We explain some common questions about the way Chromebooks function. They don't run 'regular' programs, the way a Windows laptop does - instead, you use Google web apps, which largely expect you to access them over the internet in the Chrome browser.īut, if you're offline, you're not stuck. Google's Chromebooks have very little storage space. But you're likely to drift away from wi-fi now and then, so it's worth knowing what you can and can't do with a Chromebook that's offline. Good on Microsoft for taking steps in that direction.Thinking of buying a Chromebook but worried that it needs to be online all the time? Here's our guide to what you can do with these increasingly versatile devices when there's no wi-fiĬhromebooks are designed to be used primarily 'online only'. Instead, you’ll buy the device that is best for you and all your work, apps, and files can come along for the ride. The more we see large companies like Google, Microsoft, and Apple embrace the growing viability of apps not only built on the web, but delivered via the web, the closer we get to a future where software isn’t tied down to a specific set of devices. The web is powerful and its reach is bigger than any single platform or operating system. I love that I can install an app from Microsoft on a Chromebook without the need of an app store or any other delivery mechanism.

Oh, and it will open up in its own window as well, giving way to a more native app experience. Head to, sign in, and then you can install the app by hitting the plus sign in the right side of your URL bar or clicking Chrome’s 3-dot menu and selecting “Install Outlook.” In general, this won’t do much more than Outlook on the web did before, but installing the PWA will allow the app to be listed alongside your other apps and pinned to your tray.

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