Can I run Windows programs on a Chromebook?

A Chromebook is great.  It’s as low as $250 and is a quick way to get on the Internet.  Plus, it doesn’t get as many computer viruses as a Windows computer.

But, what if you want to run Windows apps off it.  Can you run Windows programs on a Chromebook?  By design, Chromebooks run the Google operating system and are not formatted to have Windows programs.  So, the process is a bit round-about, but works.

Here’s how to run Windows programs on a Chromebook:

1. Install Chrome Remote Desktop on your Chrome computer.
2. You’ll need to have a PC handy to remote into.  This will be the computer you’ll be remoting into from your Chromebook.  On the PC, install Chrome Remote Desktop (CRD). Select My Computers and Get started, then click Enable remote connections.  Agree to the installer and it will download for you.
3. Choose a security PIN on your host PC.
4. Go to your Chromebook and log into the same Google account as your PC.  Go to Chrome Remote Desktop and Launch app.
5. Still on the Chromebook, click Get started in the My Computers section.  Select your desktop and enter your PIN.  Click connect.
6. You’ll now be able see your Windows desktop in your browser.  Finally, install your Windows programs to be used off your Chromebook.

There, you have it. A way to get Windows support applications on your Chromebook.  It’s not a direct way, but it’s one of the only ways.