In Summary
- ChromeOS is based on the Google Chrome browser, and most web applications rely on Google Chrome to function properly.
- ChromeOS has evolved over time and now supports many Chrome-based apps in addition to Chrome. You can install many Android applications on your Chromebooks through the Google Play Store.
- In this article, we will show you how to use any browser on your Chromebook by following a few simple steps.
Chromebooks run ChromeOS, a web-based operating system centered around Google’s Chrome browser. All pre-installed web applications are launched through the Chrome browser by default. However, Google Chrome does not have all the features you need to browse the Internet without interruptions.
With a third-party browser, users can customize their experience to suit their needs and also enjoy some features that the Chrome browser does not offer. In this article, we have described some simple steps on how you can use any browser on your Chromebook by following just a few simple steps.
Let us get started.
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need a Different Browser on ChromeOS
Google Chrome has its advantages, but it can be very resource intensive and also lacks some features. Using another browser can improve your Chromebook’s performance while adding necessary features like privacy protection, ad-free browsing, and many others without having to install extensions for every little thing.
A browser like Brave can help with privacy protection and ad-free browsing, while something like Opera Browser can help speed things up as you go through multiple open tabs and not use up much of your Chromebook’s resources. However, there are many other browsers that offer much more such features and enrich the browsing experience significantly compared to Google Chrome.
Install and Use Any Browser on Chromebook
Chrome OS is primarily designed to be used with the Google Chrome browser pre-installed on the operating system. However, you can install other browsers on your Chromebook with Chrome OS. Here’s how:
- Open the Google Play Store on your Chromebook.
- Search for the browser you want to install, such as Firefox or Opera.
- Select the browser from the search results and click “Install.”
- Once the installation is complete, you can launch the browser from the app drawer or the launcher.
- You can also set the browser to open all the external links by default.
Use Any Browser as a Chrome Extension on Your Chromebook
Alternatively, you can install a browser as Chrome extension by following these steps:
- Make sure the browser is already installed on the Chromebook.
- Open the Chrome Web Store from the app drawer on your Chromebook.
- Search for the browser extension you want to install, such as Microsoft Edge or Brave.
- Select the browser extension from the search results and click “Add to Chrome.”
- Once the extension is added, you can launch the browser by clicking the corresponding icon on the Chrome toolbar.
How to Get Any Browser on Your Chromebook
Another browser can help with many things if you are not familiar with ChromeOS or do not want to use Google Chrome as your main browser. ChromeOS offers users the option to use any browser of their choice, but ChromeOS is built around the Chrome browser, so Chromium-based browsers should work best. Even if you use another browser to browse the web, most web applications will only work with the Chrome browser by default.
If you have any other questions or suggestions about Chromebooks and ChromeOS, feel free to leave them in the comments below.
FAQs About How to Use Any Browser in ChromeOS
How do I set a default browser on ChromeOS?
To set a default browser on ChromeOS, open the settings menu and navigate to the "Default apps" section. From there, you can select your preferred browser as the default.
Can I import bookmarks from another browser on Chromebook?
Yes, most web browsers allow you to import bookmarks from other browsers. To import bookmarks on ChromeOS, open the browser's settings menu and look for an option to import bookmarks. You can usually import bookmarks from Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and other popular browsers.
How do I clear my browsing history on Chromebook?
To clear your browsing history on ChromeOS, open the browser and click on the three dots in the top right corner of the window. From there, select "History" and then click "Clear browsing data." You can choose to clear your browsing history, cookies, cached images and files, and other data.
Can I use extensions on any browser on ChromeOS?
Yes, most web browsers on ChromeOS support extensions, which can be downloaded and installed from the Chrome Web Store. However, some extensions may not be compatible with all browsers, so be sure to check the compatibility before installing an extension.
Can I use a VPN with any browser on ChromeOS?
Yes, you can use a VPN with any browser on ChromeOS. Most VPNs offer browser extensions that allow you to connect to their servers and encrypt your internet traffic easily. Alternatively, you can use a standalone VPN client to protect your entire system.
Further Reading
- 12 Best Free Productivity Apps for Chromebook
- How to Change Language on Chromebook
- How to Enable Developer Mode on Chromebook
- How to Enable or Disable the On-Screen Keyboard on Chromebook