Can I Install Java on a Chromebook?
Updated on by Jim Mendenhall
Short Answer:
No. Google has chosen not to include support for Java in Chrome OS. For the average user, installing Java or the Java browser plugin is not possible.
Long Answer:
Similarly to Apple’s decision not to allow Java apps on the iPhone, Google does not support Java or the Java plugin for Chromebooks. They do support the Java plugin for Chrome on Windows, Mac and Linux desktops, so including support for Java on a Chromebook doesn’t seem to be a real technical problem but more likely a clue to how Google really feels about Java on websites. Google is a huge supporter of HTML5 and want to encourage developers to write web apps for HTML5 web standards instead of Java or Flash (although, ironically, they do support Flash on Chromebooks).
Now, if you REALLY need Java to run on a Chromebook, there are ways, but not without installing another operating system like Ubuntu via Crouton. This is not recommended for anyone but real power users and Linux geeks! You could also access an existing computer with Java installed and use your Java apps that way. For example, use Chrome Remote Desktop to access a Mac, Linux or Windows computer and do your Java work (or play) from there.
Running Java on Modern Chromebooks
Since this article was originally written, Chrome OS has evolved significantly. Google now offers official Linux app support through the built-in Linux development environment (previously called Crostini). This means you can install and run Java development tools directly on your Chromebook without needing third-party solutions like Crouton.
With Linux apps enabled, you can install the Java Development Kit (JDK) through standard Linux package managers and run Java applications just like you would on Ubuntu. This is fully supported by Google and much more stable than older workarounds. For the best experience running Linux apps and Java development tools, you’ll want a Chromebook Plus model with at least 8GB of RAM and a capable processor.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is an excellent choice for developers, featuring an Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and plenty of storage for your development environment. Its 2-in-1 design and backlit keyboard make it comfortable for extended coding sessions, while the Chromebook Plus certification ensures smooth performance with Linux apps.
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
