Brunch Framework: How to Install and Use ChromeOS on Any PC

Have you ever wanted to try ChromeOS on your regular laptop or desktop without buying a Chromebook? That’s where Brunch comes in. Brunch is a framework that lets you install and run ChromeOS on most x86_64 PCs using official recovery images.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

What Brunch is and why people use it
Features and hardware compatibility
Step‑by‑step installation on Windows and Linux
Tips for smooth performance
FAQs to answer common questions

Table of Contents

What is Brunch?

Brunch is an open‑source project that creates a generic ChromeOS image from Google’s official recovery files. It’s designed for x86_64 PCs with UEFI boot support.

Brunch includes:

A custom kernel and initramfs
A special EFI partition for booting
Tools and patches to make ChromeOS run on non‑Chromebook hardware

Important: Brunch is not officially supported by Google. Use it at your own risk, and always back up your data.

Features of Brunch

Run ChromeOS on PC (Windows/Linux dualboot or singleboot)
Access Google Play Store apps and ChromeOS ecosystem
Customizable via Grub bootloader or Grub2Win
Community patches for hardware like touchpads, cameras, and microphones
Works with Intel (8th gen+) and AMD Ryzen CPUs

Hardware Compatibility

Supported:

Intel CPUs (8th gen and newer, Celeron Goldmont)
AMD Ryzen CPUs

Not Supported:

Older Intel/AMD CPUs
ARM CPUs
Virtual Machines
Dedicated GPUs (dGPUs)

How to Install Brunch

1. Install Brunch on Windows (WSL2 Method)

Install a Linux distro via WSL2 (Ubuntu recommended).
Install required packages:

  sudo apt update && sudo apt -y install pv cgpt tar unzip

Download Brunch release (.tar.gz) and ChromeOS recovery (.bin.zip) from GitHub and cros.tech.
Extract files and run installer:

  sudo bash chromeos-install.sh -src recovery.bin -dst chromeos.img

Write chromeos.img to USB using Rufus or Etcher.
Boot from USB → first boot may take time.

For dualboot, use Grub2Win and disable BitLocker, Fast Startup, and Hibernation.

2. Install Brunch on Linux

Install required packages:

  sudo apt update && sudo apt -y install pv cgpt tar unzip

Identify target disk with:

  lsblk -e7

Run installer:

  sudo bash chromeos-install.sh -src recovery.bin -dst /dev/sdX

Configure Grub boot entries in /etc/grub.d/99_brunch.
Enroll secure boot key if needed:

  sudo mokutil --import brunch.der

Tips for Using Brunch

First boot is slow be patient.
Use ChromeOS (Settings) boot option to change kernels or framework options.
Fix incorrect disk size with:

  resize-data

Keep Brunch and recovery images updated.
Always disable encryption/hibernation on Windows for stability.

Check this also: Lively Wallpaper

FAQs

Is Brunch safe to use?

Yes, but it’s unofficial. Always back up your data.

Can I dualboot ChromeOS with Windows/Linux?

Yes, Brunch supports dualboot setups.

Will Play Store apps work?

Yes, most Android apps run fine depending on hardware.

Do I need a Chromebook?

No, Brunch lets you run ChromeOS on regular PCs.

Conclusion

Brunch is the easiest way to experience ChromeOS on PC without buying a Chromebook. Whether you want to test apps, enjoy Google’s ecosystem, or explore something new, Brunch makes it possible.

If you found this guide helpful, leave a comment below with your experience or questions I’d love to hear how Brunch worked for you!