Do you know how to run Windows applications on Chromebooks?

December 2022 · 8 minute read

If you use a Chromebook, you've probably wondered if Windows applications can be run on Chromebooks? The answer is yes but that is not a simple process. So today, TipsMake.com will guide you how to run Windows applications on your Chromebook.

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    • Instructions for running Windows applications on Chromebooks

    Chromebooks are simple, fast and powerful devices that allow users to access the Internet easily. Chromebooks are optimized for Internet access and web applications, so this device is nearly impossible to run local applications on the device. Because Chromebooks use a different structure than Windows, running Windows applications will be more complicated. This means that you are not simply installing and running Windows applications. However, there are some alternatives that you should try.

    Use Chrome Remote Desktop

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    • One of the simplest ways to run Windows applications on a Chromebook is to use Chrome Remote Desktop. By using this method, you will use remote connections to run applications from your home or work computer instead of running them on a Chromebook. Before doing that, you need to prepare both a computer and a Chromebook. Then, follow these steps:

  • On the computer, you need to download the Chrome Remote Desktop extension, then click the Add app button. The extension will automatically be installed after downloading.

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  • After installing the utility, the Apps tab will appear. Click on Chrome Remote Desktop to start.

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  • Choose your Google account.

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  • Click the Allow button.

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  • Click the Get started button in the My Computers section.

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  • Click Enable remote connections .

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  • Now click the Accept and Install button.

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  • Chrome Remote Desktop Host Installer will be downloaded. Run file settings and application settings.
  • Once you've installed Chrome Remote Desktop Host Installer , return to Chrome Remote Desktop and enter the PIN for your computer. Then, press the OK button .

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    Remote connection has been activated. Now you just need to switch to Chromebook and make some changes. To access Windows PC from a Chromebook, you need to do the following:

  • Make sure you are logged in to your Chromebook with the same Google account used in your PC.
  • In the Apps section you will see Chrome Remote Desktop. Click on it to start. If Chrome Remote Desktop is not found, simply access the Chrome Web Store page and launch the utility from here.
  • Click on the Get started button on My Computers .
  • You should now see your computer displayed in computer lists. Click it and enter your PIN to login.

    • If everything is complete, you will see the Windows 10 screen on your Chromebook. After the remote connection is enabled, you can run any Windows 10 application on your Chromebook easily. It is worth mentioning that this method requires your computer to work continuously to establish a remote connection. You should also know that this method is not suitable for playing games, watching videos because activities on Chromebooks may happen slower on PC. Note that the quality of your connection depends heavily on the Internet connection, so make sure the Internet connection is stable.

    This method also has some shortcomings, it requires users to make sure both computers and Chromebooks work. However, remote connection is the simplest way to run Windows applications on a Chromebook, so you should try it.

    Use CrossOver application

    In addition to using Chrome Remote Desktop, you can also use the CrossOver application to run Windows applications on Chromebooks. This is an Android application, so if you are using the latest version of Chromebook, you can run this application. To run the application, you need a device like Acer Chromebook Flip, Acer Chromebook R11 or Google Chromebook Pixel. To run Windows applications using CrossOver, you need to follow these steps:

  • Visit Codeweavers website and request access to the Android app - CrossOver . Be sure to enter the same email address you use to access Play Store .
  • If you are approved to preview, you will receive a notification email. Note that you may take a while to get accepted, so please wait patiently.
  • Once approved, simply access the link in the email message and download the application from the Play Store on your Chromebook.
  • Now, just start CrossOver and you're done.

    • CrossOver application based on open source Wine software. It can simulate Windows on Chromebooks. This application has a Windows-like environment such as File Explorer, Control Panel and other Windows features. Because CrossOver is still in beta, some applications may not work properly. However, many users responded: Applications like Steam, Microsoft Office and WinZip work quite well. We hope to see more compatible applications in the future . According to the developer, this application supports DirectX 9 as well as keyboard, mouse and audio support.

