Google announced in June a joint venture to bring Windows applications back to its most popular operating system, Chrome OS – Chromebooks. Now, the solution Finally Here. Google has partnered with Parallels to create a touchscreen enabled version of Windows 10 that will load on Chrome OS. Only Windows can open applications on this virtual Windows 10 system within your Chromebook.
In future versions of the software, Google and Parallels plan to allow Chromebook owners to load personalized applications rather than pre-launch the virtual Windows 10 environment. However, for now, you need to have a smaller window version of Windows 10 or be in the Google Play Store for Chrome OS to launch games or productivity applications that you currently cannot find online.
Of course, Windows 10 does not have to run as a small window between the other Android apps you have open and the Chrome browser windows. By creating a Windows 10 window fullscreen, there is very little difference between your Chromebook and Windows 10 PC – except that Chrome OS boasts better anti-virus protection, better battery life and the ability to run Android smartphone and tablet applications. Using the four-finger swipe shortcut on the trackpad, Chromebook owners can move back and forth from the Windows 10 PC experience, to Android games and apps, to Chrome OS tabs and apps.
In between all of this you can copy text and images, which should be a great productivity stimulus. Not only that, but desktop, documents, downloads and other Windows user folders will also appear in the Chrome Files app – so downloading anything in the Windows 10 experience will allow you to open, edit, or send the file anytime. Switch back to Chrome OS with a four-finger swipe. Some file types, such as .docx for Microsoft Word, will release the Windows 10 version by default once you install the Parallels software solution, rather than the online or Android version of the application.
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This is a clever ploy by Google as it removes access to anyone except Chrome OS devices in the past due to incompatibility with one or two Windows 10 applications needed for work, school or home use.
For starters, it’s primarily seen as a way for businesses to adopt Chromebooks through their traditional PC or Mac purchase for employees. Numerous businesses that are only available on Microsoft’s operating system create their own custom, proprietary applications – which are still common in offices around the world. When it comes to cross-platform, there are many feature-rich applications in Windows. For example: “Ranking Trends in Excel, Word Captions and Quotes and PowerPoint Custom Fonts or Titles and Footers” are only available on the desktop version of Windows 10, not Chrome OS.
Camera and USB device support is coming in the future connection, so you can no longer use an external microphone or keyboard. Google and Parallels have confirmed the minimum recommended specifications for using the new software solution. You need the least need to run Windows 10 applications on your Chromebook
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or Intel Core i7
- Memory: 16 GB
- Storage: 128GB SSD or higher
Beatrice Ashford is a contributor at Nintendo-power.com, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism that keeps readers connected to the issues shaping the world around them.