Yes, You’ll Soon be Running Windows Apps on Chromebooks

Posted by Steve Holly, Product Manager, Chrome & Devices, - Jul 9, 2020

When it has come to running Windows apps on Chromebooks, there’s always been a separation of church and state, so to speak. These two products ran parallel but never touched each other. The idea was unheard of. An untouchable concept, right?

Not anymore. Chances are you might have heard the news that these major collaborative force fields have crossed each other and now work together. Secure cloud computing might never be the same.

Running Microsoft Apps on Chromebooks is Actually Possible?

It’s no joke. If you’ve been avoiding using a Chromebook or have been lamenting that you can’t access your favorite Windows apps on Chrome OS, a new development has made these two systems compatible.

It’s possible thanks to a technology known as Parallels Desktop for Chrome OS. Google worked with Corel Corp. to create this new desktop. The solution provides online and offline access to Microsoft Office and Win32 legacy business apps from select Chrome devices with a Chrome Enterprise upgrade.

Thanks to a technology known as Parallels Desktop for Chrome OS, it’s now possible to access your favorite Windows apps on a Chromebook. @OnixNetworking

The increased focus on moving workloads to cloud computing is in response to the growing demand for secure, reliable remote work solutions. As more users find themselves transitioning to Chrome OS, Google has realized many of its customers still need to access some legacy applications. 

Chrome race carWith this new solution, they can enjoy the benefits of Google Chrome Enterprise (Speed, Security, Shareability and Simplicity) and still use the familiar apps that keep their business operations running smoothly. 

This includes Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook, all of which will be accessible on a Chromebook via the Parallels Desktop.

Do I Have to Invest in Pricey Virtualization Technology to Make this Work?

The beauty of this new solution is that you don’t need to invest in any sort of new virtualization infrastructure to make this work. 

While remote virtualization solutions require a live internet connection, Parallels Desktop gives you offline access to the apps via a Chromebook. Applications can be deployed directly with Parallels Desktop infrastructure.

Speaking of Chromebooks and other Chrome devices, Parallels desktop does require higher-end specifications so that users can enjoy powerful performance and great user experience. 

When you’re looking for the right device for this solution, you’ll want to be sure to use the ones Google Chrome offers for power users. These have the speed and configuration to handle the use of Parallels Desktop for Chrome OS.

What Else Should I Know Parallels Desktop for Chrome OS?

Virtualization

This new solution will support policies that you can control through your familiar Google Admin console. Google just announced this new technology and still is ironing out some of the details and will share more about which policies will be included at launch in the near future.

Keep your ears open for more news about this new technology and get ready to have Google further change the way you work. In the meantime, take some time to check out our other blogs about Google Chrome Enterprise.

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Avoid Lost Time and Productivity with Chrome Grab and Go

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Google Chrome Offers a Speedy Cloud Experience

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Meet the Author

Steve Holly, Product Manager, Chrome & Devices

Steve Holly, Product Manager, Chrome & Devices

Since 2008, Steve has been on the forefront of the transition to cloud-based services. He has helped companies like Whirlpool, Lexmark, Fujifilm America, Celestica, The New York Times, and the Canadian Broadcast Corporation make the transition to Google’s cloud-based services. Steve spent six years in the Navy, where he got his start in computers. During his service, he visited Japan, Thailand, Bali, Austrailia, Hong Kong, and more.

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