How To Put App Icons On Chromebook Desktop?

Chromebooks have gained immense popularity due to their simplicity, speed, and affordability. While Chrome OS predominantly focuses on web-based applications, the ability to add apps to the desktop can significantly enhance productivity and convenience. In this article, Techbangalore will provide you with an in-depth guide on how to put app icons on Chromebook desktop, allowing you to access your favorite applications with just a click.

What is Chrome Desktop OS?

Chrome OS is a lightweight operating system developed by Google, specifically designed for Chromebooks. Unlike traditional operating systems like Windows or macOS, Chrome OS revolves around web applications and cloud-based services. While the web is the primary platform for most tasks, Chromebooks now support Android apps, expanding their functionality and versatility.

How To Put App Icons On Chromebook Desktop
Chrome OS is a lightweight operating system developed by Google

How to put app icons on a Chromebook desktop?

In the below content, I will guide you on how to put icons on Chromebook desktop. Let us continue finding out. 

Step 1: Enabling the Google Play Store

To begin adding apps to your Chromebook desktop, you must first ensure that the Google Play Store is enabled. Not all Chromebooks have access to the Play Store by default, so check if your device supports Android app integration. To do this, click on the status area in the bottom-right corner of the screen, select the gear-shaped “Settings” icon, and navigate to the “Google Play Store” section. Enable the option to download apps from the Play Store if it’s not already turned on.

Step 2: Accessing the Google Play Store

Once the Google Play Store is enabled, you can access it from your Chromebook’s app drawer. Click on the “Launcher” button, typically located in the bottom-left corner of the screen, resembling a circle with a series of dots. From the Launcher, locate and click on the “Play Store” icon to open the Google Play Store. This is the one of ways how to add apps to desktop on Chromebook. 

Step 3: Searching and Installing Apps

Within the Google Play Store, you can search for apps by typing the name of the desired application into the search bar at the top of the screen. Browse through the search results, read user reviews, and evaluate app ratings to ensure you select the most suitable app for your needs. Click on the app you wish to install, and then click the “Install” button. The app will begin downloading and automatically install on your Chromebook.

You can search app on Google CH Play
You can search apps on Google CH Play

Step 4: Adding Apps to the Desktop

Once an app is installed, you can place it directly on your Chromebook’s desktop for quick access. To do this, click on the “Launcher” button and open the app drawer. Locate the app you want to add to the desktop, right-click on its icon, and choose either “Pin to Shelf” or “Pin to Desktop” from the context menu. The app’s icon will then appear on your desktop.

Step 5: Organizing Your Desktop

As you add more apps to your Chromebook’s desktop, organizing them becomes crucial for efficient navigation. You can create folders by dragging and dropping app icons onto one another, grouping them based on categories or personal preferences. To move an app icon, click and hold it, then drag it to the desired position on the desktop. Similarly, you can rearrange folder positions by dragging and dropping them.

Step 6: Removing Apps from the Desktop

Do you want to know how to put apps on Chromebook desktop?  I will reveal the final step. If you want to remove an app from your Chromebook’s desktop, right-click on its icon and select “Unpin” or “Remove from Shelf” from the context menu.

The app’s icon will disappear from the desktop while remaining installed on your Chromebook. To completely uninstall an app, open the Google Play Store, locate the app, and click on the “Uninstall” button.

Frequently asked questions

1. How to add a shortcut on Chromebook Desktop?

These are some steps to add a shortcut on Chromebook Desktop:

  • Open the desired webpage or web application in the Google Chrome browser.
  • Click on the three-dot menu icon located in the top-right corner of the browser window.
  • From the dropdown menu, hover over the “More Tools” option, then select “Create Shortcut.”
  • A pop-up window will appear, allowing you to customize the shortcut. Enter a name for the shortcut in the provided field.
  • Optionally, you can change the icon for the shortcut by clicking on the “Change Icon” button and selecting a different image.
  • Check the box next to “Open as Window” if you want the shortcut to open in its own separate window rather than a new browser tab.
  • Once you’ve made the necessary adjustments, click on the “Create” button.
  • The shortcut will now be added to your Chromebook desktop, ready for quick access.

2. How to pin a Webpage to a Shelf?

  • Open the Google Chrome browser on your Chromebook.
  • Navigate to the webpage you want to pin.
  • Once the webpage is loaded, click on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner of the browser window.
  • From the dropdown menu, hover over the “More Tools” option, then select “Create Shortcut.”
  • In the pop-up window, enter a name for the shortcut.
  • Check the box next to “Open as Window” if you want the webpage to open in its own separate window.
  • Click on the “Create” button.
  • The webpage shortcut will now appear on the shelf of your Chromebook, ready for quick access.

Conclusion

In this article, we have introduced how to put app icons on Chromebook desktopBy following the comprehensive steps outlined in this guide, you can easily add apps to your Chromebook’s desktop and personalize your computing experience.

Whether you’re looking to boost productivity or have quick access to your favorite applications, customizing your desktop can significantly enhance your Chromebook’s functionality. Embrace the power of app integration and unlock the full potential of your Chromebook for a seamless and efficient workflow.

Prashanth

Author: Prashanth

Prashanth is a technology enthusiast and author who passionately delves into the world of technology. With an unending drive for innovation and a curious spirit about various facets of technology, Prashanth has crafted incredibly engaging and informative works for both newcomers and experts in the field. By synthesizing in-depth knowledge with captivating communication skills, this author has aided readers in gaining a clearer understanding of the intricacies of technology and how it influences daily life. Prashanth's mission is to provide a multifaceted perspective on the rapidly evolving world of technology while igniting the passion and curiosity to explore the boundless possibilities that this realm offers.

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