How to access Crosh

Press Ctrl + Alt + T on a signed-in Chromebook to open Crosh, the built-in ChromeOS shell.

This guide covers opening Crosh on every kind of Chromebook, the basic commands to start with, reaching the full shell through developer mode, closing a session and fixing Crosh when it will not open.

Using the keyboard shortcut

Crosh has no icon in the app launcher. Google documents Ctrl + Alt + T as the way to start it, and nothing needs to be installed first.

1. Sign in to your Chromebook. A guest session works too.
2. Press Ctrl + Alt + T together.
3. Wait for the crosh> prompt to appear in a new window or tab.
4. Type help and press Enter to list the common commands.

Crosh works without an internet connection. That is deliberate, because a broken network is one of the main things it exists to diagnose.

Methods to access Crosh on different Chromebook models

Every Chromebook brand runs the same ChromeOS, so a Dell, HP, Acer, Lenovo or Google device opens Crosh the same way. What changes is whether a keyboard is attached and who manages the device.

Your device	How to open Crosh	Why
Laptop Chromebook from any brand, including Dell	Press Ctrl + Alt + T	The shortcut is built into ChromeOS, not the hardware
Detachable or tablet with its keyboard attached	Attach the keyboard, then press Ctrl + Alt + T	Crosh has no launcher icon and no touch-only route
Chromebox or Chromebase with a USB keyboard	Press Ctrl + Alt + T on the external keyboard	Any keyboard sends the same key combination
Chromebook with a Windows-layout external keyboard	Press Ctrl + Alt + T	Ctrl, Alt and T sit in the same places on both layouts
School or work Chromebook	Press Ctrl + Alt + T; if nothing opens, ask the administrator	Admins can disable Crosh by policy
You need the full Linux shell	Turn on developer mode, open Crosh and type shell	Normal mode blocks the shell command

Pre-requisites for accessing Crosh

Requirement	Needed for basic Crosh?	Needed for the shell command?
A ChromeOS device (Chromebook, Chromebox, Chromebase or ChromeOS Flex PC)	Yes	Yes
Signed in, or a guest session	Yes	Yes
A physical or Bluetooth keyboard	Yes, for Ctrl + Alt + T	Yes
Internet connection	No	No
An app, extension or download	No	No
Crosh not disabled by an administrator	Yes	Yes
Developer mode turned on	No	Yes, and switching to it wipes local data

Back up your Downloads folder before you switch modes. Developer mode erases everything stored locally on the device.

Through the browser address bar

Crosh does not have a documented address that you can type into Chrome. The ChromiumOS documentation says the keyboard shortcut is the only way to reach it.

What you try	What happens	Use this instead
Typing a crosh address into the Chrome address bar	No supported page opens Crosh	Press Ctrl + Alt + T
Searching crosh in the launcher search	The ChromiumOS VM guide lists the search drawer as a route	Press Ctrl + Alt + T if search shows nothing
Typing chrome://policy in the address bar	Shows the policies applied to the device	Use it to check whether an admin blocks Crosh or developer mode

On certain Chromebook models with hardware buttons

No Chromebook has a hardware button that opens Crosh. Physical buttons only matter when you switch a tablet or Chromebox into developer mode, which is what unlocks the full shell inside Crosh.

Device type	Button combination	What it does
Chromebook with a keyboard	Hold Esc + Refresh, press Power (some models use Esc + Full screen)	Opens recovery mode, the first step to developer mode
Chromebox	Hold the recovery button, press Power	Opens recovery mode
Tablet or detachable without keyboard	Hold Power + Volume Up + Volume Down for 10 seconds	Opens recovery mode
Older Chromebooks	A physical developer switch	Turns developer mode on or off

Enabling developer mode for advanced access

Developer mode is only needed for the shell command and root access. Switching into it wipes all local data, weakens verified boot and is not supported by Google.

1. Back up your local files to Google Drive or an external drive.
2. Turn the Chromebook off.
3. Hold Esc + Refresh and press Power to enter recovery mode.
4. Press Ctrl + D, then press Enter to accept.
5. Wait while the device wipes itself and reboots, then sign in or start a guest session.
6. Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open Crosh.
7. Type shell and press Enter to get the full Linux prompt.

On a tablet, enter recovery mode with the buttons above, press Volume Up + Volume Down together, then select Confirm Enabling Developer Mode. A warning screen appears on every boot from now on; press Ctrl + D to start ChromeOS straight away.

Switch a Chromebook from developer mode back to normal mode

1. Back up any local files, because leaving developer mode also wipes the device.
2. Restart the Chromebook.
3. Press the Spacebar at the developer mode warning screen.
4. On a tablet, use Volume Up and Volume Down to select Enable OS Verification, then press Power.
5. Set up the Chromebook again after the wipe finishes.

