Google came up with Chromebooks that run with a Linux based Chrome OS that has cloud storage for better productivity. In Chromebook, you can use various Android applications. You can also install and use Linux based applications on your Chromebook with their beta feature. But running Windows-based applications is not yet explicit. Google is constantly working on bringing a full-fledged Windows experience on a Chromebook. Till then, you can run Windows apps on Chromebook in a few different ways and let us discuss them.
Run Windows Apps On Chromebook
There are different ways in which you could run Windows apps on Chromebook. One such popular way is to use the CrossOver software for your Chrome OS. And there are few other alternative ways too.
- Developer mode and Install Wine
- Install third-party Virtual Machine
- Remote Windows desktop access
- Linux software in developer mode
What you actually need?
If you ask whether all the Chromebook can run Windows app is a big No. So here are the basic requirements.
- A reasonably latest version of Chromebook (Chromebook after 2017)
- Intel CPU rather than ARM
- 2 GB RAM minimum
- And 200 MB disk space for app installation
- Google Play store enable
Run Windows Apps on Chromebook
These are the best methods with thich you can run Windows apps on a Chromebook.
Run Windows apps on Chromebook using CrossOver
CrossOver allows users to run the Windows apps on macOS or Linux. Now the app is made officially available for the Chrome OS too. Beta version of CrossOver on Chromebook is better. It wouldn’t be necessary to jump through hoops to get a Windows app on other platforms. Instead, you will type the name of the app and install it with the installation media. Crossover compatible Windows apps are few. Follow the steps below to use CrossOver to run the Windows app on your Chromebook.
CrossOver costs $9.95 to $15.95 and no Windows OS.
Step 1: Open the Play Store on your Chromebook. Search for the CrossOver app and install it.
Step 2: Now launch the CrossOver app on your Chromebook.
Step 3: Then search for the app that you want to use. And you will find a list of versions available.
Step 4: Click on the Install button next to the application.
Step 5: Now you will be prompted to install the Installer Program from CodeWeavers.
Step 6: Click on the Go button. Then on the following screen click Continue to the website in order to begin the process.
Step 7: There you will find the importance of installing the extension. Click Add to Chrome to install the extension for present and future use.
Step 8: Then click Add Extension button.
Step 9: Now go back to the CrossOver app and click on the Retry button. Now the CrossOver will begin the installation process.
Step 10: Click on Next and Install on the following pop-up windows.
Step 11: Now click on the Launch Application to open the installed app on your Chromebook.
Hereafter you can use the application just as you do on your Windows PC.
Alternative Methods
Method 1: Developer mode and install Wine
Wine is basically the most popular application. It allows you to access Windows applications on macOS and Linux. And as we all know Chromebook is based on Linux. We have two ways to run a Windows app on Chromebook using Wine.
Way 1: Wine with Crouton
Step 1: Enable developer mode first. Hold Esc and Refresh keys and tap the power button. You will get into recovery mode. Then press Ctrl+D. Then confirm in the pop-up window. Now your system will restart into developer mode.
Step 2: Then download and install Crouton on your Chromebook.
Step 3: Then download the Wine application on your Chromebook with crouton. With Wine, you can install and run various WIndows application.
Way 2: Use Wine for Android
Again enable the Developer mode and sideload the Wine application. enable Unknown sources first. Go to App settings >> Security >> Enable Unknown Sources. Download the file Apk and then go for installation.
Remember Wine may not work properly as it is still in Beta version. Few apps will work and few don’t.
Method 2: Install Virtual Machine
As said earlier, Wine may or may not support few applications. So you would require another alternative called Virtual Machine.
- Enable Developer Mode.
- Install Crouton
- Install any virtual Software. For instance, Virtual box.
- Now install Windows OS on the virtual machine and run the Windows app.
Unfortunately, this software is too heavy to use. So you would require a heavy space and huge amount of RAM.
Method 3: Remote Windows desktop access
Chromebook is a comparatively lightweight device. So instead of going for app installation, we can use the Windows application from another desktop with remote access. Moreover, this would require less effort. There are two ways to do it:
Way 1: Access your own Windows desktop
In order to do this, you have to download the Chrome remote desktop application on your Chromebook. You can get the app from the Play store.
As said earlier with the help of this application you can get complete access to your local Windows PC. This will allow you to use the Windows application. Unfortunately, this would require a non-stop running of your Windows PC.
Way 2: Host Windows app on remote server
Citrix server is the best option for those who like to use their own server. You can use the applications hosted on the server. Or else, you can use the RDP client to access a Windows server that hosts a remote desktop. And also, there are various companies that offer windows servers to your Chromebook. Purchase any of those packages to do so. The setup process differs. Therefore choose your reliable server and follow the on-screen setup instruction.
Method 4: Use Linux software in developer mode
You don’t have to download and install a Windows app. As a saviour you have almost all Windows app has Linux version except for few. So just download those and enjoy.
Also see Best File Managers for Chromebook in 2020
Wrapping Up
Most of the ways suggested above have their own advantages and disadvantages. And they stay good only for an extent. After all, nothing will work as a native Windows app. You can install Windows OS on your Chromebook. But that would require technical guidance. And also, it is such a deep process. Finally, you can use any of the above ways to run the Windows app on your Chromebook.
Got any other ways? Let us know in the comment section below.