Installing Steam on a Chromebook in 2025: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Gaming on a Chromebook is no longer a distant dream. In the past, Chromebooks weren’t designed for heavy gaming, limiting users to simple web-based games. However, thanks to Google and Valve, that has changed—Steam is now officially available on ChromeOS devices. This means you can enjoy a vast library of PC games directly on your Chromebook, from indie hits to AAA titles.

Installing Steam on a Chromebook may seem tricky at first, but there are several reliable methods to get it up and running. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know: system requirements, supported devices, step-by-step installation instructions, and tips to optimize your gaming experience. By the end, your Chromebook will be ready to handle your favorite Steam games smoothly.

Install Steam on a Chromebook: Supported Models

Before installing Steam on your Chromebook, it’s important to check if your device is supported. Google and Valve have confirmed that 35 Chromebook models meet the required hardware specifications for running Steam smoothly. If your Chromebook is on the list, installation is straightforward.

Here’s a breakdown of the officially supported Chromebook models:

Acer Supported Models:

Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514-1W)
Acer Chromebook 515 (CB515-1W)
Acer Chromebook 516 GE (CBG516-1H)
Acer Chromebook CB514-3H / 3HT
Acer Chromebook Plus 515 (CB515-2H, CB515-2HT)
Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE
Acer Chromebook Spin 514 (CP514-3H, CP514-3HH, CP514-3WH)
Acer Chromebook Spin 713 (CP713-3W)
Acer Chromebook Spin 714
Acer Chromebook Vero 514

Asus Supported Models:

Asus Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip
Asus Chromebook CM34 Flip
Asus Chromebook CX34 Flip (CX3401)
Asus Chromebook CX3402CBA
Asus Chromebook CX9 (CX9400)
Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5500, CX5601)
Asus Chromebook Plus CM34 Flip
Asus Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip (CX3401)

Dell, Framework, HP, and Lenovo Supported Models

If you own a Chromebook from Dell, Framework, HP, or Lenovo, check if your device is supported before installing Steam. Officially supported devices ensure smooth gameplay and can run Steam via the Stable or Beta ChromeOS channels.

Dell & Framework Supported Models:

Dell 5430 Chromebook
Dell 5430 Chromebook 2-in-1
Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition

HP Supported Models:

HP Chromebook 15.6 inch
HP Chromebook x360 14 inch
HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook
HP Elite c640 14 inch G3 Chromebook
HP Elite c645 G2 Chromebook
HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook

Lenovo Supported Models:

Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook 16
Lenovo 5i Chromebook 16 / IdeaPad 5i Chromebook 16
Lenovo 5i-14 Chromebook
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook 14 / IdeaPad Flex 5i
Chromebook 14″ Lenovo Slim 3i Chromebook
Lenovo ThinkPad C14 Gen 1 Chromebook

If your Chromebook is listed above, you’re in luck! These models support Steam installation and offer a smooth gaming experience on ChromeOS.

Install Steam on a Chromebook Using Different Methods

There are three main ways to install and play Steam on a Chromebook:

Direct installation on supported Chromebooks
Using Linux containers for wider compatibility
Streaming games via the Steam Link app

Let’s break down each method step by step.

Method 1: Install Steam Directly on Supported Chromebooks

If your Chromebook is officially supported, installing Steam is straightforward:

Open the ChromeOS launcher and type “Steam” in the search bar.
Select the Steam Installer app from the results.
Click Install and allow the setup to complete.
Steam will automatically update to the latest version.
Sign in with your Steam account.

That’s it! Supported Chromebooks, especially gaming editions, are ready for Steam gaming immediately.

Method 2: Install Steam Using Linux on Chromebook

If your Chromebook supports Linux (Crostini), this method works for more devices:

Enable the Linux environment in Chromebook settings.
Open the Terminal app from the launcher.
Update Linux packages using terminal commands (sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade).
Download the Steam .deb installer for Linux.
Double-click the downloaded file and click Install.
Once installed, search for Steam in the launcher and open it.
Allow Steam to download libraries and updates automatically.
Sign in with your Steam account.

