Getting Started with a Chromebook

Set up and use your Chromebook for everyday tasks like email, web browsing, and video calls.

At a Glance

What is a Chromebook?

~15s

A Chromebook is a laptop that runs Chrome OS — a simple operating system built around the Chrome web browser. It's fast, affordable, and great for email, web browsing, streaming, and video calls.

Initial setup

~15s

Turn on your Chromebook, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with your Google account (Gmail). If you don't have one, you can create one during setup. Your Google account is your key to everything.

Navigate the desktop

~15s

The shelf (taskbar) at the bottom shows pinned apps. The launcher (circle icon, bottom-left) opens all your apps. The status area (bottom-right) shows Wi-Fi, battery, time, and settings.

Use the app launcher

~15s

Click the circle icon or press the Search key on the keyboard. Type an app name or search the web directly. You can also see all installed apps by clicking the up arrow.

Install apps

~15s

Open the Play Store (Android apps work on Chromebooks) or the Chrome Web Store for browser extensions. Most apps you need — Netflix, Zoom, Office — are available.

File management

~15s

The Files app manages your local and Google Drive files. Downloads go to the Downloads folder. Google Drive files are accessible offline if you enable offline mode.

Keyboard shortcuts

~15s

Ctrl+T opens a new tab. Ctrl+W closes a tab. Alt+Tab switches windows. Ctrl+Shift+L locks the screen. Press Ctrl+Alt+/ to see all keyboard shortcuts.

Updates happen automatically

~15s

Chromebooks update themselves in the background. You'll see a notification when a restart is needed. Updates take about 30 seconds — much faster than Windows or Mac updates.

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