Google Added Windows App Support to Chromebooks

On October 20, the tech giant added Windows app support to Chromebooks. Interestingly, Google cooperated with a software company called Parallels to fulfill this goal.

It is worth mentioning that, Chrome OS is a Gentoo Linux-based operating system designed by Google. Importantly, Chrome OS will now boot a full version of Windows inside a virtual machine to gain access to existing desktop apps. However, people should keep in mind that, it is designed for businesses. As a result, only enterprise customers will be able to purchase the app for $69.99 per user.

Thanks to Parallels Desktop, customers have the ability to launch a full copy of Windows. Thus, it will be possible to use Microsoft’s operating system side by side with Chrome OS and Android apps. Moreover, the Chrome OS even redirects certain Windows files directly to the Parallels instance to make it easier to launch files that a user would typically use a desktop app to launch such files.

Windows app and customers

Interestingly, this is an initial 1.0 release. Some of the deeper Chrome OS and Windows app integration will come over time. Importantly, customers will be able to run multiple full Windows app inside this Parallels Desktop virtual even if a customer is offline. Moreover, both Parallels and Google cooperated to enable features like shared clipboard, shared user profiles, and custom folders.

Consequently, a customer has the opportunity to share files between the Windows instance and Chrome OS, and even web links in the Window Instance to open the Chrome browser. Interestingly, the Chrome browser is the main part of Chrome OS.

There is another news as well. Importantly, printers that are compatible with Chrome OS will also be available in Windows. However, it won’t be possible to use certain devices such as webcams, microphones, etc, inside Windows just yet. Importantly, Parallels is working to enable USB peripherals and webcams in a future update.

It is worth noting that, when it comes to using Parallels Desktop for Chromebook Enterprise, customers will need to use powerful Chromebooks. Nevertheless, most modern Chromebooks will support Parallels.

People should take into account that, IT admins will be able to use Google’s Admin console to enable Parallels on compatible devices. It will require a Windows license to configure devices. Moreover, Google is also improving how businesses can deploy Chromebooks. As a result, it is possible to purchase Chromebooks from a reseller and an employee will directly deliver Chromebooks. Interestingly, these Chromebooks will have automatic and secure configuration to join a domain when the user connects to Wi-Fi.