If you made the root filesystem writable while in developer mode, you may need to recover the Chromebook with a recovery image instead.

Accessing Crosh: open, switch and close sessions

Crosh behaves like any other ChromeOS window once it is open. These steps cover a full session, from opening it to closing it cleanly.

1. Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open a Crosh session.
2. Hold Alt and press Tab to return to the browser without ending the session.
3. Press Ctrl + Alt + T again if you need a second, independent session.
4. Hold Alt and press Tab to move between open sessions.
5. Press Ctrl + W to close the current Crosh tab when you are done.
6. Press Ctrl + Shift + W to close the whole Crosh window instead.

Using Crosh commands for troubleshooting and productivity

Crosh is a small, restricted set of troubleshooting tools, not a general Linux terminal. The exact list changes between ChromeOS releases, channels, admin settings and developer mode, so start with the built-in help.

Type this	What it does
help	Lists the most common commands on your device
help_advanced	Lists every available command; scroll up to see the start
help <command>	Shows help for one command, for example help vmc
<command> --help	Another way to show help for one command
Part of a command, then Tab	Completes the command name or lists matches

Common Crosh commands for troubleshooting

A handful of commands cover most first-time Crosh visits. The full Crosh command catalogue is long and varies by device, so treat help_advanced as the authority for yours.

Command	Use it to	Developer mode needed?
uname -m	Print the device's processor architecture	No
vmc list	See the Linux virtual machines on the device	No
vmc stop termina	Stop the default Linux VM when Linux apps hang	No
vmc export <vm name> <file name>	Save a VM disk image to Downloads for recovery	No
shell	Open the full Linux shell	Yes

For productivity, the time savers are Tab completion, help <command> instead of a web search, and several sessions open side by side with Ctrl + Alt + T.

How to check that Crosh opened correctly

1. Look for the crosh> prompt at the start of the line.
2. Type help and press Enter; a list of commands confirms Crosh is running.
3. On a developer mode device, type shell and press Enter; the prompt should change to a Linux shell prompt.
4. In normal mode, expect shell to be refused; that confirms the device is still in verified mode.

Additional tips for Crosh sessions

Tip	Detail
Find shortcuts	Press Ctrl + Search + S to view every ChromeOS keyboard shortcut
Remap keys	Open Settings > Keyboard and inputs if a modifier key does not behave as expected
Guest sessions	Crosh opens in a guest session, so you can troubleshoot without your account
Long output	Scroll up after help_advanced; the list is longer than one screen
Developer mode boot	Press Ctrl + D at the warning screen to skip the 30-second wait

Installing Linux (Crostini) for advanced tools

Crostini, the Linux development environment, gives you a real Debian terminal with the APT package manager. It does not need developer mode and does not wipe the device.

1. Select the time at the bottom right of the screen.
2. Select Settings.
3. Select About ChromeOS > Developers.
4. Next to Linux development environment, select Set up.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions; setup can take 10 minutes or more.
6. Use the Terminal window that opens to install tools with sudo apt-get install.

Work and school Chromebooks may block Linux. Crosh can still stop or export the Linux VM when the Terminal app itself misbehaves.

Additional tools and extensions to enhance Crosh usage

Crosh is part of ChromeOS and needs no extension. Extra capability comes from built-in ChromeOS tools, not from add-ons.

Tool	What it adds	When to use it
Linux Terminal app (Crostini)	A Debian shell where you can install packages and run your own scripts	You need scripting, editors or developer tools
Developer mode shell	A full ChromeOS shell, with sudo access	You need to inspect or change ChromeOS itself
chrome://policy in the browser	A list of policies on the device, with Reload policies	You suspect an admin restriction
Chrome Web Store extensions	Nothing for Crosh itself	Skip any extension that claims to unlock Crosh

Using Crosh extensions and scripts

Question	Answer
Does Crosh need an extension?	No. It is built into ChromeOS and needs no install
Can Crosh run shell scripts?	Not in normal mode; Crosh only runs its own command set
Where do scripts run instead?	In the Linux Terminal app, or in the developer mode shell
Can Crosh commands be added by an extension?	No; the set depends on the ChromeOS release, channel, admin settings and device mode

Browser-based tools for complementary functionality

A few browser pages and built-in apps answer questions that people often open Crosh to ask.

Built-in tool	Opens with	Answers
Policy page	Type chrome://policy in the address bar	Whether Crosh, Terminal or developer mode is blocked
Keyboard shortcut list	Ctrl + Search + S	Whether a shortcut still works or has been remapped
ChromeOS settings	Select the time, then Settings > About ChromeOS	Your ChromeOS version, updates and Linux setup

Safety tips and best practices when using Crosh

Practice	Why it matters
Run only commands you understand	Some commands stop VMs or change network state while you work
Back up before developer mode	Entering or leaving developer mode wipes local data
Leave developer mode off on a daily device	It weakens verified boot and allows unsigned system images
Never run commands copied from unknown sites in shell	The developer shell can reach root with sudo
Avoid third-party extensions that claim to unlock Crosh	Crosh needs no extension, so such add-ons serve no purpose
Respect school or work policy	Admins block Crosh and developer mode for a reason, and bypassing it can breach policy

Troubleshooting common access issues to Crosh

1. Verify developer mode status when `shell` is refused

Normal (verified) mode blocks the shell command.

