What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
You can make ChromeOS feel more familiar by moving its shelf to the bottom, pinning the apps and sites you use most, adjusting supported keyboard shortcuts, and grouping windows into desks. These changes customize your workflow; they do not turn a Chromebook into Windows or make Windows desktop software run on it.
Put the shelf where you expect a taskbar
ChromeOS’s shelf is the closest built-in equivalent to a Windows taskbar. Right-click the shelf and choose its position: left, bottom, or right. Choose the bottom for a familiar layout, then pin frequently used apps and web shortcuts and drag them into the order you prefer. You can also choose whether the shelf autohides.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The shelf can hold pinned apps, web shortcuts, and files. ChromeOS does not let you place apps or shortcuts on the desktop wallpaper itself. As Google puts it in its shelf help, “You can’t add apps and shortcuts to your desktop’s wallpaper or background.” Use the shelf and Launcher to organize the things you want to open quickly.
Make the keyboard easier to use
If you are used to a Windows keyboard, you can connect one to a Chromebook. Google says the Windows key works as the Search or Launcher key for relevant Chromebook shortcuts. You can also use ChromeOS’s keyboard settings to remap supported keys, and the Shortcuts app to edit shortcuts in categories such as Windows and desks.
#1 Best Overall
- Intel Celeron N4120: 4 Cores & Threads, 1.1GHz Base Clock, Up to 2.6GHz Boost Clock, 4MB Cache, Intel UHD Graphics 600. The perfect combination of performance, power consumption, and value helps your device handle multitasking smoothly and reliably with four processing cores to divide up the work.
There are limits: some shortcuts are locked, not every key combination is available, and shortcuts that do not use Search or Launcher can conflict with apps. Open Settings and look for the keyboard or keyboard-shortcut controls; labels and paths can vary with ChromeOS version and device.
An external Windows keyboard is optional, not necessary for these changes. Consider one only if the key placement or typing comfort is a real problem. Before buying, check that its connection type works with your Chromebook and that the device has the required port or supports the keyboard’s wireless connection. No particular keyboard model is established as compatible here.
Rank #2
- Storage: 16GB Flash Memory
- OS: Chrome OS
- Screen Size: 11.6"
Use desks to separate groups of windows
Desks let you keep different sets of open windows apart—for example, work on one desk and personal browsing on another. ChromeOS lets you create and name desks, move windows between them, reorder or merge desks, and switch between them with a touchpad gesture or keyboard shortcut.
Recommended Free Tools
Use the overview to create or manage desks, then move a window to the desk where you want it. You can switch by touchpad gesture or an available shortcut. Some desk shortcuts depend on keyboard layout; Google notes that certain documented shortcuts have limitations on non-US-standard-English QWERTY layouts. See Google’s desk instructions for the controls available on your device.
Rank #3
- Intel Processor Up to 2.80GHz, 4GB DDR4, 128GB Storage
- 15" FHD IPS Display, Intel UHD Graphics
- 1x USB Type C, 1 x USB Type A, 1x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack, HDMI
- Fast WiFi and Bluetooth, Integrated Webcam
- Chrome OS, AC Charger Included, Pastel Silver
Organize apps and open supported services in windows
Find installed apps in the Launcher, arrange them into folders, and use the app’s available window options when you want a more desktop-like setup. For supported apps, you may be able to choose whether links open in the app or in Chrome. Some apps also offer a right-click option to open a new window. These behaviors depend on the app, so do not expect every website or app to provide them.
Google’s app instructions describe the available ways to organize and launch apps. If a particular app does not offer a separate-window option, ChromeOS does not provide a universal switch that forces it to behave like a Windows desktop program.
Rank #4
- THE BETTER WAY TO LAPTOP – Imagine a Chromebook that’s as flexible as your day: thin and lightweight with built-in Google apps and stress-free security.
- TAKE HITS KEEP MOVING – Sleek, light, and built to last- the Chromebook 2-in-1 is just 0.69” thick and 3.3lbs. Enjoy long-lasting battery life, fast charging, and military-grade durability for nonstop productivity wherever life takes you.
- PERFORMANCE THAT MATCHES YOUR HUSTLE – Fuel your ideas with an Intel Core processor and 128GB storage. Boot up in under 10 seconds to start the day powerfully efficient.
- FLEX YOUR CREATIVITY ANYWHERE, ANYTIME – Create, work, or unwind your way with a versatile 2-in-1 design. Flip easily between laptop, tent, and tablet modes with a responsive touchscreen built for flexibility.
- BRILLIANT VIEWS AND IMMERSIVE AUDIO – See, hear, and create with awesome clarity. The WUXGA display brings rich detail to your work and play, while audio tuned by Waves MaxxAudio provides immersive, balanced sound.
Keep Linux in its proper role
On supported Chromebooks, Linux can provide a Debian development environment and access to Linux applications. It is intended for development and Linux software, not presented by Google as a general Windows compatibility layer. Enabling it does not make ordinary Windows desktop applications compatible with ChromeOS.
Linux availability varies by device, and work or school administrators may block setup. Review Google’s Linux environment guidance before enabling it, especially on a managed Chromebook.
Best Value
- FOR HOME, WORK, & SCHOOL – With an Intel processor, 14-inch display, custom-tuned stereo speakers, and long battery life, this Chromebook laptop lets you knock out any assignment or binge-watch your favorite shows..Voltage:5.0 volts
- HD DISPLAY, PORTABLE DESIGN – See every bit of detail on this micro-edge, anti-glare, 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) display (1); easily take this thin and lightweight laptop PC from room to room, on trips, or in a backpack.
- ALL-DAY PERFORMANCE – Reliably tackle all your assignments at once with the quad-core, Intel Celeron N4120—the perfect processor for performance, power consumption, and value (2).
- 4K READY – Smoothly stream 4K content and play your favorite next-gen games with Intel UHD Graphics 600 (3) (4).
- MEMORY AND STORAGE – Enjoy a boost to your system’s performance with 4 GB of RAM while saving more of your favorite memories with 64 GB of reliable flash-based eMMC storage (5).
Choose settings or hardware based on the problem
| Approach | Cost | Best for | What can limit it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in shelf, keyboard, desks, and app settings | Free | Making a Chromebook-only workflow more familiar and organized | Options vary by ChromeOS version, device, keyboard layout, app support, and administrator policy. |
| External Windows keyboard | Requires a purchase | Familiar key placement or a more comfortable desk setup | Connection compatibility and the Chromebook’s available ports; it is less convenient to carry than the built-in keyboard. |
Start with the free settings. Add an external keyboard only if it addresses a specific comfort or layout issue; it is an optional physical change, not a compatibility upgrade.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
