README.md
March 29, 2026 ยท View on GitHub
Chromebrew
The Missing Package Manager For Chrome OS
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Overview
Chromebooks with ChromeOS run a Linux kernel. The only missing pieces to use them as full-featured Linux distro were gcc and make with their dependencies. Well, these pieces aren't missing anymore. Say hello to Chromebrew!
Prerequisites
You will need a Chromebook with developer mode enabled. To do so, select your device on the ChromiumOS Wiki and follow the instructions listed there.
Warning
Please be aware of the fact that developer mode is insecure if not properly configured.
Tip
Setting a password as instructed in the VT-2 login screen is recommended. It is also recommended to enable signed boot:
sudo chromeos-setdevpasswd
sudo crossystem dev_boot_signed_only=1
Supported Systems
| Architecture | Supported? |
|---|---|
| x86_64 | Yes |
| i686 | Yes* |
| armv7l | Yes |
| aarch64 | Yes** |
* We can only provide limited support for i686 since Google has discontinued support. Although we can no longer support GUI apps, we will try to continue to support CLI programs.
** We currently only provide armv7l packages even if your chromebook has an aarch64 userspace. For more details, see issue #8044.
Installation
Important
The beta, dev, and Canary channels are not supported and should not be used with Chromebrew. Failure to take notice of this warning will cause major issues with your Chromebrew installation.
Warning
On ChromeOS M117+, the Chromebrew installer will not work in crosh anymore due to the security changes introduced in ChromeOS M117.
Open a VT-2 terminal session with Ctrl+Alt+-> and login with the chronos user and password if set above. (if you are unable to do this, please have a second look at the prerequisites and make sure your Chromebook is in developer mode)
Then run the installation script below:
bash <(curl -L git.io/vddgY) && . ~/.bashrc
Help
Please check out the wiki to find out more information about Chromebrew including helpful tips, resource links and frequently asked questions.
Also please check existing issues before submitting a new one.
Usage
crew <command> <package1> [<package2> ...]
Where available commands are:
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
| build | build package(s) from source and store the archive and checksum in the current working directory |
| check | check packages(s) |
| const | display constant(s) |
| deps | display dependencies of package(s) |
| diskstat | show statistics about disk space occupied by installed packages |
| download | download package(s) to CREW_BREW_DIR (/usr/local/tmp/crew by default), but don't install |
| files | display installed files of package(s) |
| help | get information about command usage |
| install | install package(s) along with dependencies after prompting for confirmation |
| list | available, compatible, incompatible, essential, installed packages |
| postinstall | display postinstall messages of package(s) |
| prop | display all package boolean properties, or specific boolean properties for a package |
| reinstall | remove and install package(s) |
| remove | remove package(s) |
| search | look for package(s) |
| sysinfo | show system information in markdown style |
| update_package_file | update package file binary hashes |
| update | update crew itself |
| upgrade | update all or specific package(s) |
| upload | upload binaries for all or specific package(s) |
| upstream | check if an upstream version is available for package(s) |
| version | check for the Chromebrew version, or if a package is specified, the package version |
| whatdepends | search for package(s) that depend on the provided package |
| whatprovides | regex search for package(s) that contains file(s) |
Available packages are listed in the packages directory.
Chromebrew will wipe its BREW_DIR (/usr/local/tmp/crew by default) after installation unless you pass -k or --keep when running crew install.
crew install --keep [...]
License
Copyright 2013-2025 Michal Siwek and all the awesome contributors.
This project including all of its source files is released under the terms of GNU General Public License (version 3 or later). This project embeds docopt.rb at lib/docopt.rb. We retain its MIT license.