    CrossOver is a solid application for the Android platform, which can easily simulate Windows. Apart from some shortcomings as this app is still in beta and you have to take a moment to access, this is a great app. Keep in mind, however, that only Chromebooks that support this Android application can be used.

    This solution provides the most original Windows experience on a Chromebook, but for use, you need to meet certain requirements. Overall, CrossOver is a good application, we hope it will have more updates in the future.

    Store Windows applications on a remote server

    Many Chromebooks can use Citrix Receiver and access Windows applications on Citrix server. In addition, you can also use the RDP client to access remote computers stored on Windows servers. This solution may be useful for business or professional users, but it does not seem appropriate for individual users.

    Use ExaGear

    Another way to run Windows applications on a Chromebook is to use ExaGear. This is a Windows emulator that allows users to easily run Windows applications on Chromebooks. ExaGear is also an Android application, so it needs ARM Chromebook to run. If your Chromebook can't run Android apps, you can't use ExaGear either.

    According to the developer, Asus Flip and Acer R13 fully support Android applications, so these devices can run ExaGear without any problems. To use this application, simply download ExaGear from PlayStore and install the application on your Chromebook. After installation is complete, you just need to start ExaGear to be able to use Windows applications easily. However, this is not a free app, so if you want to use it, you have to order it.

    Use Ericom AccessNow RDP client

    Another way to run Windows applications is to use Ericom AccessNow RDP. This service allows you to access Windows virtual applications from Chromebook easily. To do this, you just need to use HTML 5 browser.

    This service is very easy to use. After creating your account, simply enter Ericom Access Server's address and enter your login information. Once complete, you can run the Windows application on a Chromebook remotely. This is a sustainable solution for business users.

    Activate Developer Mode and run Wine

    You must turn on Developer Mode and install Linux on your Chromebook to use this solution. To enable Developer Mode, perform the following steps:

  • Click and hold the Esc and Refresh key on your Chromebook and press the Power button. Some older machines may have developer switches, you need to switch to get Developer Mode.
  • When the recovery screen appears, press Ctrl + D. Note that accessing Developer Mode will erase all your local data. This process may take about 15 minutes or longer.

    • After enabling Developer Mode, you need to do the following steps:

  • Download Crouton on Chromebook.
  • Once the download is complete, press Ctrl + Alt + T to open the terminal.
  • Enter the terminal shellin to access the Linux shell.
  • Then enter sudo sh ~ / Downloads / crouton -e -t xfce and press Enter .
  • Wait for the process to complete. This process may take up to an hour so you need to be patient.

    • After completing the process, enter sudo enter-chroot startxfce4 or sudo startxfce4 to start Crouton.

    To switch to the Linux environment, simply press Ctrl + Alt + Shift and click the Back or Forward button. This shortcut works on ARM Chrombook devices. If you don't use the Chrombook ARM, you can use other keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl + Alt + Back , Ctrl + Alt + Forward and Ctrl + Alt + Refresh .

    After booting Linux, you can easily install Wine and run Windows applications on your Chromebook. Note that Wine is not compatible with all Windows applications, so there may be some unfortunate problems.

    Also, if you have an Chromebook using Intel chips, you can also install virtualization software like Virtual Box and use this program to run Windows on a Chromebook. Note that this method requires a lot of computer resources, so you may experience performance issues. Activating Linux on a Chromebook is an advanced procedure so if you are not careful, you can cause some problems for your Chromebook. This solution is only for professional users, so if you are a basic user, you should ignore this method.

    Running Windows applications on Chromebooks is not easy, but you can do so using one of the 6 ways. According to TipsMake.com, the easiest way to run Windows applications on a Chromebook is to use Chrome Remote Desktop.

    Unlike other solutions, this application works on all Chromebooks and has no special hardware requirements. In addition, Chrome Remote Desktop is completely free, so you don't need to buy from any third party. However, the only downside to this approach is that it requires users to run the computer continuously to access it remotely via Chromebook. If you are looking for a Windows emulator, you should try CrossOver or ExaGear.

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