How-To Geek - Chromebook & Chrome OS

Get Ready for ”Chromebook Plus” Laptops

Corbin Davenport — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 13:00:32 GMT

It can be difficult to tell at glance which laptops are low-end and which ones are more premium, especially when you're dealing with different storage solutions, screen technologies, and confusing Intel CPU names. Chromebooks have that problem too, and Google has been quietly working on a solution: the best Chromebooks will now be branded as "Chromebook Plus" laptops.

AirDrop for Android: How to Use Android Nearby Share

Joe Fedewa — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 15:00:00 GMT

iPhones and Macs have a handy feature called "AirDrop" that makes it a breeze to share content between devices. Google's equivalent is called "Nearby Share," and it's something you should know how to use. Let's use AirDrop for Android.

Your Chromebook Can Stream Apps From Your Android Phone

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 11 May 2023 16:46:05 GMT

Google has been working to integrate Chromebooks more closely with Android phones over the past few years. Now you can even see your apps on your phone... on your Chromebook.

Chromebooks Now Have a Google Photos-Powered Video Editor

Arol Wright — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 16:05:13 GMT

Google announced last year that it was building a new video editor tied into Google Photos, mostly aimed at Chromebooks. Now you can finally try it out.

Chromebooks Now Have Kill Switches for the Camera & Mic

Arol Wright — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 16:21:57 GMT

Nearly every Chromebook has a built-in microphone and camera, and you don't usually have to worry about malware taking them over, but there still needs to be better controls for them. Google is trying to fix that with a new feature rolling out.

The New Acer Chromebook Spin 714 Has 13th Gen Intel CPUs

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 09:30:50 GMT

Intel released its 13th gen mobile Core processors at the start of 2023, and PC manufacturers are still updating their models with the latest hardware. The new Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is now available with the latest chips and other upgrades.

10 Chromebook Features You Should Be Using

Joe Fedewa — Sat, 08 Apr 2023 17:30:00 GMT

Chromebooks may not be as feature-packed as a Windows laptop or MacBook, but they're still incredibly useful devices. There are probably some features you don't know about that can extend the functionality of your Chrome OS device. Let's dive in!

The Tiny ASUS Chromebox 5 Is Now up for Pre-Order

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 10:52:17 GMT

The ASUS Chromebox 5 was revealed earlier this year as a new compact desktop PC running Google ChromeOS. ASUS has now re-announced it as pre-orders become available.

How to Screen Record on a Chromebook

Joe Fedewa — Sun, 05 Mar 2023 18:00:00 GMT

Recording your device's screen can be useful, but sometimes you have to download third-party apps to do it. Just like on Android phones, Chrome OS has a built-in tool that makes it easy to create screen recordings on Chromebooks.

Lenovo's New Budget-Friendly Chromebook Has a 14-Inch Screen

Corbin Davenport — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 18:00:25 GMT

There might already be tough competition for the best Chromebooks, but more options are always appreciated. Lenovo revealed the IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook 14" today as a laptop that won't break the bank.

Acer's New Chromebooks Are Built for Work, Start at $380

Arol Wright — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 09:59:28 GMT

Acer has been making Chromebooks for a while, but most of them don't really stand out from the crowd. The company's latest models aren't much different, but they are definitely affordable.

Microsoft 365 Integration Is Coming to Chromebooks

Corbin Davenport — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 14:56:02 GMT

Chromebooks are designed to work with Google services first and foremost, but they also work well with everything from Linux apps to cloud gaming platforms. Google is now working to improve Microsoft 365 on Chromebooks.

The ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip Is Built for Cloud Gaming

Corbin Davenport — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 14:00:58 GMT

The first wave of "gaming" Chromebooks arrived last year, as laptops designed with cloud gaming in mind running Google's Chrome OS. ASUS was already selling one, but now another is on the way: the Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip.

Chromebooks Now Have a Trash Folder

Corbin Davenport — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 11:51:40 GMT

The trash folder (or recycle bin) has been a staple of desktop computing for decades, as a place for deleted files to stay before they are truly gone forever. It took a while, but Chromebooks now have a trash folder of their own.

