How to install VLC easily on a Chromebook

In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of installing VLC on your Chromebook. VLC is a powerful, versatile media player that supports a wide range of audio and video formats. By installing it on your Chromebook, you'll enhance your device's multimedia capabilities significantly.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, ensure that your Chromebook supports Linux apps. This feature, also known as Crostini, is available on most modern Chromebooks. If you're unsure, you can check our list of Chromebooks with Linux Apps (Crostini) support.

Step 1: Enable Linux Apps on Your Chromebook

If you haven't already enabled Linux apps on your Chromebook, follow these steps:

  1. Go to your Chromebook's Settings
  2. Click on the "Advanced" section
  3. Find the "Developers" section
  4. Click on "Turn On" next to "Linux development environment (Beta)"
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup

Step 2: Install VLC

Once Linux apps are enabled, you can install VLC using a simple command in the terminal. Here's how:

  1. Open the Linux terminal from your app launcher
  2. Copy and paste the following command:
sudo apt update && sudo apt install vlc -y

This command updates your package list and installs VLC in one go. The '-y' flag automatically answers "yes" to any prompts, streamlining the installation process.

Step 3: Launch VLC

After the installation is complete, you can launch VLC from your app launcher. Look for the iconic orange traffic cone icon.

Additional Information

VLC is more than just a media player. It's a Swiss Army knife for multimedia. Here are some features you might find useful:

  • Stream media from the internet
  • Convert video files between formats
  • Play damaged or incomplete media files
  • Use it as a server to stream content over your local network

If you encounter any issues during installation or use, the official VLC website offers extensive documentation and forums for troubleshooting.

For a visual guide to this process, you can follow along with our video tutorial above.

Conclusion

Installing VLC on your Chromebook opens up a world of multimedia possibilities. Whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or streaming content, VLC provides a robust and flexible platform for all your media needs.

If you found this guide helpful, you might also be interested in our Chromebook comparison and Buyers Guide. It's an excellent resource if you're in the market for a new Chromebook or want to learn more about different models.

For those interested in staying updated on Chromebook deals, consider joining our mailing list to be notified about major Chromebook sales.

Happy computing!

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