Do Windows Apps Run on Chromebook?

How Can I Run Windows Apps on My Chromebook?

Since storage and power are limited on Chromebooks, a little preparation goes a long way.

A Chromebook menu with the storage space and three-dot menu highlighted

Consider backing up materials on both Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive, for extra security and easier access.

Check your Chromebook’s manual and note the processor and how much RAM your Chromebook has.

You should also enable theGoogle Play Storeif you haven’t already done so.

The Linux Developers Environment, Turn On toggle, and Developers highlighted in the Settings of a Chromebook

Make a checklist of the apps you better use and which company publishes them.

Search for the company as a publisher in the Chrome Store.

This query will show you a full list of what they currently publish for Chrome OS.

The Set Up Linux Development alert in Chrome OS with Disk Size options highlighted

you might also select their name in either store and it will take you to their publisher page.

Verify the app will run; this is available onCrossOver’s websiteor in its documentation.

Be sure to subtract this from your available space before you begin downloading apps.

A Chromebook prompting you to install a file with Linux with Open and Install highlighted

Go toSettings>Advanced>Developersand turn on theLinux Development Environment.

Make the disk partition at least 10 GB.

You’ll be automatically prompted to roll out the file with Linux.

The main menu of CrossOver ChromeOS with Install Windows Software highlighted

After installation, launch CrossOver and selectInstall Windows Software.

Search for your preferred app, and download it.

It should then be available in your app bar.

Selecting an installer in the CrossOver menu with Select Installer highlighted

Choose the installer and the appropriate operating system “bottle” for the app.

Right-choose the app you want to uninstall, then selectUninstallorRemove from Chrome.

To download and install apps on a Chromebook, click theLaunchericon, then open theGoogle Play Store.

The “bottle” menu for CrossOver Chrome OS with Select Bottle highlighted

Browse apps by category or search for an app in the search bar.

When you find an app you want to install, selectInstall.

The app will download and appear in the Launcher.

First, see to it your Chromebook supports Linux apps: Navigate toSettingsand search forLinux.

If you seeLinux (Beta), your Chromebook has Linux app support.

Then, locate the .deb file of the Linux app you want to download and clickDownload.

You’ll find the file in your Chromebook’s Downloads folder; double-click it to launch the app.

Since Chromebooks don’t run Windows software, they can’t run executable files.