How can I upgrade a Chromebook's firmware?

By enabling developer mode, replacing stock firmware, and running MrChromebox utility script.

What are the risks of flashing new firmware on a Chromebook?

Risks include data loss, errors, and potential hardware damage.

A project unlocking Chromebooks for various operating systems.

Look for used Chromebooks on the market.

RW_LEGACY and UEFI Full ROM with distinct functionalities.

Upgrading Chromebooks to open firmware via Coreboot and Linux distributions like Veronica did is possible, but caution is advised due to potential risks, requiring thorough research, data backups, and preparation for errors.
The Chrultrabook project, akin to Asahi Linux for Apple Silicon Macs, aims to unlock Chromebooks for diverse system installations, suggesting exploring used Chromebooks over new purchases for better hardware and software support.

How can I upgrade a Chromebook's firmware?
By enabling developer mode, replacing stock firmware, and running MrChromebox utility script.
What are the risks of flashing new firmware on a Chromebook?
Risks include data loss, errors, and potential hardware damage.
What is the Chrultrabook project?
A project unlocking Chromebooks for various operating systems.
Where can I find old Chromebooks for firmware upgrades?
Look for used Chromebooks on the market.
What are the different types of firmware supported by Chrultrabook?
RW_LEGACY and UEFI Full ROM with distinct functionalities.

00:00

Veronica explains how she upgraded two Chromebooks from stock firmware and ChromeOS to open firmware via Coreboot and a Linux distribution of her choice.
She mentions the "chrultrabook" project, similar to the Asahi Linux project for Apple Silicon Macs, which aims to unlock Chromebooks for installing various systems.
Veronica advises against buying a new Chromebook for this project, suggesting dedicated vendors for better hardware and software support.
She highlights the availability of old Chromebooks on the used market, emphasizing the need for research and caution when purchasing.
Veronica warns about the risks of flashing new firmware, advising users to back up data, read documentation, and be prepared for errors.
She details the process of enabling developer mode on a Chromebook, including booting into recovery and selecting developer mode.
Veronica explains the two types of firmware supported by the Chrultrabook project: RW_LEGACY and UEFI Full ROM, with different functionalities and implications.
She describes the steps to replace the stock firmware, including disabling write-protect features through various methods depending on the Chromebook model.
Veronica outlines the process of running the MrChromebox firmware utility script, which involves backing up the stock firmware and overwriting the ROM.
She concludes by mentioning the compatibility of Linux distributions with the Chromebook's updated firmware, recommending newer kernel versions for optimal performance.

15:05

Windows 10 was installed on a ThinkPad Chromebook despite mouse driver issues, but Haiku and Debian 12 faced boot loop problems on both ThinkPad and Dell Chromebooks.
Troubleshooting involved downloading a Debian Testing ISO to resolve GRUB issues, discovering different GRUB versions in Debian 12 and Testing ISOs, and using the Testing ISO's GRUB to boot the installation directly.
A newer GRUB from Debian's Sid branch was installed to overcome the boot loop problem, leading to a customized Debian Testing laptop with improved functionality, although audio issues persist on the ThinkPad.