1. Restart the Chromebook and watch the boot screen.
2. If no developer mode warning screen appears, the device is in normal mode.
3. Follow the developer mode steps above if you need shell, after backing up your files.

2. Confirm keyboard shortcuts when Ctrl + Alt + T does nothing

A remapped key, a detached keyboard or the wrong window in focus.

1. Attach the keyboard if you use a tablet or detachable.
2. Open Settings > Keyboard and inputs and check that Ctrl and Alt are not remapped.
3. Click the desktop or a browser window, then press Ctrl + Alt + T again.

3. Check for admin restrictions on a school or work Chromebook

Admins can disable Crosh with a ChromeOS policy and block developer mode through forced re-enrollment.

1. Type chrome://policy in the address bar and press Enter.
2. Select Reload policies.
3. Look for SystemFeaturesDisableList listing crosh, or a developer mode block.
4. Ask your administrator for access; on a refurbished device, try signing in with a Gmail account first.

4. Update Chrome OS when Crosh commands are missing

The command set changes between ChromeOS releases.

1. Select the time, then Settings > About ChromeOS.
2. Select Check for updates.
3. Select Restart when the update finishes, then open Crosh again.

5. Reset your device when Crosh still will not open

A corrupted local profile or system state that updates did not fix.

1. Back up your Downloads folder and other local files.
2. Sign out of your Chromebook.
3. Press and hold Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R, then select Restart.
4. Select Powerwash > Continue and follow the prompts.

Work and school Chromebooks cannot be powerwashed by the user. Contact the administrator instead.

Can you access Crosh on Windows 11 or a Windows PC?

Crosh is part of ChromeOS, so it does not exist on Windows 11, Windows 10 or a Dell Windows laptop. The way to get it on a PC is to run ChromeOS Flex, Google's version of ChromeOS for existing hardware.

Your computer	Crosh available?	What to do
Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC	No	Use Command Prompt, PowerShell or Windows Terminal for Windows tasks
Dell, HP or Lenovo Chromebook	Yes	Press Ctrl + Alt + T
PC running ChromeOS Flex	ChromeOS includes Crosh	Press Ctrl + Alt + T after signing in
PC you want to try ChromeOS Flex on	After setup	Create an 8 GB or larger USB installer; Flex can run from USB without installing

ChromeOS Flex needs an Intel or AMD 64-bit device with 4 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage. Installing it replaces Windows, so run it from USB first.

How to access Crosh FAQ

How do I open Crosh on a Chromebook?

Press Ctrl + Alt + T while signed in or in a guest session. Crosh opens with a crosh> prompt. It has no icon in the launcher, and nothing needs to be installed first.

How do I access Crosh on Windows?

You cannot. Crosh is the ChromeOS shell and is not part of Windows 11 or Windows 10. To use it on a PC, run ChromeOS Flex from a USB installer, then press Ctrl + Alt + T.

How do I access Crosh on a Dell?

On a Dell Chromebook, press Ctrl + Alt + T, the same as on any other Chromebook. A Dell laptop running Windows does not have Crosh.

How do I enable Crosh?

Crosh is on by default on personal Chromebooks, so there is nothing to enable. On a managed school or work device, an administrator can disable it, and only the administrator can turn it back on.

How do I get into the full shell from Crosh?

Turn on developer mode, open Crosh with Ctrl + Alt + T and type shell. In normal mode Crosh refuses the shell command. Switching to developer mode wipes local data.

Do I need developer mode to use Crosh?

No. Crosh and commands such as help, help_advanced and vmc work in normal mode. Developer mode is only needed for the shell command and root access.

How do I close Crosh?

Press Ctrl + W to close the Crosh tab or Ctrl + Shift + W to close the window. Hold Alt and press Tab instead if you want to leave Crosh running in the background.

Why does Ctrl + Alt + T not open Crosh?

The usual causes are a detached keyboard, remapped Ctrl or Alt keys, or an administrator policy that disables Crosh on a managed Chromebook. Check Settings > Keyboard and inputs, then chrome://policy.

Conclusion: when to use Crosh and when to use Linux

Open Crosh with Ctrl + Alt + T for quick troubleshooting and VM control, and set up the Linux development environment for everyday command-line work. Crosh needs no setup and works offline, but its command set is restricted. Linux gives you a full terminal without the data wipe and security cost of developer mode.