How to Get Windows on Chromebook | Parallels (2024)

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What is a Chromebook?

A Chromebook is a cheap alternative to laptops developed by Google with several models that cost as low as $300. However, they don't run Windows since they use Chrome OS, similar to Google Chrome web browser. Chromebooks are ubiquitously popular for their speed, stability, and straightforward user interface.

Therefore, you can use a Chromebook to access virtually anything, such as reading online, receiving and sending emails, watching videos, and doing everyday activities like other laptops. A Chromebook lacks ample hard drive space because Google expects users to take advantage of the cloud to store a limitless amount of files.

Using Chrome OS limits users' use of other traditional Windows Software such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop. Installing Chromebook Windows 10 takes time, and you have to manipulate the Chrome OS mechanically. Let's see how!

How to install Windows on a Chromebook using Parallels Desktop

Every Chrome OS runs on a native Parallels Desktop that is a full-featured window container. The software allows Chrome users to enjoy the full version of Windows, but there are various vital things to note. There are system requirements needed to run it successfully on your Chromebook. With the successful installation of this software, IT departments can enable full-software Windows applications, including Microsoft Office, for their Chrome OS devices both online and offline. Ensure you get a Chrome Enterprise upgrade to start running Parallels.

Requirements for running Parallels Desktop

These are the minimum system requirements to enable Parallels Software to run on your Chromebook. The systems need to be at least Chrome OS version 85 or later. It would help if you also had a Google Admin console, Microsoft Windows, Chrome Enterprise Upgrade, and a corporate storage server.

The hardware supported includes processors such as Intel Core i5 or i7 and AMD Ryzen 5 or 7. Ensure the systems have a minimum of 8 GB RAM and 128 GB SSD ROM on the devices.

Most of these requirements may limit various Chrome OS users from using these Windows Applications.

However, keep in mind that these are for enterprise customers. Therefore, other users who may not meet the requirements can also purchase a docking station turn the Chromebook into a full workstation.

Installing Windows on a Chromebook

Ensure the device is enrolled into the management to allow sign-in. This goggle article will help with the process.

To install windows on a Chromebook, carry out the following activities:

  1. Use your system administrator to sign in to your Chromebook
  2. Click Launcher to open
  3. Navigate to Parallels Desktop and click
  4. Click Install when the Set up Parallels Desktop on your Chromebook dialog Windows opens
  5. Wait for the Parallels Desktop Windows image to download
  6. After downloading, click the Launch button to start windows
  7. The windows start automatically, and you can run all Windows Applications you need on your Chromebook

Windows app you can run on Chromebook via Parallels

You can run a majority of popular Windows applications with Parallels Desktop for Chrome OS. Most people would want to use Microsoft Office, one of the most compelling use-cases of the software. It has a full version of Windows installed that you can easily download and run any version of every Office app.

You also retain all the power of Microsoft Apps with Parallels Desktop. Here, some of the pro features include Data Analysis ToolPak for Excel, which you may not get from the web app and Android App.

Conclusion

Want to use Windows on your Chromebook? Check out Parallels and download a free trial today.

How to Get Windows on Chromebook | Parallels (2024)

FAQs

How to Get Windows on Chromebook | Parallels? ›

Parallels Desktop for Chromebook Enterprise is the first-timer virtualization software that allows Chromebooks to run Windows 10. The software allows high-powered Chromebooks to run Windows as a regular Windows laptop. This guide will help you to run Windows on your Chromebook.

Can you put Windows on a Chromebook? ›

Parallels Desktop for Chromebook Enterprise is the first-timer virtualization software that allows Chromebooks to run Windows 10. The software allows high-powered Chromebooks to run Windows as a regular Windows laptop. This guide will help you to run Windows on your Chromebook.

How to get Windows 11 on Chromebook? ›

Steps for Installing Windows 11 on a Chromebook
  1. Step 1: Enable Developer Mode. The first step is to enable Developer Mode on your Chromebook. ...
  2. Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive or SD Card. ...
  3. Step 3: Boot From USB Drive or SD Card. ...
  4. Step 4: Install Windows 11.

