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How to Install and Run Steam Gaming Client on a Chromebook Laptop

As an avid gamer and Chromebook user myself, I understand the desire to run Steam games on a Chromebook. After researching this topic extensively and testing it out on my own Chromebook, I’ve put together this detailed guide on the best methods for installing and running Steam on a Chromebook.

Overview of Steam on Chromebooks

Steam is Valve’s popular digital distribution platform for PC games. Traditionally, Steam has only been supported on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. However, recent developments have made it possible to install and run Steam on select Chromebook models:

  • Steam Beta for Chrome OS – In 2022, Valve partnered with Google to release an early beta version of Steam for Chrome OS that works on certain high-end Chromebooks. This method offers the most seamless Steam experience but only works on 7 specific Chromebook models currently.
  • Borealis Container – Chrome OS includes a Linux container called Borealis that allows installing Steam through the Linux terminal. Performance isn’t great, but it works on more Chromebooks compared to the Steam beta method.
  • Full Linux Install – You can install a full Linux distribution like Ubuntu on your Chromebook dual boot alongside Chrome OS. This offers the best performance but requires wiping your local data.

The rest of this guide will walk through these methods to help you get Steam running on your Chromebook.

System Requirements

Before installing Steam, you’ll want to make sure your Chromebook actually supports it. Here are the general system requirements:

  • CPU: Intel Core i3 or equivalent AMD Ryzen 3 CPU or better. Less powerful CPUs like Celeron and Pentium won’t cut it.
  • RAM: 8GB minimum, 16GB recommended.
  • Storage: 128GB minimum since games take up storage space.
  • GPU: Intel Iris Xe or AMD Radeon graphics. Nvidia GPUs are not currently compatible.
  • Chrome OS Version: 108 or later for Steam beta, lower versions work for Linux methods.

Also keep in mind that game performance and compatibility will be limited compared to running Steam on Windows or Linux PCs. Older and less demanding indie games tend to run best based on testing.

Method 1: Install Steam Beta (Easiest)

If your Chromebook is supported, the easiest way to install Steam is through the official Steam for Chrome OS beta:

Steps

  1. Open Chrome browser settings and turn on the Chrome OS Beta Channel
  2. Find the #borealis-enabled flag in chrome://flags and enable it
  3. Launch Steam from the app drawer and follow the installation prompts
  4. Log into Steam and you can start installing games!

This method is the most seamless since Steam is natively integrated with Chrome OS. However, the performance and game compatibility varies significantly depending on your Chromebook’s specs.

Method 2: Install Steam through Linux

If the Steam beta isn’t supported on your model, you can install Steam by enabling Linux support and using terminal commands:

Steps

  1. Turn on Linux beta in Chrome OS settings
  2. Open the Linux terminal and run commands to install Steam
  3. Launch Steam from the Linux apps folder
  4. Log in to Steam and install games as normal

The benefit of using Linux is expanded compatibility with more Chromebook models compared to the Steam beta. However, gaming performance tends to be worse than the native Steam integration.

Method 3: Install Full Linux (Advanced)

For the best performance, you can wipe your Chromebook and install a full Linux distribution like Ubuntu. Then install Steam natively through the Linux desktop app store.

Steps

  1. Backup any local Chrome OS files you want to keep
  2. Turn off OS verification in Chromebook settings
  3. Boot from a Linux USB drive and choose to erase disk
  4. Install Linux distro and Steam from the software center
  5. Log into Steam and enjoy better compatibility/performance

Going the full Linux route offers closer-to-native Steam integration and gaming performance. Just keep in mind you’ll lose access to Chrome OS features and need to backup your local data first.

Improving Gaming Performance on Chromebooks

Even using the best method for your model, Steam games are unlikely to run as well on Chromebooks compared to Windows gaming laptops. But there are some steps you can try to optimize gaming performance:

  • Close all other apps/tabs to dedicate maximum system resources to gaming
  • Use a cooling pad to prevent thermal throttling during longer gaming sessions
  • Lower in-game resolution and graphics settings to reduce GPU load
  • Try different Proton/Wine compatibility layers if games crash or have issues
  • Consider upgrading to a Chromebook with a faster CPU/GPU if possible

At the end of the day, Chromebooks just aren’t built primarily for high-intensity gaming. Manage your expectations accordingly in terms of game compatibility and performance capabilities.

Closing Recommendations

I hope this guide gives you a better understanding of how to get Steam running on Chrome OS and what to expect from the experience. While Chromebooks do have limitations for gaming, it’s exciting to see progress with official Steam integration.

Let me know if you have any other questions! I’m always happy to help fellow Chromebook gamers get set up and suggest good games to try out that tend to run well. Feel free to reach out.

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