How to Install Steam on a Chromebook

Joe Fedewa — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 12:00:45 GMT

You may not think of a Chromebook as a gaming device, but Google and Valve are working to change that. Steam is available on compatible Chrome OS devices. We'll show you how to get it up and running.

These Are the First Gaming Chromebooks

Corbin Davenport — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 09:00:43 GMT

Chromebooks have become increasingly popular over the past decade, with Google developing many workarounds for running popular applications and games, such as containers for Android and Linux apps. Google is now going all-in on cloud gaming for Chromebooks.

Which Chromebooks Support Steam?

Joe Fedewa — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 09:30:39 GMT

Chromebooks are not known for being gaming powerhouses. They typically have low-powered, budget hardware, and Chrome OS itself feels like a glorified browser. However, Steam games are available if you have a compatible Chromebook.

Here's How Steam Works on Chromebooks

Joe Fedewa — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 08:00:54 GMT

In early 2022, Google and Valve announced that Steam would be coming to Chrome OS. This instantly made Chromebooks much more capable gaming devices. It took a long time for this to happen, so how does it work?

Framework Just Launched the Coolest Chromebook Ever

Arol Wright — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 14:38:43 GMT

Laptops keep getting less and less repairable and upgradeable, but there's a laptop maker that's going the exact opposite direction: Framework. The company has been offering laptops for a while, but now it's making a Chromebook --- with the exact same features that make Framework laptops great.

Chromebooks Can Now Add Keyboard Controls to Android Games

Corbin Davenport — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 10:55:25 GMT

Chromebooks can run Android applications and games from the Google Play Store, but most Android apps are designed for phones, not computers. Google is now attempting to make those games a bit easier to play with a keyboard.

How to Find Your Wi-Fi Password on a Chromebook

Joe Fedewa — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 14:00:00 GMT

If you've forgotten a Wi-Fi password or you need to share it with someone, it's nice to be able to find the password right on your device. We'll show you how to find it on a Chromebook.

How to Connect Your Chromebook to a TV

Joe Fedewa — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 15:00:00 GMT

Chromebooks are portable devices that don't usually have big screens. However, you may want a big screen from time to time, which is when it's handy to share the screen to a TV. We'll show you how.

How to Run Chrome OS Flex on Your PC or Mac

Nick Lewis — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 21:00:00 GMT

Google's new operating system, Chrome OS Flex, is available to everyone. It'll run on almost any computer --- probably even the dinosaur sitting in your garage. Find out how you can try it now.

Chromebooks Now Have Dark and Light Modes

Corbin Davenport — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 12:00:47 GMT

Google has been busy adding new features and polish to the best Chromebooks. Distinct dark and light themes have been in the works for a while, and now they're finally rolling out.

How to Turn Off the Touch Screen on Chromebook

Joe Fedewa — Sun, 24 Jul 2022 13:00:53 GMT

Many Chromebooks have touchscreen displays, which are great if you like to use your laptop in "tablet mode." However, if you don't use the touchscreen, it may just be a source of accidental touches. You can turn it off.

How to Turn Off Caps Lock on a Chromebook

Joe Fedewa — Sat, 23 Jul 2022 14:00:48 GMT

Chromebooks have very unique keyboard layouts. Where most keyboards have a Caps Lock key, Chromebooks have a search key instead. Using Caps Lock takes a little extra work, which means turning it off is a little more complex too.

How to Restart a Chromebook

Joe Fedewa — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 15:00:04 GMT

Every device needs to be restarted from time to time. It's usually a pretty simple process that can solve little issues you've been having. How does it work for Chromebooks? Let's take a look.

Chrome OS Flex Is Ready to Turn Old PCs Into Chromebooks

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 12:00:29 GMT

Google released the first preview version of Chrome OS Flex earlier this year, which is a customized build of Chrome OS that can run on traditional PCs (and some old Mac computers). Starting today, Chrome OS Flex is ready for everyone.

Google Just Upgraded File and Wi-Fi Sharing on Chromebooks

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 13:09:07 GMT

Google has rolled out several improvements to Chromebooks recently, and now, new features for file transfer and sharing are arriving in the Chrome OS 103 update.

