Installing Ubuntu on Your HP Chromebook X360 14B: A Comprehensive Guide

Installing Ubuntu on an HP Chromebook X360 14B can be a rewarding project, expanding the capabilities of your device beyond the confines of the Chrome OS. This guide outlines the step-by-step process to transition your HP Chromebook X360 14B to Ubuntu.

Prerequisites

To ensure a smooth installation, it's essential to prepare adequately:

Backup Your Data

Installing a new operating system can erase existing data. Always back up any important files to prevent data loss.

Enable Developer Mode

Developers Mode is necessary to install Ubuntu. Note that this step will erase your Chromebook data. Proceed with caution.

USB Drive

You'll need a USB drive at least 4GB to create a bootable Ubuntu installer.

Steps to Install Ubuntu

1. Enable Developer Mode

Before beginning, ensure your Chromebook is powered off.

Press and hold the Shift key while powering on your Chromebook. This will boot you into Recovery Mode. In Recovery Mode, press Ctrl D to enable Developer Mode. A warning screen will appear. Press Enter to continue. Your Chromebook will restart and may take a while to transition to Developer Mode.

2. Create a Bootable USB Drive

Download the Ubuntu ISO from the official Ubuntu website.

Use a tool like Rufus (Windows) or Etcher (Mac/Linux) to create a bootable USB drive:

Open the tool and select your USB drive. Choose the downloaded Ubuntu ISO file. Start the process to create the bootable USB.

3. Boot from USB Drive

Once the drive is ready, follow these steps:

Connect the bootable USB drive to your Chromebook. Power on the Chromebook and press Ctrl L at the boot screen to access the BIOS. Select the USB drive from the boot menu to boot into the Ubuntu installer.

4. Install Ubuntu

Once the Ubuntu live environment loads, you can:

Test Ubuntu to ensure everything works as expected. Proceed with the installation if satisfied.

Follow the on-screen instructions to:

Select your language and keyboard layout. Choose whether to install third-party software. Select the installation type, opting to erase the disk and install Ubuntu to remove Chrome OS. Follow the prompts to set your time zone, create a user account, and set your password. Let the installation complete. It may take some time.

5. Final Steps

Remove the USB drive after the installation. Reboot your Chromebook. You should now boot into Ubuntu.

Additional Considerations

Dual-Booting

If you wish to keep Chrome OS, you can set up a dual-boot system using tools like Crouton or chrx.

Drivers and Support

Some hardware like touchscreens and trackpads may require additional drivers or configuration. Ensure you have the necessary drivers installed for a smoother experience.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues, reach out to forums and communities like the Ubuntu Forums or Reddit’s r/chromeuser for support from other users who have installed Ubuntu on Chromebooks.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully install Ubuntu on your HP Chromebook X360 14B. If you have any specific questions or run into problems, feel free to ask!