How to Install and Run Windows Apps on Your Chromebook
You just need a little bit of Wine
Do you need to use an application only available for Windows on your Chromebook? We’ll show you how to use “emulators” or “compatibility layer apps” to install Windows-based applications on your Chromebook.
Enable the Linux Development Environment
Programs that allow Chromebooks to run Windows applications are Linux-based. Hence, you must enable yourChromebook’s Linux development environmentto install and run Windows apps.
Connect your Chromebook to Wi-Fi and follow the steps below to set up the Linux development environment.
Run Windows Apps Using CrossOver
CrossOver is a Linux-based software that allows you to run Windows-based apps on ChromeOS and macOS computers. Although CrossOver is a paid software (costs $14.00), you can use the trial version for 2-weeks without payment.
Create an account on thedeveloper’s (CodeWeavers) websiteand download the CrossOver ChromeOS app or free trial. Follow the steps below to set up CrossOver and use it to run Windows apps on your Chromebook.
You should see the app installation progress in your Chromebook’s status area—bottom-right corner of the screen. Proceed to the next step when you see an “Installation complete” success message.
Open your Chromebook’s app library and check the “Linux apps” folder for the installed Windows application.
If an app isn’t in CrossOver’s library, download its executable file from third-party websites, and install it manually. Ensure you save the app’s EXE installation file in the “Linux files” folder in the Files app.
Run Windows Apps Using Wine
Both Wine and CrossOver are both developed by CodeWeavers. While CrossOver is a paid software, Wine is open-source and free. According to CodeWeavers, it uses purchases from CrossOver to fund developers working on Wine.
If you don’t have $14 for CrossOver, Wine is a free and equally efficient alternative. Installing Wine on Chromebooks requires running several commands in theLinux Terminal, but the process is straightforward.
Connect your Chromebook to the internet and follow the steps below.
The command enables the 32-bit architecture for Wine to run on your Chromebook. Proceed to the next step when your Linux username appears on the subsequent line.
You should see a pop-up telling you the Wine configuration is being updated.
You’ve successfully installed Wine in your Chromebook’s Linux environment. Check the next section to see how to use Wine to install and run Windows apps on your Chromebook.
Run Windows Apps on Chromebooks
Applications installed using CrossOver or Wine will run on your Chromebook as smoothly as on Windows computers. However, an app’s performance may vary depending on your Chromebook’s hardware configuration. Update and reboot your Chromebook if you run into trouble using Windows apps installed via Wine or CrossOver.
Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time.Read Sodiq’s Full Bio
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