We’ve previously covered installing Windows 10 on a Chromebook. Now, let’s delve into upgrading to Windows 11, Microsoft’s latest OS. Chromebook emulators offer a pathway to running Windows 11 on your device. In this guide, we’ll explore one of the most straightforward options. Using QEMU, we’ll demonstrate how to install Windows 11 on your Chromebook. Keep in mind, this process demands robust hardware for running the virtual machine smoothly. If your aim is solely to access Windows apps or games, consider setting up Wine on your Chromebook instead of a full Windows VM. Follow our guide to successfully install and utilize Windows 11 on your Chromebook.
This tutorial covers the requirements for installing Windows 11 on a Chromebook, including steps to create a Windows 11 VM and troubleshoot errors.
Prerequisites for Running Windows 11 on a Chromebook
1. To install Windows 11 on a Chromebook, you need a powerful Chromebook with a 64-bit Intel or AMD processor, at least 128GB storage, and 8GB RAM.
2. Your Chromebook should support KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) for optimal performance. 11th-Gen Intel or newer processors typically have built-in KVM support. Learn how to check KVM support for your Chromebook in the guide below.
Linux support is essential on your Chromebook, especially with Windows 11 requiring a minimum of 64GB storage. Allocate around 80GB for the Linux partition, which can vary in support depending on your school’s administration.
To set up a virtual environment for Windows 11, download the ISO file as outlined in our guide.
Setting Up QEMU and Virtual Machine Manager
If Linux isn’t already enabled on your Chromebook, follow our guide to install Linux immediately and ensure the Linux partition has at least 80GB of storage.
Then, navigate to the Linux apps folder in the App Launcher and launch the Terminal.
To install Windows 11 on your Chromebook, follow these steps:Run the command below to update all packages and dependencies:bashCopy codesudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Proceed with the following command to install QEMU and Virtual Machine Manager:bashCopy codesudo apt install qemu-kvm libvirt-clients libvirt-daemon-system bridge-utils virtinst libvirt-daemon virt-manager -y
Once the installation is complete, access the App Launcher and launch “Virtual Machine Manager” from the Linux apps folder.Now, transfer the Windows 11 ISO you downloaded earlier to the “Linux files” section using the Files app.These steps will enable you to create a Windows 11 virtual machine on your Chromebook using QEMU and Virtual Machine Manager.
1. In Virtual Machine Manager, click the “Create” button.
2. Choose “Local install media” and click “Forward”. If your Chromebook lacks KVM support, a warning will appear indicating poor performance without KVM support.
3. Next, click “Browse“.
4. A new window opens. Click “Browse Local“.
5. Select the Windows 11 ISO and click “Open”.
6. The software will automatically detect the OS as Windows 10. Ignore this and click “Forward”.
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8. On the subsequent page, allocate a minimum of 65GB disk space for Windows 11. You can assign more based on your requirements.
9. Rename the virtual machine to “Win11” or “Windows 11” and then click “Finish”.
10. If a prompt appears stating “Virtual Network is not active”, click “Yes” to continue.
Note: If you encounter an error like “Unable to set XATTR trusted…”, refer to the next section in this article for a solution.
Finally, Windows 11 will boot on your Chromebook. Proceed with installation and use Windows 11.
To exit the cursor from Windows 11 VM to Chrome OS, press the “overview” button (typically above the “5” key).
Facing ‘Unable to set XATTR Trusted’ Error on Chromebook? Here’s the Fix!
If you encounter the error “Unable to complete install: ‘Unable to set XATTR trusted.libvirt.security.dac’” while setting up Windows 11 VM on your Chromebook, don’t worry. Follow these steps:
1. Open Terminal and edit the “qemu.conf” file using:
sudo nano /etc/libvirt/qemu.conf
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user="root" group="root" remember_owner=0
3. Save changes in nano editor by pressing “Ctrl + O” and then Enter. Exit the editor with “Ctrl + X”.
4. Follow the steps above. Windows 11 VM installation should work; if not, restart your Chromebook and retry.
How to Shut Down and Delete Windows 11 Virtual Machine on Chromebook
1. To shut down the Windows 11 VM due to performance issues, click the “arrow” icon and select “Shut Down”. If unresponsive, choose “Force Off”.
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To completely remove Windows 11 from your Chromebook and free up space, shut down the VM and open Virtual Machine Manager. Right-click and select “Delete.” This action won’t affect your Chromebook’s system.Ensure the “sda” target is selected on the next page, then click “Delete.” Within seconds, the Windows 11 VM will be removed, freeing up storage. You can also delete the Windows 11 ISO file.That’s how to install and use Windows 11 on a Chromebook. Powerful hardware is required; otherwise, performance will suffer. For Chrome OS Flex on other computers, follow our guide. Discover Chromebook apps as alternatives to popular Windows ones. Share any issues in the comments below.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
