Do Windows Apps Run on Chromebook?
Most Windows apps will run, in one way or another, on most modern Chromebooks, using a few different methods.
Browser-based apps Chrome plug-ins Remotely accessing another PC A “compatibility layer” tool for Linux, sort of a translator for software, called CrossOver Chrome OS. Currently, it only works with more recent Chromebooks using Intel processors.
Since Chromebooks are designed to use web browsers as their operating system and the cloud as their storage system, Chromebooks typically have slower processors and limited physical storage.
How Can I Run Windows Apps on My Chromebook?
Since storage and power are limited on Chromebooks, a little preparation goes a long way.
Store any materials that you’ll want access to on a cloud storage system, preferably one you can sync to your apps. 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. Open the Files app in your toolbar and click the three-dot menu in the upper right-hand corner to see how much storage is on your Chromebook. You should also enable the Google Play Store if you haven’t already done so. Make a checklist of the apps you need to use and which company publishes them. Prioritize apps by how important they are to your needs, how often you run them, and whether you need to use them offline or in the absence of an internet connection. 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. You can also click on their name in either store and it will take you to their publisher page. For any apps that you can’t run on Chrome, check how much space they’ll need by looking up their recommended specifications. Verify the app will run; this is available on CrossOver’s website or in its documentation.
How to Install CrossOver Chrome OS and Run Windows Apps
As of this writing, CrossOver requires 196MB to install and run. Be sure to subtract this from your available space before you begin downloading apps. Any apps you download will be available from the home screen when you open the CrossOver app, and will load and run like a standard program otherwise.
Go to Settings > Advanced > Developers and turn on the Linux Development Environment. Make the disk partition at least 10 GB. Download the . deb from the CrossOver website, highlight it in the Downloads folder, and use the Open command in the upper right corner. You’ll be automatically prompted to install the file with Linux. Click Install. After installation, launch CrossOver and select Install Windows Software. Search for your preferred app, and download it. It should then be available in your app bar. If you don’t find your preferred app, download the . exe program to your Chromebook directly, and choose Select Installer. Choose the installer and the appropriate operating system “bottle” for the app.
