How to Install Chrome OS in a Virtual Machine

Can You Boot Chrome OS In A Virtual Machine?

Fancy Chrome OS but can't afford a Chromebook? It's time to learn how to install Chomre OS in a virtual machine on Windows, macOS, or Linux.

Booting Chrome OS is a great way to try the operating system before you buy. You can figure out if the lack of traditional apps will affect you, if the workflow suits you, and whether you like the feel of the operating system.

However, Chrome OS doesn't boot up in a virtual machine like other operating systems such as Windows or Linux. Normally, you can only use Chrome OS on specific hardware a Chromebook. Google doesn't offer a Chrome OS version suitable for virtual machine use.

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

How To Install Chrome OS In A Virtual Machine

Okay, here's how you install Chrome OS in a virtual machine. Neverware CloudReady currently offers a free Chrome OS virtual machine application image for VMware. Previously, there was also a Chrome OS VirtualBox image, but this is no longer available.

1. Download And Install VMware

First up, you need a copy of VMware Workstation Player.

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

2. Download Neverware CloudReady Chrome OS

You then need the Chrome OS virtual machine application image.

Head to the download page. Scroll down until you find the download link.

3. Import The Chrome OS Image Into VMware

Now, import the Chrome OS virtual machine into VMware.

Open VMware Workstation Player. Head to Player > File > Open, then browse to the Chrome OS image. The Import Virtual Machine window will open. Keep the default options and press Import.

After the import completes, you'll find an entry in the virtual machine list.

4. Boot The Chrome OS Virtual Machine

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

Disable Device/Credential Guard

A common error during the boot process is "VMware Workstation and Device/Credential Guard are not compatible." This is a common error and usually relates to Windows Hyper-V. To dissable the device guard,

1. Type windows features in your Start Menu search bar, and select the Best Match.
2. Scroll down and uncheck Hyper-V, then press OK.
3. You'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.

If the error persists, input command prompt in your Start Menu search bar, then select Open as Administrator. Now, copy and paste the following commands:

bcdedit /enum {current}

bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off

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

bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype auto

5. Configure Your Chrome OS Virtual Machine Settings

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

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

Select Next. Read through Neverware's CloudReady data collection form, then Continue.

You 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 separate device.

After signing in, you'll arrive at the Chrome OS homepage. From here, you can explore the operating system.

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