Chromebooks Can Now Unzip More Than ZIP Files

Corbin Davenport — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 13:40:01 GMT

Chromebooks have always lagged behind Windows, macOS, and Linux when it comes to handling local files, partially by design. Thankfully, Google is improving support for archived files in Chrome OS.

Chromebook Multitasking Is About to Get a Lot Better

Corbin Davenport — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 10:31:59 GMT

Chromebooks are already capable computers for many people, but they still lack some of the advanced features found on Windows PCs and Macs. Now it looks like another helpful addition is on the way: partial split window snapping.

Chromebooks Have a New Screen Recorder App

Corbin Davenport — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 16:54:11 GMT

It's already possible to record your screen on a Chromebook, but the built-in screen recorder is fairly basic. Google has now released an upgraded recorder that you can try out on your Chromebook.

Chromebooks Might Get Google Pixel-Style Adaptive Charging

Corbin Davenport — Tue, 31 May 2022 10:30:56 GMT

Many phones and tablets have some version of adaptive charging or optimized charging, which limits the maximum charge to improve battery health. Now that functionality might be coming to some of the best Chromebooks.

Chromebooks Get a New "Cursive" App for Handwritten Notes

Corbin Davenport — Fri, 27 May 2022 14:51:04 GMT

Google has been testing its new 'Cursive' notetaking application on select Chromebooks, and now it's officially available on any Chromebook that supports stylus input.

How to Use TikTok on a Chromebook

Joe Fedewa — Sun, 08 May 2022 12:00:00 GMT

TikTok is very much designed to be experienced on a vertical smartphone display. However, you don't have to just use your iPhone or Android phone. We'll show you how to use TikTok on a Chromebook.

Chromebooks Are Getting Super-Fast AMD Ryzen 5000 Processors

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 05 May 2022 11:42:32 GMT

Chromebooks don't have the same options for hardware as traditional PCs, and more recently, many of the best Chromebooks have been behind on new processors. That's now changing, with the introduction of AMD Ryzen 5000 C-Series chips for Chrome OS computers.

How to See All Open Windows at Once on a Chromebook

Joe Fedewa — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 17:00:00 GMT

If you find yourself knee-deep in open apps and windows on your Chromebook, you may want some help to find what you need. Chrome OS has a similar feature to "Task View" on Windows 10 and 11. Chrome OS calls it "Overview." Let's use it.

How to Make a Chromebook Easier on Your Eyes at Night

Joe Fedewa — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 13:00:00 GMT

Nobody likes looking at a bright blue-white display in a dark room. Switching as many apps as possible to Dark Mode is a good start, but if you have a Chromebook, you should also use the "Night Light" feature.

How to Automatically Change Wallpaper on a Chromebook

Joe Fedewa — Sat, 09 Apr 2022 13:00:00 GMT

Changing the wallpaper on your desktop is an easy way to personalize your Chromebook. It's what you see any time you're not using an app. We'll show you how to automatically see a new desktop background every day.

How to Find Downloads on a Chromebook

Benj Edwards — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 14:00:50 GMT

If you've downloaded a file through the Chrome browser on your Chromebook (or in Chrome OS), you might not know where it ended up. Luckily, there's an obvious place to look---and a way to double-check if you're not sure. Here's how.

How to Copy and Paste on a Chromebook

Joe Fedewa — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 21:00:00 GMT

Should you need to copy text from one place to another, don't worry. Copying and pasting on a Chromebook works as you'd expect from any other operating system, and you can do it in a couple of ways.

Today Only: Get a $99 Chromebook From Best Buy

Dave LeClair — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 13:04:25 GMT

Best Buy is having a crazy deal for President's Day. Right now, you can get an ASUS Chromebook for $99, which is $120 off the regular price.

Chrome OS Flex Will Bring Old Macs and PCs Back to Life

Dave LeClair — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 09:22:35 GMT

Google is releasing a new version of Chrome OS, but it's not designed for its own devices. Instead, Chrome OS Flex is designed to bring older Macs and PCs back to life for businesses and schools.

Gaming Chromebooks Could Be On the Way, Here's Why

Dave LeClair — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 09:38:05 GMT

It looks like Google is hard at work on gaming Chromebooks, as there are quite a few signs that indicate that these devices are coming. Here's why we think Google is making Chromebooks designed for PC gaming.

