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ChromeOS’s general settings guide does not document a setting for changing the Chromebook’s device hostname. You can search Settings for “hostname” or “device name,” but Google does not promise that a matching control will appear. The old chrome://flags#enable-hostname-setting instructions are not reliable current guidance: a Chromebook Community reply in June 2025 reported that the flag had expired in ChromeOS M135.
First, identify which hostname you mean
A Chromebook’s device hostname and the hostname used inside its Linux development environment are separate things. The device hostname is the name that may be exposed on a local network. Linux runs as a separately configured environment, so changing or identifying its hostname does not rename the ChromeOS device.
Check whether ChromeOS offers a device-name setting
- Open Settings.
- Search for hostname or device name. Google’s Manage Chromebook settings guide explains how to search Settings and notes, “To go to the search bar, you can also press Ctrl + f.”
- If no hostname or device-name control appears, the general Google guide does not provide another documented path for changing the device hostname.
Older advice points to chrome://flags#enable-hostname-setting. A 2023 Chromebook Community answer described it as an experimental flag and cautioned that changing flags can cause problems. A separate community reply in June 2025 reported that it had expired in ChromeOS M135. That removal status is a community report, not an official Google deprecation notice, so treat the flag as historical rather than as a supported procedure.
If you mean the Linux development environment
Google documents Linux setup separately at Settings > About ChromeOS > Developers. Those instructions are for configuring the Linux environment, not for changing the Chromebook’s device hostname. A Chromebook Community reply describes penguin as the Crostini default hostname; that value is community-reported, not established by Google’s setup guide as universal.
#1 Best Overall
- Intel Celeron N4120: 4 Cores & Threads, 1.1GHz Base Clock, Up to 2.6GHz Boost Clock, 4MB Cache, Intel UHD Graphics 600. The perfect combination of performance, power consumption, and value helps your device handle multitasking smoothly and reliably with four processing cores to divide up the work.
- 14" HD Display: 14.0-inch diagonal, HD (1366 x 768), micro-edge, anti-glare. See your digital world in a whole new way. Enjoy movies and photos with the great image quality and high-definition detail of 1 million pixels.
- Memory & Storage: 4 GB LPDDR4x & 64 GB eMMC Storage. Adequate high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once. An embedded multimedia card provides reliable flash-based storage.
- Ports:2 x USB 3.0 Type-A,1 x USB 3.0 Type-C,1 x HDMI,1 x Headphone Jack
- Chrome OS: Chromebook is a computer for the way the modern world works, with thousands of apps. Enjoy the seamless simplicity that comes with Google Chrome and Android apps, all integrated into one laptop. It’s fast, simple, and secure.
Google also notes that Linux may not be available on work or school Chromebooks. For Google’s setup information, see Set up Linux on your Chromebook.
For a managed Chromebook
If the Chromebook belongs to a workplace or school, or its name must meet an organization’s network or software requirements, contact the administrator. The available guidance does not establish a universal user-side workaround for managed devices.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- FOR HOME, WORK, & SCHOOL – With an Intel processor, 14-inch display, custom-tuned stereo speakers, and long battery life, this Chromebook laptop lets you knock out any assignment or binge-watch your favorite shows..Voltage:5.0 volts
- HD DISPLAY, PORTABLE DESIGN – See every bit of detail on this micro-edge, anti-glare, 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) display (1); easily take this thin and lightweight laptop PC from room to room, on trips, or in a backpack.
- ALL-DAY PERFORMANCE – Reliably tackle all your assignments at once with the quad-core, Intel Celeron N4120—the perfect processor for performance, power consumption, and value (2).
- 4K READY – Smoothly stream 4K content and play your favorite next-gen games with Intel UHD Graphics 600 (3) (4).
- MEMORY AND STORAGE – Enjoy a boost to your system’s performance with 4 GB of RAM while saving more of your favorite memories with 64 GB of reliable flash-based eMMC storage (5).
Rank #4
- THE BETTER WAY TO LAPTOP – Imagine a Chromebook that’s as flexible as your day: thin and lightweight with built-in Google apps and stress-free security.
- TAKE HITS KEEP MOVING – Sleek, light, and built to last- the Chromebook 2-in-1 is just 0.69” thick and 3.3lbs. Enjoy long-lasting battery life, fast charging, and military-grade durability for nonstop productivity wherever life takes you.
- PERFORMANCE THAT MATCHES YOUR HUSTLE – Fuel your ideas with an Intel Core processor and 128GB storage. Boot up in under 10 seconds to start the day powerfully efficient.
- FLEX YOUR CREATIVITY ANYWHERE, ANYTIME – Create, work, or unwind your way with a versatile 2-in-1 design. Flip easily between laptop, tent, and tablet modes with a responsive touchscreen built for flexibility.
- BRILLIANT VIEWS AND IMMERSIVE AUDIO – See, hear, and create with awesome clarity. The WUXGA display brings rich detail to your work and play, while audio tuned by Waves MaxxAudio provides immersive, balanced sound.
Rank #3
- Intel Processor Up to 2.80GHz, 4GB DDR4, 128GB Storage
- 15" FHD IPS Display, Intel UHD Graphics
- 1x USB Type C, 1 x USB Type A, 1x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack, HDMI
- Fast WiFi and Bluetooth, Integrated Webcam
- Chrome OS, AC Charger Included, Pastel Silver
Rank #2
- Storage: 16GB Flash Memory
- OS: Chrome OS
- Screen Size: 11.6"
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