Install Chrome OS in Virtualbox - Here's how
You can install Google’s Chrome OS operating system in VirtualBox and test it safely. You can find out how to do this in this practical tip.
Download Chrome OS for the VirtualBox
There is no official version of Chrome OS available for download yet. However, a talented developer has developed a test version for VirtualBox from the source code:
- Download the trial version for VirtualBox.
- Unzip the ZIP archive, for example with the free tool WinRAR and note the location.
Install Chrome OS in VirtualBox - Here's how
To try Chrome OS without having to worry about drivers, you can install it in VirtualBox:
- Download the free program VirtualBox and install it on your computer.
- Open VirtualBox and click "New" to create a new virtual machine.
- Enter any name, for example "Chrome OS". Choose "Other" as the type because Chrome OS is not yet included in VirtualBox. Do the same with "Version".
- The next step is to determine how much memory is allocated to Chrome OS. Since Chrome OS is a very minimalist operating system, 512 MB are sufficient.
- You don't have to create a hard drive, as you have already downloaded it with Chrome OS. Select "Use existing hard drive" and navigate to the extracted VDI file.
- Click on "Create". Chrome OS is now created in the VirtualBox. However, you should make two more changes.
- Right-click the "Chrome OS" entry in the list and select "Change".
- In the "Display" entry you can now increase the graphics memory to 128 MB and activate 3D acceleration. Confirm with OK".
- Now you can start Chrome OS in the virtual machine.
In our picture gallery we show you the best apps for Chrome OS.