Y'all've probably heard all near Chromebooks and Chrome OS already. Google'due south Chrome OS is the driving strength behind the success of the Chromebook. It gives users a depression-frills operating arrangement that focuses on Google Chrome, too as the numerous web apps and extensions that go with it.

Chrome Bone is a roaring success. If you're interested in switching but want to attempt before yous purchase, y'all can boot Chrome OS in a virtual machine.

Can Y'all Boot Chrome OS in a Virtual Auto?

Booting Chrome Bone is a neat way to try the operating system before you lot purchase. You tin figure out if the lack of traditional apps will bear upon y'all, if the workflow suits yous, and whether you like the experience of the operating system.

However, Chrome OS doesn't boot upward in a virtual machine like other operating systems such every bit Windows or Linux. Normally, y'all can just use Chrome Os on specific hardware---a Chromebook. Google doesn't offering a Chrome Bone version suitable for virtual machine use.

Simply, because Chrome OS is based upon an open up-source projection, the clever squad over at Neverware CloudReady can modify the code, making it play nicely with virtual machine software.

Want to effort something different again? Here's how you install macOS on Windows 10 in a virtual motorcar.

How to Install Chrome Os in a Virtual Machine

Okay, hither'south how you install Chrome OS in a virtual machine. Neverware CloudReady currently offers a free Chrome Bone virtual machine awarding paradigm for VMware. Previously, there was also a Chrome Os VirtualBox image, merely this is no longer available.

1. Download and Install VMware

Commencement up, yous demand a copy of VMware Workstation Histrion.

Download: VMware Workstation Player for Windows (Costless)

VMware Workstation Player is VMware's free virtual car tool. Download and install before continuing with the tutorial.

2. Download Neverware CloudReady Chrome OS

Y'all then demand the Chrome Bone virtual automobile application image.

Download: Chrome Bone CloudReady Epitome for VMware (Free)

Head to the download page. Whorl downwardly until y'all find the download link.

3. Import the Chrome Bone Prototype into VMware

Now, import the Chrome Bone virtual car into VMware.

import chrome os vmware

Open VMware Workstation Player. Head to Player > File > Open up, so browse to the Chrome Bone image. The Import Virtual Automobile window will open. Keep the default options and printing Import.

After the import completes, you'll detect an entry in the virtual motorcar list.

chrome os in vmware

4. Boot the Chrome OS Virtual Machine

Double click the CloudReady-Abode virtual machine in VMware. The Chrome OS virtual machine volition boot. It shouldn't take long, either.

chrome os booting in vmware

Disable Device/Credential Guard

A common mistake during the kick procedure is "VMware Workstation and Device/Credential Guard are non compatible." This is a mutual error and usually relates to Windows Hyper-Five.

Blazon windows features in your First Bill of fare search bar, and select the Best Match. Scroll down and uncheck Hyper-Five, then press OK. Yous'll have to restart your system for the changes to take effect. Turning Hyper-V support off doesn't remove your existing Hyper-V virtual machine images.

windows option features hyper-v

If the error persists, input command prompt in your Outset Card search bar, and so select Open equally Administrator. At present, copy and paste the following commands:

          bcdedit /enum {current}
bcdedit /ready hypervisorlaunchtype off

This stops the Hyper-V hypervisor launch interfering with the Device/Credential Guard. To revert the change, open the Control Prompt with Administrator privilege, then input:

          bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype auto

Hyper-V is Windows' integrated virtual car software. Simply how does it stack up against VirtualBox and VMware?

5. Configure Your Chrome OS Virtual Car Settings

The Chrome Os sign-in procedure requires an active internet connection. The virtual machine should share the cyberspace connection of the host machine, but it can take a moment for it to configure.

chrome os active ethernet connection vmware

If nothing happens immediately, select the gray fourth dimension icon in the bottom right corner, and then select the Wi-Fi configuration icon. Select Ethernet, as this is how the virtual adapter works.

Select Side by side. Read through Neverware's CloudReady data collection form, so Continue.

Y'all can now use your Gmail address to sign into Chrome Os. Depending on your security settings, you may have to confirm your identity via 2FA on a dissever device.

chrome os virtual machine 2fa

After signing in, you'll go far at the Chrome Os homepage. From here, you can explore the operating system.

Limitations of the Chrome OS Virtual Machine

The Chrome Os virtual machine does have some limitations. For example, it doesn't accept access to Google Play, where you tin download and install regular Android apps on your Chromebook.

chrome os homepage vmware

Back up for Android app is an almost-standard feature for the latest Chromebook models, which only enhances their functionality. That'southward without mentioning that y'all tin can dual-boot a Chromebook with Linux, as well.

This isn't a slight on Neverware. Rather, it is due to technical and legal constraints.

Updating the Chrome OS Virtual Machine

Neverware regularly releases updates for their Chrome OS virtual machines. They follow the standard Chrome Bone release schedule, but the updates take a little longer to reach the virtual machines as Neverware has to configure them earlier releasing.

Even with the slight filibuster, you'll never fall majorly behind the official Chrome OS update schedule. Of form, if you leave the virtual machine switched off for a long period, you volition fall behind. Merely the updates will be waiting when y'all switch it back on!

What Can You Do With Your Chrome OS Virtual Machine?

The best thing to do with your new Chrome OS virtual automobile is to treat it like you would a normal operating system and see how it suits you. No matter which major operating organization you're coming from (Windows, macOS, Linux), you lot'll discover some limitations in deportment or app availability.

But there are workarounds for almost every issue you encounter. At least, there is when you consider how many Chrome web apps there are. Plus, if y'all were using a regular Chromebook, you would probable have access to the millions of apps on Google Play, too.

Chrome OS is an excellent operating arrangement for portable devices, similar the Chromebook. The pairing of extremely long battery life and a relatively basic operating organization brand Chrome Bone and the Chromebook a potent combination for a huge range of users.

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About The Author

Gavin Phillips (1042 Articles Published)

Gavin is the Junior Editor for Technology Explained, a regular correspondent to the Actually Useful Podcast, and a frequent product reviewer. He has a degree in Contemporary Writing pillaged from the hills of Devon, and more than a decade of professional writing experience. He enjoys copious amounts of tea, board games, and football.

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