How to Hide Files and Folders on a Chromebook

Joe Fedewa — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 12:00:00 GMT

You might have some things on your Chromebook that you don't want wandering eyes to see. Thankfully, it's super easy to hide files and folders on Chrome OS. Unlike when hiding files on Android, you don't need any special software to do it.

Chromebooks in 2022: Can One Be Your Full-Time Computer?

Joe Fedewa — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 21:00:00 GMT

Chromebooks have been around for over a decade, and they've changed a lot over the years. People have always wondered if they could really live with only a Chromebook. How does that play out in 2022? Let's explore.

Acer's New Chromebook Spin 513 Is Affordable and Powerful

Dave LeClair — Mon, 03 Jan 2022 12:00:07 GMT

It's hard to stand out at CES, but Acer found a way to make us stand up and take notice with its Chromebook Spin 513, which comes packed with just about every feature you could ever want from a Chromebook without breaking the bank too much.

Your Chromebook's Camera Is Now a Document Scanner

Dave LeClair — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 16:01:57 GMT

Google is making some significant changes to the Chromebook camera. With a software update, you'll be able to use your laptop as a scanner, adjust the camera angle with external cameras, and more.

How to Restrict Your Chromebook to Certain Users

Benj Edwards — Sun, 24 Oct 2021 14:00:58 GMT

By default, anyone with a Google account can log in to your Chromebook and begin using the computer. If you'd like to lock it down and let only a certain group of people use your device, it's easy to configure in Settings. Here's how.

How to Customize the Shelf on a Chromebook

Benj Edwards — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 14:00:30 GMT

Like the taskbar on Windows, the shelf in Google's Chrome OS helps you manage your open apps and launch new ones on your Chromebook. Here's how to customize the shelf by moving it or hiding it completely.

How to Disable Guest Browsing on a Chromebook

Benj Edwards — Sat, 16 Oct 2021 13:00:22 GMT

If you leave your Chromebook sitting around where it could potentially be used by others---but you don't want them to---it's easy to disable guest browsing in Google's Chrome OS so that only registered accounts can use the device. Here's how to do it.

How to Sideload APKs on a Chromebook Without Developer Mode

Dave McKay — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 09:00:47 GMT

If you've ever tried installing apps on your Chromebook from unofficial app stores, you know you've got to enter developer mode, which requires a factory reset. Here's how you can get around that requirement using the Linux subsystem.

How to Split Screen on a Chromebook

Joe Fedewa — Sun, 26 Sep 2021 12:00:46 GMT

Multitasking is essential for being productive on a computer. Being able to see more than one app at a time has tons of uses. We'll show you how to split the screen with apps on your Chromebook.

How to Use Zoom on a Chromebook

Joe Fedewa — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 12:00:01 GMT

Zoom is one of the most popular video conferencing services on the internet. You might be wondering how to use it on a Chromebook since you can't install typical desktop apps. Don't worry. It's easy.

How to Type Emoji on a Chromebook

Joe Fedewa — Sun, 12 Sep 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Emoji first became popular on smartphones, but they're just as necessary on computers. Chromebooks and Chrome OS tablets have built-in emoji as well. We'll show you where to find them, and how to use emoji on your device.

How to Use Google Duo on a Chromebook

Joe Fedewa — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 14:00:16 GMT

Chromebooks are great for simplicity, but that also means their features are a bit limited. Not all video calling services support Chrome OS. But one that works really well on Chromebooks is Google Duo. We'll show you how it works.

How to Use Touch-screen Gestures on a Chromebook Tablet

Joe Fedewa — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 14:00:00 GMT

Chromebooks aren't just laptops anymore. A growing number of Chrome OS devices feature touch-screen displays and removable keyboards. If you're using a Chromebook with a touch screen in Tablet mode, you should know how to use gestures to navigate the interface.

How to Forget a Wi-Fi Network on Chromebook

Joe Fedewa — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 12:00:59 GMT

Chromebooks are built for the internet, which means you've probably connected to lots of Wi-Fi networks in the past. Sometimes you might not want a Wi-Fi network saved anymore, and that's where "forgetting" a network comes in.

