How to Change Chrome OS to Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Chromebooks are lightweight, affordable, and great for basic tasks, but what if you want the full power of Windows 11? Maybe you need desktop apps like Microsoft Office, Adobe software, or PC games. The good news is—you can replace Chrome OS with Windows 11. The process isn’t as simple as installing an app, but if you follow the steps carefully, you’ll be running Windows 11 on your Chromebook in no time.

Table of Contents

Can You Really Install Windows 11 on a Chromebook?

Yes, but with a catch. Chromebooks are designed for Chrome OS, so they don’t officially support Windows. That means:

You’ll need to modify your Chromebook’s firmware (BIOS).
You’ll need a Windows 11 ISO file and a bootable USB.
Some Chromebook models may not support Windows at all due to hardware limitations.

If your Chromebook has an Intel processor, at least 64GB storage, and 4GB RAM, you have a good chance of success.

Things You’ll Need Before Installing Windows 11

Before jumping in, prepare these essentials:

A compatible Intel-based Chromebook (AMD and ARM devices usually don’t work).
A USB drive (at least 8GB).
A separate computer to create a bootable Windows 11 installer.
Windows 11 ISO file from Microsoft’s official website.
Rufus (free tool to create bootable USB drives).
A stable internet connection.
Patience—because this process takes time!

Step-by-Step Guide to Change Chrome OS to Windows 11

Step 1: Backup Your Data

Installing Windows will completely erase Chrome OS and all your files. Use Google Drive or an external hard drive to back up everything important.

Step 2: Enable Developer Mode

Press Esc + Refresh + Power to enter recovery mode.
Press Ctrl + D, then hit Enter.
Your Chromebook will reboot into Developer Mode.

Step 3: Modify the Chromebook BIOS

Windows requires a different BIOS than the one Chromebooks come with.

Open Chrome OS in Developer Mode.
Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open the terminal.
Type shell and hit Enter.
Use the MrChromebox firmware utility script to replace the BIOS: cd; curl -LO mrchromebox.tech/firmware-util.sh && sudo bash firmware-util.sh
Follow on-screen instructions to install a custom UEFI BIOS.

Step 4: Create a Bootable Windows 11 USB

On another PC:

Download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft’s website.
Open Rufus.
Select your USB drive.
Choose the ISO file.
Set Partition Scheme to GPT and Target System to UEFI.
Click Start to create a bootable USB.

Step 5: Boot the Chromebook from USB

Insert the Windows 11 USB drive into your Chromebook.
Turn it on and press the key for the boot menu (often Esc or F12).
Select your USB drive as the boot device.

Step 6: Install Windows 11

The Windows installer will start.
Choose your language and keyboard layout.
Select Custom: Install Windows only.
Delete all Chrome OS partitions.
Create a new partition and install Windows 11.

Step 7: Install Drivers

After installation, you’ll notice some hardware (like trackpad, Wi-Fi, or sound) may not work. That’s because Windows doesn’t have Chromebook-specific drivers.

Visit coolstar.org/chromebook/windows-install for community-created drivers.
Download and install the necessary drivers for your Chromebook model.

Alternative Option: Dual-Boot Windows and Chrome OS

If you don’t want to lose Chrome OS completely, you can set up a dual-boot system with Brunch framework. This allows you to switch between Chrome OS and Windows 11, though it’s more complex and may not be stable on all devices.

Pros and Cons of Installing Windows 11 on a Chromebook

Pros

Full Windows apps (Microsoft Office, Photoshop, games, etc.).
Better compatibility with external devices.
More customization options.

Cons

Voids warranty.
Risk of bricking your Chromebook.
Limited driver support (some features may not work).
Requires technical knowledge.

Tips for a Smooth Installation

Use a newer Chromebook model with Intel Core processors.
Keep your USB drive handy for troubleshooting.
Always back up data before experimenting.
Install all drivers right after Windows setup.

Final Thoughts

Changing Chrome OS to Windows 11 is a bold move, but it opens up a whole new world of possibilities. If you’re willing to take the risk, follow the steps carefully, and prepare for some troubleshooting, you can successfully run Windows 11 on your Chromebook.

Just remember—Chromebooks aren’t designed for Windows, so don’t expect everything to work perfectly. But if you need the power of Windows with the portability of a Chromebook, this guide gets you there.

FAQs

1. Can all Chromebooks run Windows 11?
No, only Intel-based Chromebooks with enough storage and RAM are compatible. ARM and AMD devices usually won’t work.

2. Will I lose Chrome OS if I install Windows 11?
Yes, unless you set up dual-boot. Installing Windows removes Chrome OS.

3. Do I need to buy a Windows 11 license?
Yes, after installation, you’ll need a valid license key to activate Windows 11.

4. What if my Chromebook doesn’t support drivers?
Some features like Wi-Fi or sound may not work without drivers. Check community forums for support.

5. Is it worth installing Windows 11 on a Chromebook?
It depends. If you need Windows apps and are okay with some technical challenges, it can be worthwhile. Otherwise, consider using cloud-based Windows services instead.