Consultation

How to Install Windows 10 on an Acer C720 Chromebook

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The Acer C720 Chromebook might have been designed for lightweight Chrome OS tasks, but with some effort and the right technical know-how, it can be transformed into a fully functional Windows 10 machine. While not officially supported, installing Windows 10 can breathe new life into the aging hardware, unlocking broader software compatibility and enhanced usability for those who need a more traditional operating system.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

Installing Windows 10 on an Acer C720 Chromebook is possible, but it requires flashing the firmware, enabling developer mode, and using external storage for boot and installation. The process is not beginner-friendly and may void your warranty or brick your device if done incorrectly. However, when successful, it turns the compact Chromebook into a usable Windows laptop for basic productivity and browsing tasks. Be prepared to troubleshoot, as driver support isn’t perfect.

Preparation: What You’ll Need

Before diving into the process, make sure you have the following items ready:

  • Acer C720 Chromebook with at least 4GB RAM (recommended for Windows 10)
  • USB Keyboard and Mouse – the touchpad and internal keyboard might not work initially
  • USB Drive – 8GB or larger, for Windows installer
  • Another Windows PC – used to create the installer and download necessary tools
  • Screwdriver – to access the write-protect screw

Step 1: Backup Your Data and Create Recovery Media

Before making any system modifications, it’s essential to create a recovery USB for Chrome OS in case something goes wrong. Google provides the Chromebook Recovery Utility, a Chrome extension that makes this easy. Insert a USB drive and let the tool create a recovery image for your specific model.

Step 2: Enable Developer Mode

Putting the Chromebook into developer mode is necessary to gain deeper system-level access:

  1. Turn off your Chromebook completely.
  2. Press and hold the Esc and Refresh keys, then press the Power button.
  3. When you reach the recovery screen, press Ctrl + D to initiate Developer Mode, then press Enter.
  4. The device will reboot and transition into developer mode – this can take 10-20 minutes.

Note: Developer mode will wipe all local data on the device. Make sure you’ve backed up any important information.

Step 3: Remove the Write-Protect Screw

The firmware of the Chromebook is protected by a write-protect mechanism, typically a small screw on the motherboard:

  1. Power off the Chromebook and remove the back cover using a Philips screwdriver.
  2. Locate and remove the silver screw identified as the write-protect screw – it’s usually near the SSD or memory area.
  3. Once removed, close up the case and reboot your Chromebook.

Step 4: Flash Custom Firmware

The stock Chrome OS BIOS does not support booting Windows. Therefore, installing a 3rd-party firmware is required. The most commonly recommended tool is MrChromebox’s Utility Script.

  1. Boot into Chrome OS and open a terminal with Ctrl + Alt + T. Type shell and press Enter.
  2. Download and run the script: 
    cd; curl -LO https://mrchromebox.tech/firmware-util.sh && sudo bash firmware-util.sh
  3. Choose the option to install the Full ROM firmware. Follow on-screen instructions.
  4. Important: Once this is done, you can no longer boot Chrome OS unless you re-flash the original firmware.

Step 5: Create a Windows 10 USB Installer

Use a Windows PC to download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft:

  1. Go to Microsoft’s website and download the tool.
  2. Run it and choose Create installation media for another PC.
  3. Select your language, edition, and architecture (use 64-bit).
  4. Choose USB drive as the output – this should match your earlier-prepared USB stick.

Step 6: Install Windows 10

Now comes the installation phase:

  1. Plug in the USB installer into the C720 and power it on.
  2. If you flashed the firmware correctly, the device should boot into the Windows installer.
  3. Use a USB mouse and keyboard to navigate the installer (internal components may not function yet).
  4. Delete the partitions on the internal SSD and let Windows install to the unallocated space.

Note: The internal SSD is limited in capacity, so consider disabling optional features during setup.

Step 7: Install Drivers and Troubleshoot

Once Windows is installed, some hardware may not work out-of-the-box. Common problems include:

  • No touchpad or keyboard functionality
  • No audio or poor display resolution

Solutions:

  1. Make sure Windows Update is fully completed to install generic drivers.
  2. Download specific drivers for touchpad and audio from communities like the Chrultrabook Reddit or MrChromebox’s documentation.
  3. In some cases, drivers for similar Haswell-based laptops may work.

Performance and Limitations

Keep in mind that the Acer C720 is equipped with an Intel Celeron 2955U and maxes out at 4GB RAM. While Windows 10 can run, it’s not perfectly smooth.

Pros:

  • Access to full Windows applications
  • Keyboard shortcuts and native Windows features

Cons:

  • Battery life might suffer due to poor driver optimization
  • Touchpad and keyboard setup can be frustrating
  • System updates can revert or break certain drivers

Final Thoughts

Installing Windows 10 on an Acer C720 is a rewarding but highly technical project. It’s best suited for enthusiasts who are comfortable with making irreversible changes to their device. If successful, the transformation allows an older device to continue being productive well beyond its intended lifespan. However, always have a recovery plan in place and accept the limitations of the hardware.

FAQ

  • Q: Can I revert back to Chrome OS after installing Windows 10?
    A: Only if you backed up the original firmware. You’ll need to re-flash the write-protect screw and use the recovery USB made earlier.
  • Q: Is dual booting with Chrome OS and Windows 10 possible?
    A: It’s theoretically possible using advanced bootloaders, but highly unstable and not recommended for average users.
  • Q: Will Windows 11 work instead of Windows 10?
    A: No, the processor in the Acer C720 doesn’t meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11.
  • Q: Will all hardware features like Wi-Fi and audio work?
    A: Most can be made to work with some effort, but touchpad, webcam, or audio may remain inconsistent without proper drivers.
  • Q: Is there a safer alternative to installing Windows 10?
    A: Yes, installing a lightweight Linux distribution like GalliumOS retains Chrome OS-like speed with more flexibility.

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