How to See What CPU Is in Your Chromebook (and How Fast It Is)

Joe Fedewa — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 11:23:12 GMT

Like on Windows computers and Macs, it's easy to check what hardware is powering your Chromebook. Although you could always google your device's model name and number, that's not necessary. You can find the CPU information directly on your Chromebook itself.

How to Enter Text with Your Voice on a Chromebook

Joe Fedewa — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 11:23:00 GMT

Typing out a message with your voice on an Android phone or iPhone is incredibly easy to do. You can do the same thing on a Chromebook, too, and it's easier than you might think. We'll show you how it works.

How to Use Do Not Disturb on Chromebook to Silence Notifications

Shubham Agarwal — Sat, 26 Jun 2021 09:30:00 GMT

It's easy to get overwhelmed on your Chromebook or Chromebox with notifications from websites, any Android apps you may have installed, and even mirrored texts from your connected Android phone. Thankfully, with Chrome OS's "Do Not Disturb" mode, you can silence them in an instant.

How to Use Nearby Share on a Chromebook

Joe Fedewa — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 11:23:00 GMT

"Nearby Share" is Android's answer to Apple's AirDrop. It's a universal method for sharing between devices, with no Wi-Fi required. Nearby Share works with Chromebooks, too. We'll show you how to set it up and start sharing.

How to Pin Media Player Controls to a Chromebook's Bottom Shelf

Shubham Agarwal — Wed, 19 May 2021 09:30:21 GMT

Chromebooks don't run traditional desktop music apps. But as an alternative, you can pin a mini media player to your Chromebook's taskbar (or "Shelf") to instantly control any audio or video playback in the Chrome browser. Here's how.

How to Screenshot on a Chromebook

Joe Fedewa — Mon, 17 May 2021 11:23:47 GMT

Chromebooks and Chromeboxes are intended to be easy-to-use computers, but that simplicity can lead to confusion. Taking screenshots is one feature that isn't super well explained, and there are several different ways to do it in Chrome OS. We'll show you all of them.

How to Turn on Bluetooth on a Chromebook

Joe Fedewa — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 09:30:00 GMT

Bluetooth has become a common feature on gadgets, including computers. If you have a Chromebook, there's a very good chance it has Bluetooth, too. We'll show you how to quickly check and turn it on.

How to Use Function Keys on a Chromebook Keyboard

Joe Fedewa — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 11:23:21 GMT

Computer keyboards are all pretty similar, but Chromebooks break the mold. Instead of the typical function keys, there's a row of keys for specific Chrome OS functions. However, the function keys are still present if you know where to look.

How to Run a Diagnostic Scan on your Chromebook

Joe Fedewa — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 08:00:46 GMT

People tend to use their computers longer than other gadgets in their life, which means it's important to keep an eye on the device's health. Chromebooks have a handy "Diagnostics" app that makes this super easy to do.

How to Connect Bluetooth Devices to a Chromebook

Joe Fedewa — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 11:23:58 GMT

Chrome OS devices work great as standalone laptops and tablets, but you may occasionally want to extend functionality with accessories. We'll show you how easy it is to connect Bluetooth devices to your Chromebook.

How to Turn off a Chromebook Screen When Connected to an External Display

Joe Fedewa — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 11:23:47 GMT

Hooking your Chromebook up to an external display is a great way to be more productive. With a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard, you've got a desktop experience. The Chromebook display may seem redundant in this case, so you can turn it off.

How to Connect a Bluetooth Mouse to a Chromebook

Joe Fedewa — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 10:00:57 GMT

Chromebooks are called Chromebooks because they're usually laptops, and laptops typically have trackpads. If you'd like to use a Bluetooth mouse with your Chromebook instead, it's easy to do. We'll show you how.

How to Access the Clipboard Manager on a Chromebook

Joe Fedewa — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 11:23:51 GMT

Copy and paste is an amazing convenience we take for granted, but it can be improved. Like many other platforms, Chrome OS has a clipboard manager. We'll show you how to use it on your Chromebook.

How to Get a Caps Lock Key on Your Chromebook

Joe Fedewa — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 11:23:24 GMT

The keyboard layout on Chromebooks is very different from other computers. There are special keys geared toward web browsing, but the biggest difference is the Caps Lock key. Rather, there isn't one. Thankfully, you can change that.

