Chromebooks use the Google Play Store, not traditional software downloads
Most Chromebooks run Chrome OS and get apps from the Google Play Store, the same place Android phones and tablets get apps. You do not download executable files or installers the way you would on Windows or Mac. Instead, you search for an app in the Play Store, tap Install, and it appears on your Chromebook ready to use.
Some older Chromebooks or those set to developer mode cannot use the Play Store. Those machines can run web apps through the Chrome browser instead — these work in any browser tab and do not require installation. A few Chromebooks also support Linux apps, which opens a third option, but that requires manual setup.
The Play Store is built into most Chromebooks sold in the last five years. If you do not see it on your shelf or in your app drawer, your machine either does not support it or it has been turned off by an administrator.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Chromebook, search for what you want, and tap Install — the app downloads and appears in your app drawer automatically.
- You need a Google account signed into your Chromebook to use the Play Store, and some apps require payment or have in-app purchases.
- Web apps run inside the Chrome browser and work on any Chromebook without needing the Play Store, though they may have fewer features than Play Store versions.
- If the Play Store is missing, check your Chromebook model and Chrome OS version, or ask your school or workplace administrator if it has been disabled.
- Downloaded apps take up storage space on your Chromebook, and you can uninstall them the same way you installed them if you need the space back.
Opening the Google Play Store and finding apps
The Play Store icon looks like a colorful triangle and usually sits in your app drawer — the grid icon at the bottom left of your screen. Tap it to open the store. If you do not see it there, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to see all your apps, then search for "Play Store" in the search box at the top.
Once the Play Store opens, you will see featured apps and categories. Use the search box at the top to find what you want — type the app name or what it does, like "photo editor" or "note taking." The store shows results ranked by popularity and rating. Read the description, screenshots, and user reviews before you decide.
Some apps are free. Others cost money, and some are free but offer in-app purchases — extra features or content you can buy after installing. The price or "Install" button appears near the top of the app's page. Tap it to begin.
Installing an app and where it goes
When you tap Install, the Play Store asks for permission to access certain features of your Chromebook — camera, files, location, and so on. Read what the app is asking for. If it seems wrong (a flashlight app should not need your contacts), you can go back and choose a different app instead.
Tap Install again to confirm. The app downloads in the background. You will see a progress bar, and when it finishes, the button changes to "Open" or "Uninstall." You do not have to tap Open right away — the app is already on your Chromebook.
The app now appears in your app drawer. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen, and you will see it listed alphabetically. You can also right-click the app in the drawer and choose "Create shortcuts" to pin it to your shelf at the bottom of the screen for faster access.
Using web apps if the Play Store is not available
If your Chromebook does not have the Play Store, you can still use web apps — programs that run inside the Chrome browser. Many popular services have web versions: Gmail, Google Docs, Canva, Figma, and Trello all work this way. You simply visit the website in a browser tab.
Some web apps can be installed as shortcuts on your shelf or app drawer even though they run in the browser. Visit the website, click the menu button (three dots) in the top right of Chrome, and look for "Install [app name]" or "Create shortcut." This makes them easier to find and launch, though they still run in a browser window.
Web apps usually have fewer features than their Play Store versions, and they require an internet connection to work. However, they work on any Chromebook and do not take up storage space the way installed apps do.
Managing storage and uninstalling apps
Chromebooks typically have 32 GB to 256 GB of storage, depending on the model. Apps take up space, and over time you may need to remove ones you no longer use. Uninstalling is simple: open the Play Store, find the app, and tap the Uninstall button. Or right-click the app in your app drawer and choose Uninstall.
You can also check how much storage your apps are using. Click the time in the bottom right corner, then the Settings icon (gear). Go to Device, then Storage management. This shows you which apps are taking the most space and lets you uninstall directly from this screen.
If you uninstall an app and later want it back, you can reinstall it from the Play Store at no extra cost — your purchase history is tied to your Google account. The app will download again as if it were new.
Troubleshooting when apps will not install
If you tap Install and nothing happens, first check that you are signed into a Google account. Click the time in the bottom right, then your profile picture. If you see "Sign in," you need to add an account before the Play Store will work. Follow the prompts to sign in with your Google account.
If you are signed in but the app still will not install, the app may not be compatible with your Chromebook's processor or version of Chrome OS. Check the app's page in the Play Store — it usually says "This app is not compatible with your device" if that is the case. Try a different app that does the same thing.
Some workplaces and schools restrict which apps can be installed. If you see a message saying the app is blocked or not allowed, your administrator has turned off the Play Store or limited what you can download. Contact your IT department or school to ask if they can allow the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Windows or Mac software on a Chromebook?
No. Chromebooks cannot run .exe files or traditional desktop software. You need apps from the Google Play Store or web-based versions. Some programs like Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and Zoom have web or Play Store versions that work on Chromebooks, but the desktop versions do not.
Do I have to pay for apps in the Play Store?
Many apps are free. Others cost money upfront — usually between $0.99 and $9.99. Some free apps have in-app purchases for extra features. The price is always shown before you install. Your payment method is tied to your Google account, and you can set spending limits in Play Store settings.
What happens if I run out of storage space?
Your Chromebook will warn you when storage is low. Uninstall apps you do not use, clear your browser cache, or delete files you no longer need. Most Chromebooks also back up your files to Google Drive automatically, so you can delete local copies to free up space.
Can I use the same app on multiple Chromebooks?
Yes. If you sign into the same Google account on another Chromebook, your purchased apps and settings follow you. You can reinstall them on the new device at no extra cost. Your app library is tied to your account, not to a specific machine.
What if my Chromebook is managed by a school or company?
Your administrator may have restricted the Play Store or blocked certain apps. You can still use web apps and any apps your administrator has allowed. Contact your IT department or school if you need a specific app — they may be able to allow it or suggest an alternative.