unistall linux dev on chromebook through crosh

Guri Bee

2 min read

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18-10-2024

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Unleashing the Linux Developer: Uninstalling Linux Dev on Your Chromebook

Chromebooks have come a long way, evolving from simple web browsing devices to powerful platforms for productivity and even development. One key feature enabling this shift is the inclusion of Linux development environments (Linux Dev) directly on the device. But what if you decide to remove this powerful tool? This article will guide you through the process of uninstalling Linux Dev on your Chromebook using the Chrome OS Shell (Crosh).

Why Uninstall Linux Dev?

There are several reasons why you might want to remove Linux Dev from your Chromebook:

• Storage Space: Linux Dev requires a significant amount of storage space, which can be precious on devices with limited storage.
• Unused Functionality: If you're not actively using the Linux environment, removing it can streamline your Chromebook's performance and resource utilization.
• Troubleshooting: Sometimes, reinstalling Linux Dev can resolve compatibility issues or bugs.

Before We Begin:

• Backups: Always create backups of any important files stored within your Linux Dev environment before proceeding.
• Understanding the Implications: Removing Linux Dev will erase all data within the dedicated Linux partition, including any installed software and personal files.

Uninstalling Linux Dev via Crosh

1. Accessing Crosh:

• Open a new Chrome tab and type chrome://crosh in the address bar.
• Press Enter.

2. Identifying the Linux Dev Container:

• In the Crosh window, type shell and press Enter to access the shell environment.
• Execute the following command to list all available containers:

sudo  lxc list

• Look for a container named "linux-dev". This is the Linux Dev environment.

3. Stopping and Uninstalling Linux Dev:

• To stop the container, run:

sudo lxc stop linux-dev 

• Finally, uninstall the container with the command:

sudo lxc delete linux-dev

4. Restarting Chrome OS:

• Once the uninstallation is complete, restart your Chromebook.
• After the reboot, your Chromebook will no longer have the Linux Dev environment.

Additional Tips:

• Check for Residual Files: While the above commands should completely remove the Linux Dev environment, there might be residual files in the /home directory. You can explore this directory and manually delete any remaining Linux Dev files if necessary.
• Reinstalling Linux Dev: If you decide to re-enable the Linux Dev environment, navigate to Settings > Linux (Beta) and enable it again.

Beyond the Basics:

• Alternative Methods: While this guide uses Crosh, you can also uninstall Linux Dev through the Settings app. Simply go to Settings > Linux (Beta) and click the "Uninstall" button. However, this method may not be as comprehensive as the Crosh approach.
• Troubleshooting: If you encounter errors during the uninstallation process, consult the official Chrome OS documentation for troubleshooting guidance.

Conclusion:

Uninstalling Linux Dev on your Chromebook is a simple process, especially when using Crosh. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can reclaim storage space, streamline performance, or address compatibility issues. Remember to always create backups and understand the implications before removing the Linux Dev environment.

Sources:

• Crosh commands for managing containers
• Linux (Beta) on Chrome OS