Now that all new Chromebooks run Android apps, permit's plough our gaze to running PC programs. And with a new app called CrossOver for Chrome Bone, you can install several Windows software on your Chromebook.

It seems a little counter-intuitive to the whole point of using Chromebooks to run Windows programs on it. Merely nonetheless, there are some major apps still missing on Chrome Os. For example, the Microsoft Function suite is that of the mobile interface and not the total-fledged one. And there isn't still a good Photoshop culling for Chromebooks.

CrossOver is a popular emulation app that simplifies the process of using WINE to run Windows programs on Mac or Linux. In fact, it's actually worth paying for on Linux. Now, programmer Codeweavers has brought CrossOver to the Google Play Store to accept care of Chrome OS users' needs.

What You Will Need

Some Chromebooks, especially older ones, might take some trouble with this new app. That's because CrossOver for Chrome OS requires an Intel processor.

In simple terms, y'all demand ane of the best Chromebooks that run Android apps. And naturally, you'll need to download and install the app. Here'southward a quick tutorial video from Codeweavers for it.

How to Install CrossOver for Chrome OS

  1. Go to Profile Pic > Settings > Menu > Google Play Store
  2. Click Turn On if it hasn't been already
  3. Open up Play Store on your Chromebook
  4. Download CrossOver for Chrome Bone from the Google Play Store

Prep for Windows Program Installation

how to install windows programs on chromebooks

CrossOver will automatically fetch the installation of some Windows software for you lot. But for about programs, you will need to starting time download the offline installer of the desired program.

Whether it'due south Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, or even a small programme like IrfanView, go the total offline installer from its site. If you tin can't detect it, go to Standalone Offline Installers and download it from there.

Keep the installer in an piece of cake-to-find location on your Chromebook, like the Downloads binder.

How to Install Windows Programs on Chromebooks

  1. Run CrossOver for Chrome OS.
  2. In the Search Applications box, start typing the name of your desired program. CrossOver will suggest names. Click Install on the correct one to go started.
  3. Depending on the programme, CrossOver will now fetch the correct files online to install it.
  4. Become through the installation process equally you would with any Windows program.
  5. Don't modify the destination folder! You lot are right, Chrome OS doesn't have anything like "C:\Program Files\Paint.Cyberspace" but keep information technology every bit is. Changing the destination binder routinely causes errors in CrossOver.
  6. You'll finally run into Installation Finished once the whole procedure is done. Don't launch the program just yet, even though you tin can meet a prompt for information technology.

This simple process works for some games and software, but not all. As already noted, it'south best if you downloaded an offline installer. In that instance, the installation process is slightly different.

  1. Run CrossOver for Chrome OS.
  2. In the Search Applications box, start typing the name of your desired program. Click Install if CrossOver knows the proper noun, or click Install Unlisted Application when CrossOver prompts yous.
  3. Name the program you are about to install, and click Select Installer.
  4. In the following screen, browse to the folder where you saved the offline installer on your difficult drive. CrossOver lists all Windows installers from that folder, so find the right one and click Install.
  5. Once more, follow the installation procedure as you lot commonly would, and don't alter the destination folder.
  6. You'll finally encounter Installation Finished in one case the whole process is washed. Don't launch the program just yet, fifty-fifty though yous can run across a prompt for information technology.

How to Run Windows Programs on Chromebook

how to run Windows Programs on Chromebooks
  1. Once you have installed the program, close and restart CrossOver for Chrome OS.
  2. You'll see your new programs in Installed Apps. Click the program to run into ii options: Manage program or Launch plan.
  3. Click Launch Plan to outset and use the Windows program as a Chrome app.

How to Uninstall Windows Programs on CrossOver

how to Uninstall Windows Programs on CrossOver
  1. To uninstall a programme, go to Installed Apps, click the program, and so cull Manage Program.
  2. Click the cog-wheel Settings icon, and then click Uninstall in the drop-down options.

What Works on CrossOver for Chromebooks

CrossOver for Chrome Bone is still in beta, so in that location are some things that won't work every bit advertised. And even when they do, retrieve, you are substantially running Wine with a virtual Windows environment. So the programs retain the expect and feel of Windows software.

Here'southward a list of the software we tried and how it performed:

  • Notepad++: Installed and ran perfectly, no problems
  • Filezilla: Installed and ran perfectly, no issues
  • Paint.Cyberspace: Couldn't install properly (no Launch file at the stop of a successful installation)
  • GIMP: Installed and ran fine, but has performance issues. Freezes up often.
  • Microsoft Part 2022: Couldn't install properly (no Launch file at the terminate of a successful installation)
  • TrackMania Nations Forever: Installed and ran perfectly, no issues
  • Audacity: Installed and ran fine, only has operation issues. Freezes up often.

*All tests performed on Asus Chromebook Flip C302.

The nearly problematic apps were those that require Microsoft'due south .Internet framework to piece of work. Avert those if you lot can.

Should You Utilise CrossOver for Chrome OS?

For at present, CrossOver for Chrome OS is free, and then there is nothing stopping you from downloading it and trying out your favorite Windows text editors and other apps on a Chromebook. Who knows, that i game or program you miss might work fine, making the Chromebook infinitely meliorate for yous. If you'd rather stick with Android apps, these are the best Android apps to start with on your Chromebook.

That said, with the number of bugs in CrossOver for Chrome Bone correct now, the value of the app depends on what yous want to run.

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Nearly The Writer

Mihir Patkar (1300 Articles Published)

Mihir Patkar has been writing on engineering and productivity for over 14 years at some of the summit media publications across the world. He has an bookish background in journalism.

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