How to Pin a File or Folder to Your Chromebook's Taskbar

Shubham Agarwal — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 08:30:05 GMT

If you own a Chromebook, you probably spend most of your time on cloud services. But every now and then, when you do need to access local folders or files, Chrome OS lets you pin files right on the bottom taskbar or "Shelf."

How to Quickly Switch Between Users on a Chromebook

Shubham Agarwal — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 10:24:08 GMT

Your Chromebook allows you to create up to five different user profiles. Fortunately, you don't have to return to the login screen every time you want to switch between them. Here's how to switch between users instantly with just a keyboard shortcut.

How to Safely Remove USB Flash Drives From a Chromebook

Joe Fedewa — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 11:23:13 GMT

You've probably heard about how you should always safely "eject" a USB drive before unplugging it. On Windows, it's a very simple process, but what about on a Chromebook? Should you still do it? How does it work?

How to Enable a Personalized Screen Saver on Your Chromebook

Joe Fedewa — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 11:23:07 GMT

Screen savers don't have many purposes beyond looking cool and hiding your screen. If you have a Chromebook, however, you can enable a screen saver with personal photos and information. Any Chrome OS device can look like a Smart Display.

How to Enable Startup Sound on Your Chromebook

Shubham Agarwal — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 11:23:16 GMT

Computers traditionally have had a startup sound that plays as soon as they are up and running. Chromebooks don't have this out of the box, but if you miss that nostalgic touch of a startup chime, you can manually enable it from the settings.

How to See How Much RAM Is in Your Chromebook

Joe Fedewa — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 11:23:05 GMT

RAM is important when it comes to how well your computer runs. Chromebooks require less RAM than other computers running Windows 10 or macOS. Still, you might feel like you need more. We'll show you how to find out how much RAM your Chromebook has.

Why Aren't Viruses a Problem on Chrome OS?

Joe Fedewa — Sat, 28 Nov 2020 06:40:00 GMT

Chrome OS has a reputation for being virus-proof. Google likes to boast about how secure its operating system is compared to others. Are Chromebooks really immune to viruses, though? And, if so, how do they achieve this? Allow us to explain.

How to Integrate Your iPhone with a Windows PC or Chromebook

Tim Brookes — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 06:40:00 GMT

The iPhone was designed to work best with Macs, iCloud, and other Apple technologies. However, it can be a great companion for a Windows PC or Chromebook, too. It's all about finding the right tools to bridge the gap.

How to Enable Virtual Desk Gestures on Chrome OS

Brady Gavin — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 10:24:10 GMT

Now that the Virtual Desks feature has come to the Stable Chrome OS channel, we finally received the ability to switch between desks using trackpad gestures. However, to use gestures, you have to enable a hidden flag. Here's how.

How to See Your Chromebook's End-of-Life Date

Brady Gavin — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 10:24:00 GMT

There comes a time in your Chromebook's life when it no longer receives updates from Google. It's inevitable and could be a lot sooner than you think. Here's how to see your Chromebook's scheduled end-of-life date.

How to See Which Version of Chrome OS is on Your Chromebook

Brady Gavin — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 11:23:21 GMT

Should you need to see which version of Chrome OS your Chromebook is running, you can view it and a bunch of other detailed information about the OS in the Settings app. Here's how to find it.

How (and Why) to Use Google's Chromebook Simulator

Brady Gavin — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 11:23:43 GMT

Google's Chromebook Simulator is an animated and interactive simulation inside of your browser that you can use to learn more about how to navigate Chrome OS. It offers numerous step-by-step tutorials to help you get acquainted with the operating system.

How to Take a Photo on a Chromebook

Brady Gavin — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 10:24:22 GMT

Your Chromebook comes equipped with a built-in camera you can use to snap pictures to post to your social media accounts or share with friends and family. Here's how to take a photo on a Chromebook.

How to Use Virtual Desktops on Chrome OS

Brady Gavin — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 08:00:00 GMT

Google is finally adding virtual desktops to its repertoire of Chromebook features---something other major operating systems already have---with Chrome OS version 76. The function has been in testing for several months and is now available for those in the Stable channel.

