Linux on Chrome OS Chrome OS (Crostini), does not automatically detect external drives plugged into your Chromebook. However, you can set one up.
External drives can be accessed from the Files app of your Chromebook. However, if you wish to access them in the Linux environment (also known as Crostini), you might look in a directory such as /mediaThey’re not there. What’s the deal?
It is easy to set up external optical, USB, and SD media for command line access on your Chromebook. Here’s how it works.
Why Your Drive Isn’t Mounted in Crostini by Default
Why isn’t your drive automatically available in Crostini? Security is the main reason. Security is key. You can’t find the drive, even if you think you do. But you wouldn’t plug in any random USB stick you found lying around the ground?
Linux is designed to reduce security risks by limiting outside access by default.
Linux allows you to share external drives
To share your drive go to the Files App and right-click it (if you are using an external mouse), or touch the trackpad two fingers and select the drive. Linux – ShareIn the context menu
A dialog box will appear asking you to confirm your desire to share your drive to Linux. Click OKTo share your drive and Linux.
Where is Your Drive Mounted
To locate your files, open Settings and click Advanced > Linux Development Environment. Then select Manage shared folders. You should see the drives that Linux has shared with you.
They’ll be mounted below the command line. /mnt/chromeos. You can use all of the Linux commands to work on other files within the Linux hierarchy.
You can mount folders in Crostini, as well as whole drives. You can simply share the directory from your drive in Files, as shown above.
After you’re done with your drive, click on the XChrome OS will remove them from the Linux environment by placing them next to them.
Chromebook now supports external drives with Linux
It takes just a few steps to enable external drives in Linux Crostini from your Chromebook. For more tips and tricks, read on.
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