Where Chromebook apps come from

A Chromebook runs Chrome OS, which means most apps come from the Google Play Store — the same place Android phones get their apps. You can also install extensions directly from the Chrome Web Store, which are smaller tools that work inside your browser. A few Chromebooks let you run Linux apps too, but that's a more advanced setup.

The Play Store is built into your Chromebook. You don't need to read a separate app store or sign up anywhere new — if you have a Google account (which you need to use the Chromebook anyway), you already have access.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Google Play Store from your Chromebook's app launcher and search for the app you want, just like on an Android phone.
  • Most apps from the Play Store install in seconds and work when ready without extra setup steps.
  • Chrome extensions are smaller tools that live in your browser toolbar and don't take up storage space the way full apps do.
  • Some apps won't work on Chromebooks because they're designed only for Windows or Mac, so check the store listing before you try to install.
  • You can remove apps the same way you would on a phone — right-click the app icon and select uninstall.

Opening the Play Store and finding apps

Click the launcher button in the bottom left corner of your screen (it looks like a grid of dots). Type the name of the app you want — for example, "Netflix" or "Spotify" — and the Play Store results will appear. You can also click the Play Store icon itself to browse by category.

When you find the app you want, click it to open the details page. This page shows you what the app does, how much storage it needs, and what permissions it will have (like access to your camera or files). Read the reviews if you're unsure whether it's the right one — real users often mention whether it works well on Chromebooks.

Installing an app from the Play Store

Click the "Install" button on the app's details page. Your Chromebook will ask you to confirm that you want to install it and to review the permissions it needs. Click "Install" again to proceed. The app will read and install automatically — this usually takes less than a minute.

Once installation finishes, the button will change to "Open" or "Uninstall". You can click "Open" to start the app right away, or close this window and find the app in your launcher later. The app is now on your Chromebook and ready to use whenever you want it.

Installing extensions from the Chrome Web Store

Extensions are different from apps. They're small tools that add features to your Chrome browser — like a password manager, ad blocker, or grammar checker. To find extensions, open a new browser tab and go to chromewebstore.google.com, or search "Chrome Web Store" in Google.

Search for the extension you want, click it, and then click the blue "Add to Chrome" button. Your browser will ask you to confirm. Click "Add extension" and it will install when ready. Most extensions show up as a small icon in the top right corner of your browser, next to the address bar. You can click that icon to use the extension.

Extensions don't take up much storage space and don't slow down your Chromebook the way full apps might. If you install an extension and don't like it, click the icon, look for a settings or options menu, and choose to remove it — or right-click the icon and select "Remove from Chrome".

What to do if an app won't install

Some apps won't work on Chromebooks because they're built only for Windows or Mac computers. When you search the Play Store, these apps won't show up in your results — the store filters them out automatically. If you find an app on the regular Google Play website but it won't install on your Chromebook, that's why.

Check the app's details page to see if it lists "Chromebook" under compatible devices. If it doesn't, you'll need to find a different app that does the same thing. For example, if a Windows-only photo editor won't install, search for "photo editor Chromebook" instead and you'll find alternatives that work.

If an app you want says it's compatible but still won't install, restart your Chromebook and try again. If that doesn't work, sign out of your Google account, sign back in, and try once more. These steps fix most installation problems.

Managing storage and removing apps you don't use

Chromebooks have less storage than traditional laptops, so it's worth checking how much space your apps are using. Click the launcher, search for "Settings", and open it. Click "Apps" on the left side, then "Manage your apps". You'll see a list of everything installed and how much space each one takes.

If you want to remove an app, right-click its icon in the launcher and select "Uninstall", or find it in the Settings list and click "Uninstall" there. The app and all its data will be deleted. You can always reinstall it later from the Play Store if you change your mind.

Keeping apps updated

The Play Store updates your apps automatically in the background, so you don't have to do anything. If you want to check for updates manually, open the Play Store, click your profile picture in the top right, and select "Manage apps and device". Click the "Manage" tab and you'll see which apps have updates waiting. Click "Update all" to install them all at once.

Extensions update automatically too. Your browser handles this without asking you, so you'll always have the latest version of any extension you've installed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use apps from the Microsoft Store or Apple App Store on a Chromebook?

No. Chromebooks only work with apps from the Google Play Store and extensions from the Chrome Web Store. Apps built for Windows or Mac won't run on Chrome OS. If you need a specific app that only exists for Windows or Mac, a Chromebook won't work for you.

Do I need to pay for apps on a Chromebook?

Some apps are free and some cost money, just like on a phone. The Play Store shows the price before you install. If an app costs money, you'll need a payment method on file with your Google account. Free apps never charge you to install or use them.

What happens to my apps if I sign out of my Google account?

Your apps stay on the Chromebook, but you won't be able to use them until you sign back in. When you sign back in with the same Google account, all your apps and settings will be there. If you sign in with a different Google account, you'll see a different set of apps.

Can I install the same app on multiple Chromebooks?

Yes. If you sign into the same Google account on multiple Chromebooks, your apps will be available on all of them. The Play Store remembers what you've installed and makes it straightforward to reinstall on a new device.

Why is my Chromebook running slowly after I installed apps?

Chromebooks have limited memory, so too many apps running at once can slow things down. Close apps you're not using by clicking the X on their window. You can also check Settings to see which apps are using the most memory and consider uninstalling ones you don't use regularly.