When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Can You Get Minecraft on a Chromebook – Overview
When it comes to playing different games available, everyone is engaged with them.
Talking about Minecraft, it is one of the most popular games played. Gamers of all age brackets, from kids to adults, love engaging with the 8-bit game.
Further, Minecraft is a sandbox video game where players can edit the environment. It allows them to create an environment of their choice, edit it with elements, and even delete the same.
Meanwhile, the game was released to be played on different platforms.
From Windows to macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms (Android and iOS). However, it has still not been developed for Chrome OS – the operating system that powers Chromebooks.
If you are disappointed because you own a Chromebook but cannot play it, do not worry, as Minecraft can be installed and played on a Chromebook.
However, some steps need to be followed to make it work.
Can You Get Minecraft on a Chromebook – The Installation Part & Editions
Before playing the game, you need to ensure compatibility with a Chromebook.
Further, the game can run without installing Crouton – a set of scripts enabling Chrome OS to run parallel to Linux systems.
Meanwhile, there is no need to enable developer mode in Chrome OS.
Another thing to consider is to enable support for Android or Linux. However, school-issued Chromebooks will not play the game unless the administrator allows for the support.
Talking about the installation, Minecraft is available in two editions. Both of them can be installed on Chromebooks.
Education Edition
This edition of Minecraft helps users or gamers enhance their creativity and problem-solving skills. Further, they can also collaborate with other users. The focus of this edition is on how students play the game.
Java Edition (The advanced version)
The Java edition of Minecraft is an advanced version of the game. It includes a major update with diverse content, a new world that uses blocks, and much more.
Install Education Edition of Minecraft – The Steps
Talking about the education edition of the game, one can follow the steps to install it. Look at the steps and how to get started with the game.
The steps may vary depending on the specific Chromebook model and version of Chrome OS. It is recommended that you consult the official Chromebook support documentation.
Step 1: Open the browser, go to the settings page, and turn on Google Play Store. It will enable installing apps and games from Google Play on the Chromebook.
Step 2: Now, open the Google Play Store and search for “Minecraft: Education Edition”. It is available for free, and make sure the developer is Mojang.
Step 3: Open the downloaded Minecraft app on your Chromebook. Use your account to log in to Minecraft.
However, students get 10 free logins to play the game. For more logins, one will have to buy a subscription.
Now, you are ready to play the education edition of Minecraft on your Chromebook. In the next section, look at how to install and play the Java edition of the game.
Know Two editions
Java Edition of Minecraft – Installation & Steps
Let’s proceed with the Java edition of this game, which has many more steps. You will find the installation easier to follow.
Step 1: The first step to installing the Java edition is to ensure setting up Linux on the Chromebook. For this, open the settings, click on the “Advanced” option, and then the “Developers” option.
Note: School-issued Chromebooks do not show this option. You need to contact the administrator to enable it.
Step 2: You must turn on the Linux development environment (Beta). It helps you to run Linux tools, editors, and IDEs on a Chromebook. This setting is available under the “Developers” section.
Step 3: After you have installed Linux, you have to open the Terminal. The method to open the terminal is going through the App drawer – Linux apps, then “Terminal”.
Step 4: Once the terminal is open, run the following command. It will update Linux to the latest build, making it compatible to run Minecraft on a Chromebook.
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade -y
Step 5: Here, you have updated the Linux build. Now, the step is to download the Minecraft installer from the official website. Choose the Debian/Ubuntu version from the website.
Step 6: Once the Minecraft.deb file is downloaded, move it to the “Linux files” section inside the Files app.
Step 7: It is time to install the game from the installer. Double-click on the .deb file and select the “Install” button. Voila! Minecraft is installed on your Chromebook.
Step 8: Now, the Minecraft Launcher is installed on your Chromebook. Navigate to the App drawer – Linux apps, then select “Minecraft Launcher”. Alternatively, you can search for “Minecraft” and open the same.
Step 9: Log in with the Mojang account once the launcher window is open on your screen. Meanwhile, you can also use a Microsoft account.
Users who do not have logins can sign up with a Mojang or Microsoft account.
Step 10: After logging in to the game launcher, you will see that an update is available. Click on the “Play demo” button and the latest release will install itself.
After the update, the app will close and open on its own. You can follow Step 8 to open it manually if it does not open.
Step 11: The final step is where you successfully install Minecraft. Now, the real play begins on your Chromebook. Click on the “Play demo world” and enjoy.
Talking about the controls, the game is played using WASD keyboard controls. Furthermore, the mouse sensitivity can also be adjusted accordingly.
Note: If you encounter installation errors, download and install the JDK (Java Development Kit). You can install the JDK using this command in the terminal.
sudo apt-get install default-jdk -y
Wrap It Up
There you are. Playing one of the most popular games on your Chromebook is great fun. Minecraft is an engaging game, and you will surely enjoy it.
Don’t forget to share your experience building your house, collecting items, and taming animals.
However, avoid the angry villagers, zombies, creepers, and the Enderman.
See Also