Run Desktop version on Chromebook
How can I run the Desktop version of Firefox on my Chromebook? Instead of the Android App version?
Ilungisiwe
All Replies (8)
Hi jackeen, Mozilla compiles Firefox (desktop) for Windows, Mac, and Linux. I'm pretty sure the Windows and Mac versions won't run on Chromebook. Do you know whether there is a way to run Linux programs on Chromebook? There might be info on that on a different forum.
All of the current official installers can be found here if you find a way to do it: https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/
You may be able to install Linux on your Chromebook but is not for the less technical users. https://www.lifewire.com/install-linux-on-chromebook-4125253
More powerful Chromebooks like the Google's own premium Pixelbook may be able to run Linux apps in a custom virtual machine (VM), which runs a version of Debian. https://www.engadget.com/2018/05/08/chrome-os-linux-support-official/
Ilungisiwe
It appears that there is a way to run Linux but it looks very complicated and I really don't want to get into that. Is there a way to customize the Android version so It looks like the Desktop version? View a Bookmarks bar?
Hi
The Android version of Firefox was designed for tablets and mobile phones not more mouse based interfaces such as laptops. The move to allow linux apps to run on Chromebooks is in its infancy and is complex, but once the process evolves it will become easier to do.
You may need to hold fire for now with installing a more deskop-like version of Firefox, but hopefully this will change soon.
Seburo said
Hi The Android version of Firefox was designed for tablets and mobile phones not more mouse based interfaces such as laptops. The move to allow linux apps to run on Chromebooks is in its infancy and is complex, but once the process evolves it will become easier to do. You may need to hold fire for now with installing a more deskop-like version of Firefox, but hopefully this will change soon.
No it wasn't. If it was, then I wouldn't have to "request the desktop site" every single time I want to view the desktop version of a site, which is EVERY SINGLE TIME on my tablet and Pixelbook. It's a travesty there still is no option to make desktop view the default. Almost as much of a travesty as not having persistent tab view on my phone. I have a 6+ inch phone, and I can't see my tabs all the time, like a normal browser.
and running firefox on linux is slow. It'll be quicker with graphics card support, but that's not there yet. And I can't even get the linux version of firefox on my Pixelbook now. It doesn't seem to want to find it.
Firefox for Android is still the way to go, but it's still very much crippled since nobody wants a "mobile" browser on their laptop like device.
Ilungisiwe
Hi crogs571, I'm not sure how your replies help answer the original poster's question. ??
crogs571 said
... have to "request the desktop site" every single time I want to view the desktop version of a site, which is EVERY SINGLE TIME on my tablet and Pixelbook. It's a travesty there still is no option to make desktop view the default.
Try the workaround in this thread: I use a 12.2" Galaxy Tab. Need a way to automatically go to websites in desktop view, always.
jscher2000 said
Hi crogs571, I'm not sure how your replies help answer the original poster's question. ?? crogs571 said... have to "request the desktop site" every single time I want to view the desktop version of a site, which is EVERY SINGLE TIME on my tablet and Pixelbook. It's a travesty there still is no option to make desktop view the default.Try the workaround in this thread: I use a 12.2" Galaxy Tab. Need a way to automatically go to websites in desktop view, always.
Blame mozilla's search for taking me here. And partially does, because you can or could via Linux, but that doesn't seem to even work anymore. It doesn't find the esr version. Last time I used it on my X2, Firefox wanted to upgrade it, then it no longer worked and would no longer find the esr version via crostini.
So to my part, I added about android and at least always having desktop viewing.
I did try your way via another source of those directions, and all I get 8s a blank screen. Will try again when I have tome to play.
And in fairness, I was replying to a different response. Didn't know there was a rule a reply to someone else had to be a direct response to the original poster. Snarky, I know. :)