ChromeOS CROSH Commands and How to Use Them

Chrome Shell, or CROSH, is a command line interface similar to Linux’s BASH or Windows Command Line Terminals, and is built to be a powerful and user-friendly command-line interface for Google’s Chrome OS.

It provides developers and advanced users with access to diagnostic tools and system-level features to troubleshoot issues, check hardware and network information, monitor system performance, and perform other essential tasks. While not intended for extensive software development or system configuration, CROSH serves as a convenient and secure tool for users to delve into the inner workings of their Chrome OS devices and resolve potential problems efficiently.

provides access to some system-level features and diagnostic tools. It is primarily designed for developers and advanced users to perform troubleshooting, testing, and various system-related tasks. Here are some of the things that CROSH is capable of.

1. Network diagnostics: CROSH commands allow you to check network connectivity, ping addresses, and display network device information.
2. Hardware information: You can use CROSH to retrieve hardware details such as CPU, memory, and storage information.
3. Battery information: CROSH can provide information about your device's battery health, charge level, and other related details.
4. System performance: You can monitor the system's performance, including CPU usage, memory consumption, and active processes.
5. SSH access: CROSH supports Secure Shell (SSH), which allows you to establish a secure remote connection to other devices.
6. Power testing: Developers can use CROSH to perform power testing and assess the power consumption of Chrome OS devices.
7. System logs: You can access and review system logs for troubleshooting purposes.
8. Wi-Fi management: CROSH allows you to manage Wi-Fi connections and check connection status.
9. Touchpad and keyboard diagnostics: You can run diagnostics on the touchpad and keyboard to check for any issues.

While CROSH is a very powerful tool that users can use, it is important to know that it is somewhat limited as it is built to be as lightweight as possible. This means that CROSH has certain limitations and specific restrictions due to its design and purpose. Here are some of the things that CROSH is not capable of:

1. System-wide configuration: CROSH is primarily designed for diagnostics and troubleshooting, so it doesn't offer direct access to system-wide configuration settings or preferences. For more advanced system configuration tasks, you might need to use other methods or access the Chrome OS settings.
2. File management: CROSH does not provide full-fledged file management capabilities like a traditional file manager. While you can access some system files and perform basic file-related operations, it's not a complete replacement for a graphical file manager.
3. Web browsing: CROSH is not a web browser and cannot be used for browsing the internet. Its functionality is limited to system diagnostics and a few specific tasks.
4. Installing apps or extensions: CROSH does not support the installation of Android apps or Chrome extensions. To install applications or extensions, you need to use the official Chrome OS interface or the Google Play Store.
5. User management: CROSH doesn't have features for managing user accounts, creating new users, or changing user settings. These tasks are handled through the Chrome OS settings.
6. Full system control: While CROSH provides access to some system-level information and basic commands, it doesn't allow complete control over the operating system. Critical system functions are still restricted to ensure the security and stability of Chrome OS.
7. Complex software development: While CROSH is useful for basic diagnostics and troubleshooting tasks, it may not be the ideal environment for complex software development. Developers typically use more robust and feature-rich development environments and tools.
8. Software installations: CROSH does not support software installations, especially for Linux applications or other software packages. For that, you would need to use other mechanisms, such as the Chrome OS Linux container or Android app installations.

It is also worth noting separately that, CROSH does not grant the user the ability to disable device management. Device management in Chrome OS is a core feature designed to allow administrators to manage and control Chrome OS devices in an organization or educational setting. It helps in configuring devices, enforcing policies, managing updates, and ensuring security across a fleet of Chrome OS devices.

Typically access to device management settings and tools are restricted to an organization’s system administrators. If you are facing issues related to device management on a Chrome OS device, you should contact the system administrator or IT support in your organization or school for assistance. They will have the necessary permissions and tools to manage device settings appropriately.

The following sections is a table containing most of the commands that can be used with CROSH.