What Files Can Chromebooks Run? A Comprehensive Guide

What files can Chromebooks run?

Chromebooks are designed to primarily run web applications and are powered by Google's Chrome OS, an operating system based on the Linux kernel and optimized for cloud computing. Here are the types of files and applications that Chromebooks can typically run:

1. Web Applications : Chromebooks are built around the Chrome browser and can run any web application accessible through the browser.

2. Google Drive : Chromebooks integrate seamlessly with Google Drive, allowing users to create, edit, and store documents, spreadsheets, and presentations using Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

3. Android Apps : Many Chromebooks support Android apps from the Google Play Store, which can be downloaded and run like on an Android phone or tablet.

4. Linux Apps : Some Chromebooks support Linux applications through a feature called Crostini, allowing users to run a Linux terminal and compatible Linux apps.

5. Microsoft Office Files : Chromebooks can open and edit Microsoft Office files (such as .docx, .xlsx, .pptx) using Google Docs, other compatible online office suites, or Office Online if an internet connection is available.

6. PDF Files : Chromebooks can view and annotate PDF files using the built-in viewer or third-party apps.

7. Images : Chromebooks can display and edit various image formats like JPEG, PNG, and GIF using built-in tools or downloaded apps.

8. Videos and Music : Chromebooks can play audio and video files in common formats using the built-in media player or third-party apps.

9. ZIP Files : Chromebooks can extract and manage ZIP files using the built-in Files app.

10. Text Files : Plain text files with extensions like .txt can be opened and edited in text editors available on Chrome OS.

11. Google Chrome Extensions : Users can enhance the functionality of the Chrome browser with various extensions available in the Chrome Web Store.

The ability to run certain types of files or applications can depend on the specific model of the Chromebook and the features it supports, such as Android app support or Linux (Crostini) integration. Chromebooks are designed to be lightweight and fast, leveraging cloud storage and services rather than running heavy local applications.

Can You Play PC Games on a Chromebook?

Yes, you can play PC games on a Chromebook, but there are some limitations and specifications. Chromebooks are primarily designed for web applications and lightweight tasks, but you can still play hard games with some configuration and tools.

1. Google Play Store

   • Android Games:  Many Chromebooks support Android apps through the Google Play Store. You can download and play a wide variety of Android games directly on your Chromebook.
   • Game Availability:  Not all Android games are optimized for Chromebooks, so performance and compatibility can vary.

2. Cloud Gaming Services

   • GeForce NOW:  NVIDIA's cloud gaming service lets you stream games from your library to your Chromebook. You need a stable internet connection and a subscription to GeForce NOW.
   • Xbox Cloud Gaming:  Microsoft's cloud gaming service (part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate) allows you to stream a wide selection of Xbox games to your Chromebook.
   • Google Stadia:  Google's own cloud gaming platform supports playing games directly from your browser, offering a seamless experience on Chromebooks.

3. Browser-Based Games

   • Web Games:  Many browser-based games can be played directly through Chrome without the need for additional software or installations.
   • Flash and HTML5 Games:  A wide variety of games are available online that run on Flash or HTML5, which are easily accessible on a Chromebook.

4. Using Parallels Desktop

   • Windows Environment:  Parallels Desktop for Chromebook Enterprise allows you to run a full Windows environment on high-end Chromebooks. This can be useful for running PC games that are not available through other methods.

Stepwise instructions on installing Windows on Chromebook

The final section outlined the potential issues with Chromebook Windows installation. Thus, our article offers a straightforward method to install Windows on Chromebook to make things easier for you. Here, the approach we advise is to make a portable Windows USB disk. To process with this approach, you must have a Windows computer.

Create a Windows To Go USB

As we introduced before, if you want to install Windows on a Chromebook, you can create a bootable USB. To easily do this without any risks of data loss and error, it is recommended to use  AOMEI Partition Assistant to make a portable Windows USB drive. It gives you the Windows To Go Creator function that allows you to easily enjoy Chrome OS. Besides, it offers many other useful functions for partition management. You can use it to  merge partitions , clone disks, or rebuild corrupted MBR.

Steps to create a bootable Windows USB for downloading Chrome OS:

Now you can download it to have a try and follow the steps to create a Windows to Go USB device for Chromebook.

AOMEI Partition Assistant

The Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer

Free Download
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

Before you do:

① You need to build a USB hard drive that works well on a Windows 10 computer. This feature is available in Windows 11/10/8/7 and you can use it to create a USB drive that can run.

② This tool works with both Legacy and UEFI boot modes, but it can only start up in  UEFI mode .

③ You can use any USB 2.0, 3.0, or 3.1 drive, SSD, or HDD, but a USB 3.1 device is better because it makes the usable drive and starts up the Chromebook faster.

④You have to  convert the USB external hard drive to GPT  partition style.

⑤ Download a 64-bit version of Windows a disk image (ISO) from Microsoft .

Step 1. Insert an empty USB drive (over 32GB) to a Windows 10 computer via USB port. It is better to choose USB drive from famous manufacturers such as Samsung, SanDisk, Kingston, etc.

Step 2. Select “Tools” on the main interface and hit “Windows To Go Creator”.

Step 3 . In the pop-out small window, select “Create Windows ToGo for Mac computer” and hit on “Next”.

Step 4 . Then select source file (the Windows 10 ISO files you have downloaded) by clicking the folder icon and click “Next”.

Step 5 . Select the USB drive you have plugged in and hit on “Proceed”.

Note : you can click the “Advanced” button to choose the type of created system and target system startup mode.

Step 6. Then wait for the process to be done.

The installation process of the Windows to USB drive takes a long time. Once the installation is complete, you can unlock the USB drive from the Windows system and transfer it to a Chromebook. Target safely for devices running the Chrome operating system and with only USB-C interface. Connecting to a USB drive will require a USB- C adapter when starting the Chrombook. It will need to be done quickly, press the appropriate start option buttons, select the usb drive. Then and tap backwards so that ChromeBook will start from the USB device and load Windows operating systems smoothly.

Conclusion

Chromebooks, powered by Google's Chrome OS, are primarily designed to run web applications and are optimized for cloud computing. They support a variety of file types and applications, including web apps, Google Drive, Android apps, Linux apps, Microsoft Office files, PDFs, images, videos, music, ZIP files, text files, and Chrome extensions. While not all features are available on every Chromebook model, the flexibility of Chrome OS continues to improve, providing users with a lightweight and versatile computing experience.

FAQs

1. Can Chromebooks run Microsoft Office files?

   • Yes, Chromebooks can open and edit Microsoft Office files using Google Docs, other compatible online office suites, or Office Online if an internet connection is available.

2. Do Chromebooks support Android apps?

   • Yes, many Chromebooks support Android apps from the Google Play Store, which can be downloaded and run like on an Android phone or tablet.

3. Can I run Linux applications on a Chromebook?

   • Yes, some Chromebooks support Linux applications through a feature called Crostini, allowing users to run a Linux terminal and compatible Linux apps.

4. How can I play PC games on a Chromebook?

   • You can play PC games on a Chromebook using various methods such as Android games from the Google Play Store, cloud gaming services like GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Google Stadia, or by using Parallels Desktop for Chromebook Enterprise to run a Windows environment on high-end Chromebooks.

5. Can I create a portable Windows USB drive for use on a Chromebook?

   • Yes, you can create a portable Windows USB drive using tools like AOMEI Partition Assistant. This allows you to run Windows on a Chromebook by booting from the USB drive, especially useful for devices that support UEFI mode.