Is Parallels free on Chromebook? ›

If you purchase qualifying1 Chromebook Enterprise or Chromebox Enterprise devices, or Chrome Enterprise or Education Upgrade licenses together with qualifying1 Chrome OS devices, you may be eligible to receive an equal number of FREE Parallels Desktop for Chrome OS licenses (a $69.95 per license value) up to 50 free ...

Can you jailbreak a Chromebook? ›

Jailbreaking a Chromebook involves bypassing the operating system's security mechanisms to gain access to system files and settings that are typically restricted. This can allow you to install applications not available on the Chrome Web Store, modify system settings, and personalize your device's interface.

Can you remove ChromeOS and install Windows? ›

Bottom Line. Here are two ways to uninstall Chrome OS Flex and install Windows in this post. You can either manually install the system with the bootable USB drive or migrate a Windows system from another computer. Based on your preference, pick a method.

How to install ChromeOS in Chromebook? ›

Download from Google
  1. On your device, download the latest ChromeOS Flex installer image.
  2. Use your preferred decompression tool to unzip the file.
  3. Insert your USB drive. Be sure to remove all other removable media.
  4. Create the installer. If you're using a third-party utility, refer to product documentation.

Can a Chromebook run Steam? ›

Users with capable and compatible Chromebooks can install Steam on ChromeOS officially. Thanks to the arrival of Steam on ChromeOS with the Borealis project, you can now play desktop games right on your Chromebook. Although recent AAA titles might not run, older AAA titles work just fine.

Is there a Windows emulator for Chromebooks? ›

If you are looking for the best emulator for Chromebook to run desktop operating systems like Windows, Linux, and Android, you can use QEMU. It's a free and open-source emulator that has powerful capabilities and can run almost any operating system you throw at it.

Is it worth buying a Chromebook? ›

Chromebooks are designed with day-to-day tasks in mind. So, if you use your laptop for just browsing the web and watching Netflix, then you should consider picking one up. As someone who regularly uses a Chromebook for work and leisure, I find that performance is zippy enough for the kind of things I do.

How long is parallels free? ›

Click on Try Free for 14 days. Your copy of Parallels Desktop will be activated for 14 days. The period cannot be extended.

Is Parallels free safe? ›

All the network connections maintained by Parallels Access are protected and encrypted. Parallels Access transmits only a graphic representation of a remote desktop and application windows, but not the application's and document's data.

Is Parallels free or paid? ›

Parallels Desktop Pro Edition is available as a subscription; you will always enjoy running the latest version of Parallels Desktop as a benefit of your subscription.

How to turn a Chromebook into a PC? ›

To install Windows on your Chromebook:
  1. Take the Windows installation media (i.e., USB flash drive) and plug it into the Chromebook.
  2. Your Chromebook should boot directly from the USB device. ...
  3. Connect your USB keyboard and mouse to the Chromebook.
  4. Select your language and your region, then click Next.
  5. Click “Install now.”
Feb 22, 2023

What Cannot a Chromebook do? ›

Even if you use the in-built tools, photo and video editing are simple with Windows and Macs. With Chromebooks, this is not the case, as the majority of them have low-end technology, making video rendering and editing virtually impossible. Additionally, Chromebooks do not support the simple use of Adobe Photoshop.

Can Chrome OS be hacked? ›

Even though ChromeOS is considered more secure and better protected from known computer viruses than traditional operating systems, Chromebooks are still vulnerable to some cyber threats like spyware, ransomware, and other forms of malicious software.

Can you turn a Windows computer into a Chromebook? ›

Google's free operating system makes it possible and it's fairly easy to set up. ChromeOS Flex can turn any old PC or Mac into a Chromebook—even ones you'd consider too slow and outdated to use. This is a great solution if you can't or won't upgrade your machine, or just need a general-purpose computer for the family.

Is a Chromebook considered a PC? ›

Chromebooks and Windows laptops are two types of personal computers that differ in terms of operating system, functionality, and price. Chromebooks run on Google's Chrome OS, while Windows laptops run on Microsoft's Windows operating system.

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