Steam, the popular gaming platform, offers access to thousands of games, and Chromebook users can now join in on the fun.
While Chromebooks weren’t traditionally known for gaming, recent updates to ChromeOS have made it possible to install and run Steam, opening up a world of gaming possibilities.
Whether you’re looking to play indie titles, AAA games, or classics from your Steam library, this guide will walk you through the recommended method (Steam Installer) and alternative ways to get Steam running on your Chromebook
Let’s get started, feel free to contact us or leave a comment below if you need help.
Install Steam Using the Steam Installer
The Steam Installer our recommended method and it is the easiest and most straightforward way to install Steam on your Chromebook. It doesn’t require enabling Linux or any complex setup.
Steps to Install Steam Using the Steam Installer
- Open the Launcher: Click the circle icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
- Search for “Steam Installer”: Type “Steam Installer” in the search bar.
- Install Steam: If the Steam Installer appears in the search results, click Install.
- Launch Steam: Once installed, open Steam from your app drawer and log in to your account.
Note: If the Steam Installer doesn’t appear, your Chromebook may not meet the hardware requirements for the beta. Check the list of supported devices here.
Video instructions
If you prefer to watch video instructions, check out this video we found below.
Minimum Hardware Requirements
Steam Installer is available on select Chromebooks that meet the following hardware requirements:
- Processor: At least an Intel i3 or Ryzen 3 CPU or better.
- RAM: 8GB or more.
- Storage: 128GB or more.
How to Check Your Chromebook’s Specs
- Check CPU and RAM:
- Press Ctrl + Search + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- Look for your CPU and RAM details under the “Performance” tab.
- Check Storage:
- Go to Settings > Device > Storage Management.
- Here, you’ll see the total storage available on your Chromebook.
Alternative Method 1: Install Steam via Linux
If your Chromebook doesn’t support the Steam Installer, you can install Steam using the Linux environment.
Steps to Install Steam on Chromebook via Linux
- Enable Linux (Beta):
- Go to Settings > Developers > Linux development environment.
- Click Turn On and follow the on-screen instructions to set up Linux.
- Update Your Linux Environment:
Open the Terminal and run the following commands:sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
- Install Steam:
Run the following commands to install Steam:sudo apt install steam
- Launch Steam:
Once installed, type steam in the Terminal or open it from your app drawer.
Alternative Method 2: Use Steam Link for Streaming
If you have a powerful PC, you can stream Steam games to your Chromebook using the Steam Link app.
How to install Steam Link on Chromebook
- Install Steam Link: Download the Steam Link app from the Google Play Store.
- Connect to Your PC: Ensure your Chromebook and PC are on the same network.
- Pair Devices: Open Steam Link, follow the on-screen instructions, and enter the PIN displayed on your Chromebook into Steam on your PC.
- Start Playing: Once paired, you can stream and play games directly on your Chromebook.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter issues while installing or using Steam, try these solutions:
Steam Installer Not Showing Up
- Ensure your Chromebook meets the minimum hardware requirements (Intel i3/Ryzen 3, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage).
- Update your Chromebook to the latest version of Chrome OS.
Steam Not Launching
- Restart your Chromebook and try launching Steam again.
- Ensure your Linux environment is updated (if using the Linux method).
Performance Issues
- Lower in-game graphics settings to reduce resource usage.
- Close unnecessary background apps to free up system resources.
Games Not Showing in Library
- Check your internet connection and ensure you’re logged into your Steam account.
- Restart Steam and refresh your library.
That should cover everything I can think of relating to getting Steam to work on your Chromebook, if you have any questions or need help, leave a comment and you can check out other Chromebook games we have on this site.