How to Spoof Your Chromebook User Agent for Sites That Don’t Support Chrome OS

Brady Gavin — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 11:23:44 GMT

Not all browsers handle websites the same, and if they don't support your operating system or browser, you could be denied access. Luckily, you can spoof the user agent on Chrome OS to make it look like you use a completely different system.

How to Change the On-Screen Keyboard Layout on a Chromebook

Brady Gavin — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 10:24:10 GMT

Chrome OS offers a variety of keyboard layouts for its on-screen keyboard, also known as the software keyboard or touch keyboard. If you'd prefer the layout for another region or language, here's how to change it.

How to Right-Click on a Chromebook

Brady Gavin — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 10:24:09 GMT

While Chromebooks don't have a separate right-click button on the touchpad, that doesn't mean the function isn't available. Should you need to right-click on something, there are a couple of ways to do so without the need to plug in a mouse.

How to Keep Your Chromebook On When You Close the Lid

Brady Gavin — Fri, 24 May 2019 09:00:13 GMT

Chrome OS normally puts your operating system into a low-power sleep mode when you close the lid. This can be problematic if you hook your laptop up to an external monitor. Here's how to stop your Chromebook from going to sleep when you close the lid.

How to Take a Video on a Chromebook

Brady Gavin — Thu, 23 May 2019 10:24:10 GMT

Until recently, taking a video on Chromebook wasn't a straightforward process (and wasn't even part of the default Google Camera app!). However, now you can easily record videos and upload them to YouTube or share them with friends and family.

How to Play Roblox on a Chromebook

Brady Gavin — Wed, 22 May 2019 10:24:52 GMT

Roblox is one of the most popular games in the world, but it's currently limited to a handful of platforms. Chrome OS isn't on the "supported" list, but thanks to the Google Play Store, Roblox is a few clicks away.

How To Get the Most Out of Your Chromebook's RAM

Cameron Summerson — Tue, 21 May 2019 06:40:00 GMT

Chrome OS manages RAM differently than Windows or Mac computers, but that doesn't mean you can't optimize your workflow to make the most of your system's potentially limited RAM. Here are some tips to help make your Chromebook's RAM go further.

How to Close Unresponsive Chromebook Apps

Brady Gavin — Fri, 17 May 2019 09:00:40 GMT

Should an application become unresponsive on your Chromebook, you can either wait to see if it responds or forcefully close it with the Chrome OS Task Manager. Here's what to do if you need to kill an unresponsive app.

How to Update Your Chromebook

Brady Gavin — Thu, 16 May 2019 10:24:19 GMT

Chrome OS gets major updates every six weeks, with security patches coming more frequently. Updates are usually downloaded and installed automatically in the background, but here's how to make sure your Chromebook is always running the latest build available.

How to Zip or Unzip Files on a Chromebook

Brady Gavin — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 10:24:00 GMT

Want to send off a bunch of files in an email, or maybe you received a compressed ZIP file as an attachment on your Chromebook? Whether you want to zip or unzip files, Chrome OS makes it a breeze to do without any additional applications.

Chrome OS is Getting Fragmented (and This Time It’s Google’s Fault)

Cameron Summerson — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 06:40:00 GMT

Android “fragmentation” has long been a talking point about the OS. As I’ve said before, however, manufacturers are to blame for that. But now I fear that Chrome OS is going down the same path—and this time it’s Google's fault.

How to Save Screenshots of the Chrome OS Login Screen

Cameron Summerson — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 09:00:00 GMT

There may not be a whole lot of reasons to take screenshots of the login screen on your Chromebook. If you ever need to, however, finding those screenshots can be a pain. Here's how to do it.

What To Do When Your Chromebook Reaches the End of Its Life

Tom Westrick — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 08:00:00 GMT

Chromebooks are great for anyone who uses them: they turn on in an instant, have great battery life, and updating them is a breeze. But, the day will come when your Chromebook stops getting updates from Google. What do you do then?

No, You Don’t Need Antivirus on a Chromebook

Cameron Summerson — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 09:00:00 GMT

Recently, Malwarebytes announced an antivirus for Chromebooks (through its Android app). But here’s the thing: that’s complete bullshit. You don’t need an antivirus on Chrome OS; I don’t care how they try to sell it.