A recent study by the NDP Group reveals that a whopping 1.76 million Chromebook units have been sold in just ten months. The study also reports that Chromebook accounts for the 26 percent of all notebook sales in 2014.
As most of you know, Google has been updating its Chrome operating system with new features ever since its first release but it’s not even remotely close to Windows, Mac or even some Linux distributions. A lot of computer users who have used Windows or Mac before making the jump to Chrome OS or Chromebooks agree that it can’t be used as a replacement to PC or Mac, at least for now.
Because of this, majority of Chromebook or Chromebox users want to install Windows or Linux on their Chromebooks. Since most of the Chromebooks out there ship with powerful processors, they meet the minimum hardware requirements for installing Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7. For instance, Google’s own Chromebook Pixel features an i5 processor, 4GB of RAM, 32 or 64 GB SSD.
A quick search on the web reveals that there are plenty of guides available to load Linux on Chromebooks but there are very few guides that can help you install Windows operating system on Chromebook or Chromebox. The good news is that there are a couple of good and working guides out there to install Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7 on popular Chromebooks such Google’s own Chromebook Pixel and Acer A7.
Installing Windows on a Chromebook isn’t a straight-forward job, but there are guides and video tutorials to help you install Windows on Chromebook.
Install Windows 10 on Chromebook with ease
It turns out that installing Windows on Chromebook Pixel is relatively easier when compared to other models. Dave has uploaded the following video to YouTube explaining the instructions you need to follow in order to install Windows 10 on a Chromebook.
As per the above video, installing Windows 10 on Chromebook is fairly easy and should be able to install in less than an hour.
Install Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 on Chromebook
Chromebook Pixel users can follow the simple instructions on this page to successfully install Windows 8/8.1 on Pixel and then install necessary drivers.
A video guide has been uploaded on YouTube by Johnny Phung showing steps you need to follow in order to install Windows 7 on Acer C7 Chromebook. Watch the below video guide to install Windows on Acer C7 Chromebook.
NOTE: I don’t own a Chromebook, and haven’t tested these guides personally.
zeke says
you cant add windows to a chromebook
Lucas says
I tried to install Windows, but I must have done something wrong. It was either that I didn’t use an external disc or forgot to actually install the file before the terminal rebooted, but I do not know what to do to either restore it back to Chrome OS or Windows. I need help. All that my computer will do is show a terminal, it will not start as usual. It uses an unfamiliar list of commands. I type help in the box, and the commands show, but they scroll too fast to read. My Chromebook is in developer mode, so Google customer support would not help.
Krysto says
Good Lord reading this comment section caused my IQ to drop 12 points.
Tootsie Broins says
It all makes sense to me now concerning chrome and windows 10. E da troot. Cause eb buddy ain like dat. most people don’t know about it.
beatrice says
i really like chrome Os but also i like windows! sorry for those who does n’t like windows.
RM Papillion says
Of all the backwards, weird things upon which to waste one’s time and effort. Love your Chromebook. Be afraid of Windows. Be very afraid.
Hante lou says
Can you download Windows on a Chromebook? Need help!
I have an Asus says
I was hoping to download windows on to the chromebook but after reading lots of reviews, I am still not sure if it is possible!
marcus says
i need a download link for windows 10 for my chrome book please
Max says
Tedus, as long as that chromebook has 2GB of RAM you’re good to go.
Appiah Peter says
Please how do I install Windows 7 on my Acer C720 chromebook. I really want to use Windows on the Machine
westin says
why wont it let me download windows on my chromebook
MaryMonstrosity says
I recently bought the samsung OS chromebook from walmart a couple weeks ago… i recently realized that when i tried to download skype i was unable to because it was based off a windows programming, so i decided to look for something that would allow me to download windows apps…
Gilbert says
I have a question because i was looking to buy a chromebook from ebay with a windows 7 OS already installed to it, The question is will i be able to download PC games to the computer with it having windows 7 on it?
tedus says
hi there,
most Chromebooks got powerful processors?? Well – i am currently looking at the Asus C200 – because of its long battery life and because it is fanless/quiet.
Do you know if this may work with windows?? Actually not the newsest windows is needed – as i only run a few programs.
You Article is the first one (and only) i found regarding Windows on Chromebooks – so thanks for that ;)
admin says
Thanks Jody for that. Even I was surprised by that number!
Jody says
Hey that Google Chrome report of the 21% was debunked as B.S! Leo Laporte on his podcast stood up new years and apologized to his audience entire audience for reporting on that story before checking the facts. Also debunked on What The Tech. Just thought you should know.