This method supports games like Portal 2, Among Us, Stardew Valley, Terraria, and Half-Life 2. Performance depends on your Chromebook’s hardware and resolution settings.

Method 3: Play Games Using Steam Link

For Chromebooks that don’t support Linux, Steam Link allows game streaming from a PC:

Open the Play Store and search for Steam Link.
Install the free Steam Link app.
Connect a gaming controller or use your keyboard and mouse.
Ensure Steam is running on your PC.
Ensure both the Chromebook and the PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Steam Link will automatically detect your PC.
Select your PC and pair devices.
Start streaming PC games instantly.

This method works best on weaker hardware, but a strong Wi-Fi connection is essential for smooth gameplay.

Requirements to Install Steam on a Chromebook

Before installing Steam, it’s important to check your Chromebook’s system requirements. Google and Valve provide minimum and recommended specifications to ensure smooth gameplay.

Minimum Requirements:

Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor
At least 8GB RAM
Minimum 128GB storage for games

Recommended Requirements:

Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor
At least 16GB RAM
High storage capacity for large AAA games

Most Chromebooks come with limited storage, so choose a model with higher storage if you plan to play many games. External drives or cloud gaming services can also help manage large game files.

Games You Can Play After Installing Steam

Once Steam is installed, you can enjoy a wide variety of games on your Chromebook. ChromeOS supports Linux game versions or runs Windows games via Proton, Valve’s compatibility tool (used in Steam Deck) that allows Windows games to run on Linux.

Popular Tested Games Include:

Portal 2
Dota 2
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Stardew Valley
Terraria
Hades
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition
Half-Life 2
Among Us

Performance is especially smooth on supported hardware, such as the Acer Spin 713. Using a controller can further improve the gaming experience, particularly for action and RPG games.

Extra Tips Before Installing Steam on a Chromebook

Follow these tips to ensure a hassle-free installation and better gaming performance:

Always update ChromeOS to the latest version.
Confirm that your Chromebook model is supported.
Ensure your device meets minimum requirements, or preferably the recommended specs.
Use extra storage or an external drive for large games.
If Steam doesn’t run smoothly, consider cloud gaming services like Nvidia GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Following these tips will prepare your Chromebook for a smooth and enjoyable Steam gaming experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can all Chromebooks run Steam?

No. Only officially supported models or Chromebooks that support Linux containers can run Steam. Check the supported device list before installation.

Do I need a powerful Chromebook to play Steam games?

For smooth gameplay, it’s recommended to have Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 with at least 16GB RAM. Many games can run on minimum specs, but performance may vary.

Can I play Windows-only games on a Chromebook?

Yes. Using Proton, Steam can run many Windows games on Linux-supported Chromebooks. Cloud streaming via Steam Link is another option.

Do I need to install Linux to run Steam?

Not always. Supported Chromebooks can install Steam directly. Chromebooks without direct support require the Linux method or Steam Link streaming.

Can I use an external storage drive for games?

Yes. Since Chromebooks often have limited storage, using external drives or cloud gaming services can help manage large games.

Will Steam Link work on any Chromebook?

Yes. Steam Link streams games from your PC, so even Chromebooks with weak hardware can play games, as long as Wi-Fi is strong.

Which games run best on a Chromebook?

Games like Portal 2, Stardew Valley, Terraria, Among Us, and Dota 2 run well. Performance depends on hardware and controller support improves gameplay.

Conclusion

Installing Steam on a Chromebook in 2025 is easier than ever, thanks to official support from Google and Valve. Whether you use a supported Chromebook, enable Linux for wider compatibility, or stream games via Steam Link, you can enjoy a vast library of PC games on your device.

Before starting, ensure your Chromebook meets the minimum or recommended requirements, keep ChromeOS updated, and consider extra storage for larger games. With the right setup and hardware, your Chromebook can handle popular titles like Portal 2, Dota 2, Stardew Valley, and many more.