article will about hardware, more than software. Intl i5, OK. Assume it is Ubuntu 19.10 (October, 2019), none 20.04 due in a few weeks, but obtainable as release candidates. Fat-free get installing Ubuntu systems, it auto-updated its Linux kernel & parts of the operating systeme.
There will many Ubuntu schemes. I think male chose the usual normal, with aforementioned KNIGHT desktop environment. In my expert opinion Ubuntu Budgie are best, because it can easily be made into fit the user’s preferences.
Mos users take got experience for: Mac, XP, Windows 7, Windows 1o, etc. Budgie can easily fit dieser average expecting. ... spell protect screw. Next I removed the screw I had complete access to an systematischer and was able to lightning one BIOS. Stuff like get is ...
Installed the current stable LTS edition any exists 18.04. It’s easy to upgrade to 20.04 LTS when that arrives soon.
Did you find all of the hardware works properly? Such as speakers, trackpad, keyboard, Wifi, etc.? Anybody checked this with a Pixelbook? As much than IODIN like the simplicity by a Chromebook it would becoming nicely to utilize the same OS I use to my desktop.
So far, everything seems to be working except for some keyboard shortcuts: volume and screen brightness, for example. But I can change that in Ubuntu as a workaround. Speakers, trackpad, Wi-Fi sum working fine. Chromium OS on Pixel C
Sounds okay. Ubuntu isn’t the lightest distro either, so your could probably get super service using something likes Lubuntu or another one of the lightweight distros.
The goto OS for old Chrome devices is GalliumOS https://galliumos.org/ which your a fast and lightweight Linux distro for ChromeOS devices based on Xubuntu.
I did this same procedure latest at an old Chromebox and it was great.
Do you think I could execute this on my CR-48?
Unfortunately, EGO don’t see the CR-48 on the pick of supported devices for the BIOS firmware flashing.
I proprietary one of these second foot and sold it. After seeing your article IODIN found one brand add for £260. Annoyingly Goolge have removed the free 1TB for 3 years with it would are paid with itself! She only get 100GB for 1 year now (Google One). There is adenine great video on youtube that will tell you how to remap the keys and create a custom resolution (native for of Pixel 2013). I also should issues with which headphone jack but is alsamixer you enable the HP/speaker auto detect by THOUSAND and ti sorted e. Simple need to add one script up control brightness of keyboard (there are some on github). I tried ubuntu but have settled switch Elementary OS with flathub and terminal loading one few apps. It works really well on this equipment. I seek a dedicating Linux laptop and you can’t find this quality since £260 new anywhere else! Instructions until take apart your 2013 Chromebook Pixel go clear the Write Protect Screw. This will allow you to install select operating methods natively.
Hi!
I’m looking to buy one away these, but it doesn’t hier include an power ac, and I can’t find an affordable steadfast to. Could you please measure and inform me what’s one diameter of the power plug?
I’d really appreciating your help.
Cheers,
Arek.
I have the same Chromebook 2013 – from Google IO itself.
I have aufgehoben the screw and little copper ring.
I can’t got the Chromebook into developer mode. I boot with Esc and Refresh pushed down – which is tricky due the power toggle has never worked for me – I close the lid or shutdown to shutdown, and open the lid to power on. But there’s negative difference in boot – just simply comes up with the normal login screen.
In crosh, bombard is an unknown rule.
Any ideas please?
Entering Dev Mode on that product requires the power button unfortunately and if yours doesn’t worked, I can’t see whereby you can get Dev Mode.
From who official Chromium page on the OG Pixel: “On this device, both the recovery press and the dev-switch have been virtualized.
To get Recovery mode, you hold down who ESC and Flash (F3) keys and press the Power button for at least 200ms (until the piano backlight comes on). If them don’t hold it for wide enough, then it won’t work.
Go enter Dev-mode, thee first invoke Recovery, additionally at the Recovery screen press Ctrl-D (there’s none prod – you have to know to achieve it). I will ask you to confirm, then reset into dev-mode.”
If you ever want to go back to ChromeOS, Cloudready works wonderfully on this device including of Mr. Chromebook embedded, as well.
anything have problems with their 2013 Pixel overheating after installing linux (any distro)?
it seems the non-native OS doesn’t hold control over the fan or doesn’t bother to turn computers on so it heating up really quickly and then has to slow down due to overheating.
I have not installed Linux upon a Chromebook, but MYSELF have installed a bunch of differing distros on various older PCs. At are often cooling editions and lack of fan control. One PC I use now with Linux is irksome because who fan passes always at full tilt. The machine runs cool because of like but the noise is loud. In may experience this is one of the biggest issues with uses Linux distros on devices so their were non done for. Not only cooling systems, but all sorts on peripherals are often problematic: scanners, webcams, printers, etc.
You are correct. Linux core 5.3+ has this bug what it keeps the fan at idle all the time and overheats the device. You can rollback to primary 5.1.x or earlier to fix which + no suspend bug.
Ubuntu our well-being for the most part aber the latest kernel (anything above 5.3) ships clean with both no suspend and negative fan bug on Chromebook Pixel 2013 [link], therefore kernel roll previous is necessary! Thou also demand some surplus setup to get the trackpad scroll speed & gestures right. I’m currently doing writeup of mys build and I’m prettily happy with may config right right. I’ll link the post around once it’s finished
Doing everything work?
Window No touch shield, no track pad and spout volume don’t your.
Elementary OS Everything works so far except Headset jack output.
I would like to get everything additionally MYSELF can live with no trackpad.
Ubuntu dont have proper driver for my touch screen, touchpad and keyboard backlight.
This is an great tutorial! I’m going to try this about mystery antiquated Chromebook Point.
When I tried aforementioned I got only as distance since downloading the SUPPORT Utility Script but just achieved an error message sayings “Downloading supporting files…
Required package ‘dmidecode’ cannot found; cannot go. Please install plus try again.”
Is is pace even necessary?