Which Version of Chrome OS Do You Have?
To make sure your Chromebook is up to date and can run Google Play, check the current version. Here’s how.
In the lower-right corner of the screen, select the taskbar (where the time displays). Select Settings (which looks like a gear). Select About Chrome OS. Select Advanced if you don’t see this option. The version of Chrome OS appears on the right side. After you’ve confirmed you have the correct version, open the Play Store. (If you recently updated, you should have seen this install. ) If you don’t have version 53 or higher, select Check For Updates to see if there’s an update for your Chromebook.
Go to the Play Store
Now it’s time to find some apps to install.
Select the Start button (which looks like a white circle). Either enter Play Store in the search menu or select the up button to display more apps. Select the Play Store icon.
Install Apps From the Play Store
Now you’re ready to find fun and productive apps. At the top of the screen, select the box that says Google Play. This is the search box you’ll use to find apps.
Enter your search criteria and press the Enter key. For example, if you need a calendar app, enter calendar. The search results appear. Select each result to read a summary of the app, see some screenshots, and read reviews of the app. Some apps are not free or have in-app purchases to enable certain features. When you decide on an appropriate app, select Install. The view shows the app is downloading and has a progress bar to show its installation progress. Once the app is installed, the app information screen displays an Open button instead of Install. Alternatively, go to the apps list and click the icon. You now have a new app to play with.
Alternative to the Play Store
The Google Web Store is what Chrome OS systems used before Google implemented access and usage of the Google Play store. While many apps are listed in both places, the Web Store may not have the selection the Play Store has.
Select the Start button (it looks like a white circle). If Web Store doesn’t appear in the Frequent Apps list, select the Up arrow to see all apps. Select the Web Store icon. A Chrome web page appears. Select the Apps heading. From here, in the upper-left corner under the Chrome Web Store logo, enter your search criteria for the app you want. After you enter your search criteria, press Enter. Just like on the Play Store, selecting a listing provides additional information on the selected app. After you decide which app you want to install, select Add to Chrome in the app details window. Alternatively, select Add to Chrome in the app search results window. After you select the Add to Chrome button, a dialog box appears and asks if you want to install the app. If so, select Add extension. Once the installation has completed, another dialog box appears notifying you of the completion. In the app search list, you’ll find a green button to Rate It and a small green banner on the app stating Added. Or, in the app details view, it says Added to Chrome. If this is your view, then the app is installed and ready for you to use.
