Chromebooks runChromeOS, a web-focused platform built around Google’s cloud apps (Chrome, Gmail, and Docs, just to name a few). Thebest Chromebookscan do almost everything your regular Windows laptop can, including running Microsoft’s productivity suite. The main difference is Windows and MacOS computers can download Microsoft Office (or Microsoft 365, as it’s now called) apps, while Chromebook users are limited to Microsoft’s web apps.
While you can’t install the Windows or Mac desktop versions of Office on a Chromebook, there are a few workarounds. This guide walks you through various ways to run Microsoft 365 on your Chromebook.
Open Microsoft 365 (Office) on the web
The easiest way to use your Microsoft 365 apps on a Chromebook is through the web. You can run productivity apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, OneDrive, and Outlook from your browser. And they work almost like the desktop versions on a Windows laptop. You can create, edit, and collaborate on documents and files, send and receive emails, and manage an online calendar. The only downside is that you need an internet connection to use Microsoft 365.
Microsoft lets you use Office apps on your Chromebook for free, provided you create an account with an existing email address. You can access advanced features with aMicrosoft 365 subscription. Below are the steps to access Microsoft 365 on a Chromebook through the web:
Install the Microsoft 365 web app
If the web version of Microsoft Office 365 doesn’t cut it, you can install the web app. It behaves like installed software, so you can pin it to the taskbar, get notifications, and resize it. However, you need an internet connection to access it each time. Previously, you could use the Office Android apps on Chromebooks, but Microsoft hasdiscontinued them. You may be able to use the Android apps if they’re already installed on your Chromebook.
Stream Microsoft 365 from your PC to a Chromebook
The previous two methods don’t allow you to run the full Windows version of Microsoft Office on a Chromebook. However, it’s possible to do so by running Microsoft Office on a PC and then streaming it to your Chromebook. This is a useful method if you need access to all the features available in the desktop apps. ensure that the PC you’re streaming from has Microsoft Office and Chrome installed and that you have a stable internet connection on both devices.
On the Chromebook
Get a Windows experience on your Chromebook
you may run Microsoft 365 apps on your Chrome OS device for a near-Windows experience. Google also lets youset up OneDrive to sync with your Chromebook’s Files appand easily access the files. You can also use thesegreat ChromeOS features and tricksto get the most out of your favorite Chromebook.
