Your Chromebook has two terminals. Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open Crosh, the built-in ChromeOS shell, for quick network and diagnostic commands. For a full Linux command line, open the Terminal app from the launcher, which sets up Linux the first time you run it.
Before you start
- Applies to: All Chromebooks for Crosh. The Terminal app needs a Chromebook that supports the Linux development environment.
- You need: Nothing for Crosh. For the Terminal app, a few minutes for the first-time Linux setup.
How do I open Crosh on a Chromebook?
Crosh is the ChromeOS developer shell and the fastest terminal to reach.
- Press Ctrl + Alt + T. Crosh opens in a browser tab.
- Type a command and press Enter. Start with
helpto see what is available.
What can I do in the Crosh shell?
These are some common Crosh commands. Run help for the full list on your device.
help |
Lists the available Crosh commands. |
help_advanced |
Lists the advanced Crosh commands. |
ping <host> |
Sends test packets to a network host. |
top |
Shows the system load and running processes. |
battery_test <seconds> |
Reports battery use over the given number of seconds. |
memory_test |
Tests the available free memory. |
rollback |
Rolls back to the previous ChromeOS version. |
Warning: The rollback command powerwashes your Chromebook, which erases local files and accounts. Only use it if you understand it will reset the device.
How do I open the Linux Terminal app?
The Terminal app gives you a full Linux command line through Crostini.
- Open the launcher, search for Terminal, and open it.
- If Linux is not set up yet, follow the prompt to install the Linux environment.
- When setup finishes, open Terminal again to reach the Linux prompt.
Open Terminal Settings to change the background color, add a background image, and adjust how the app behaves.
What are some useful Linux Terminal commands?
sudo apt-get update |
Updates the list of available packages. |
sudo apt-get install <package> |
Installs a package. |
sudo apt-get upgrade |
Upgrades installed packages to the latest versions. |
cd <directory> |
Changes the current directory. |
ls |
Lists the contents of the current directory. |
mkdir <directory> |
Creates a new directory. |
cp <source> <destination> |
Copies a file or directory. |
mv <source> <destination> |
Moves a file or directory. |
rm <file> |
Removes a file. |
nano <file> |
Opens a file in the Nano text editor. |
unzip <archive> |
Extracts the contents of a ZIP archive. |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Crosh and the Terminal app?
Crosh is a lightweight ChromeOS shell for diagnostics and networking. The Terminal app is a full Linux command line for installing and running Linux software.
Do I need to enable anything to use Crosh?
No. Crosh is built in. Just press Ctrl + Alt + T. Only the Linux Terminal app needs setup.
Is the Chromebook Terminal safe to use?
Yes, for everyday commands. Be careful with commands that reset the device, such as the Crosh rollback command.
Related guides
- How to Run Traceroute on a Chromebook
- Airplane Mode on a Chromebook
- How to Rotate the Screen on a Chromebook
Crosh covers quick checks with a single shortcut, while the Terminal app opens up the full Linux command line whenever you need more power.
