Devices that use Chromebooks can be a great advantage for some users, these are based largely on synchronization with the cloud . So you can work and store your documents without filling your hard drive over time. You will be able to use the functionalities of Google Drive and have all the basics to work in a couple of clicks. However, if you have always worked with Microsoft Office applications , such as Excel or Word, the platforms available in Google Drive may not fit you. If this is the case for you, we have good news: you can install and run Microsoft Office apps on your Chromebook.
Your Chromebook won’t let you have the desktop versions of Microsoft Office , but with some limited capabilities, you can still have them on your device. You will only need these tricks to know how to install and run Microsoft Office on a Chromebook. These methods will be your best allies to be able to continue using your favorite Microsoft Office applications on your Chromebook device, so continue reading and get down to work with the installation.
Contents
- 1Google Play Store
- 2Microsoft Office Online
- 3Send Office to Chromebook from your computer
Google Play Store
If you want to get these programs on your Chromebook, you can use the Google Play Store to install all Microsoft Office products on your device. You should keep in mind that not all Chromebooks will be compatible with the programs, although most of the newer ones will not give problems, it is best to check the compatibility between applications before installing anything.
You will find some applications that can be installed on the device, but when running them, the software is not compatible with the platform. If this is not the case and you do not see a problem between the operating system and the application, you will only have to follow these steps to start enjoying Microsoft Office products on your computer.
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Type the name of theMicrosoft Office program you want to install, for example Word or Excel .
- Select the app and hit the Installbutton .
- Once installed, tap on App Launcherto place it on Chromebook
- Access the program and enter your Microsoft accountto use the program freely.
Microsoft Office Online
If you have tried the first option, but the programs resist, you can use Microsoft Office Online as an alternative. This method is very useful for Chromebooks that already add more time and that are not compatible with the first option as they do not have the support of Android apps. You will only have to access the online version of these products and although it is true that the interface may be more limited than its desktop version, it will be very useful for fans of these programs. Some of the features will not be available , so you will have to deal with more barriers when working, however, this is not a big problem for many.
You must make sure that you have a stable Internet connection, only then can it work correctly and you will not be left with work half done. If the connection is interrupted, you will not be able to continue working on the document until it is restored.
Send Office to Chromebook from your computer
If the online option does not quite fit you and you have not been able to download the desktop applications on your device, you can try this third method. You’ll need to run Microsoft Office on a computer and stream it to the Chromebook from there . This option is slower than the ones we have seen so far. However, you will be able to count on all the features of the program without limitations and run the program normally.
In order to do this, you will need to make sure that you have Google Chrome and Microsoft Office installed on your computer, as well as a stable and secure Internet connection. The connection must be on both the computer and the Chromebook. Then, you just have to follow these steps:
- Open Google Chromeon your computer and go to the Chrome Remote Desktop website .
- Look for the option Configure remote accessand click on it.
- Install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension.
- Go back to the original screen of your computer and assign a nameto it.
- Click Nextand create a PIN that is at least six digits long.
- If you’re prompted for your PIN, put it on your device and voila, Microsoft Office is streaming to your Chromebook.
Getting used to a Chromebook can be tricky, but we hope these tricks will help you be able to use Microsoft Word on your Chromebook without wasting half a morning trying. We recommend you try the options in the order that we have explained them to you. If the first one works, it will be the easiest to install and you will avoid problems or limitations with the programs. If there is no way, you can try the other two as safe alternatives.
