How to Run Windows Apps on Chromebook with Parallels Desktop for ChromeOS

Parallels Desktop for ChromeOS allows you to run full-featured Windows applications directly on your Chromebook. This solution is ideal for enterprise and education users who need access to Windows apps while working in a ChromeOS environment. This guide will walk you through the setup process for running Windows apps on a Chromebook using Parallels Desktop for ChromeOS.

Step 1: Check Requirements for Parallels Desktop

Before setting up Parallels Desktop on your Chromebook, make sure your device meets the following requirements:

1. Your Chromebook must be a Chromebook Enterprise model or have Chrome Enterprise Upgrade.
2. Ensure that your Chromebook has at least 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage for optimal performance.
3. You need an IT administrator to set up and configure Parallels Desktop. Parallels Desktop for ChromeOS is primarily intended for enterprise environments.

Step 2: IT Administrator Setup of Parallels Desktop

Parallels Desktop for ChromeOS requires administrative setup by your organization's IT administrator. Here's an overview of what they need to do:

1. Your IT administrator will need access to Google Admin Console to configure Parallels Desktop for your organization's Chromebooks.
2. The administrator must set up Windows virtual machines (VMs) in the Admin Console, deploy Windows images to the ChromeOS devices, and ensure Parallels licenses are assigned to users.

Step 2.1: Admin Console Configuration

1. In the Google Admin Console, go to Devices > Chrome > Apps & extensions > Parallels Desktop.
2. Configure the settings and policies for deploying Parallels Desktop and Windows VMs to users.

Step 2.2: Assign Parallels Licenses to Users

1. Ensure that each user has an active Parallels Desktop license assigned in the Google Admin Console.

Step 3: Install Parallels Desktop on Your Chromebook

Once your IT administrator has configured Parallels Desktop and assigned licenses, you can install it on your Chromebook.

Step 3.1: Install the Parallels Desktop App

1. Open your Chromebook and sign in using your enterprise account.
2. Go to the Launcher (circle icon in the bottom-left corner), and search for Parallels Desktop in the apps list.
3. Click to open the Parallels Desktop app. If it's not installed, your IT administrator may need to push it to your Chromebook.

Step 3.2: Set Up Windows on Parallels Desktop

1. Once Parallels Desktop launches, follow the prompts to set up Windows. This will install a virtualized version of Windows on your Chromebook.
2. The installation process may take several minutes depending on the size of the Windows image and your internet connection.

Step 4: Run Windows Apps on Chromebook

After setting up Parallels Desktop with a Windows VM, you can start running Windows applications on your Chromebook.

Step 4.1: Open Windows in Parallels Desktop

1. Open the Parallels Desktop app from your Launcher.
2. Click on the Windows virtual machine to start it.

Step 4.2: Install Windows Apps

1. Once Windows is running, you can install Windows apps just like you would on any Windows PC.
2. Use the Start menu to find and install applications such as Microsoft Office, Adobe software, or other Windows-exclusive programs.

Step 4.3: Launch Windows Apps from ChromeOS

1. Parallels Desktop allows seamless integration with ChromeOS. You can pin your favorite Windows apps directly to the ChromeOS shelf for easy access.
2. After installing a Windows app, it will appear in your Launcher under Windows apps.
3. Click on a Windows app from the Launcher or ChromeOS shelf to open it directly in the Parallels virtual machine.

Step 5: Manage Resources and Settings

To optimize performance and manage your Windows virtual machine:

Step 5.1: Adjust Parallels Settings

1. Open Parallels Desktop and click on the gear icon in the top-right corner to access settings.
2. Adjust resource allocation (CPU, memory, storage) for Windows, depending on your Chromebook’s capabilities.

Step 5.2: Save and Restore VM States

1. Parallels Desktop allows you to save the state of your virtual machine when you close Windows.
2. You can resume your Windows session at any time by opening Parallels Desktop again.

Step 6: Shut Down or Restart Windows

To safely shut down or restart Windows running in Parallels Desktop:

1. Open the Start menu in the Windows virtual machine.
2. Select Shut down or Restart as needed. Alternatively, you can close the Parallels Desktop window to suspend the VM.

Conclusion

Parallels Desktop for ChromeOS allows Chromebook users to run full-featured Windows applications without leaving the ChromeOS environment. By following this guide, you can set up Windows on your Chromebook and use essential Windows apps seamlessly alongside ChromeOS. This solution is ideal for enterprise users who need access to both Chrome and Windows environments.

How to Take a Screenshot on a Chromebook

Taking a screenshot on a Chromebook is simple and can be done in various ways depending on whether you want to capture the entire screen, a specific window, or just a portion of the screen. This guide will walk you through different methods for taking screenshots on a Chromebook.

Method 1: Take a Full-Screen Screenshot

To capture the entire screen on your Chromebook:

Step 1: Press the Keyboard Shortcut for Full-Screen Screenshot

1. Press Ctrl + Show Windows (the Show Windows key looks like a rectangle with two lines, located in the top row of the keyboard).
 
2. A screenshot of the entire screen will be captured and saved.

Step 2: Locate the Screenshot

1. After taking the screenshot, a notification will appear in the bottom-right corner of your screen, confirming that the screenshot was captured.
2. Screenshots are automatically saved in the Downloads folder. To access them, open the Files app and navigate to Downloads.

Method 2: Take a Partial Screenshot

If you only want to capture a portion of the screen:

Step 1: Press the Keyboard Shortcut for Partial Screenshot

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows.

2. Your screen will dim slightly, and the cursor will change to a crosshair.

Step 2: Select the Area to Capture

1. Click and drag your cursor to select the specific area of the screen you want to capture.
2. Once you release the mouse or touchpad button, the screenshot will be taken.

Step 3: Locate the Partial Screenshot

1. As with a full-screen screenshot, a notification will appear to confirm the screenshot.
2. The partial screenshot will be saved in the Downloads folder in the Files app.

Method 3: Take a Screenshot of a Specific Window

If you want to capture a specific window:

Step 1: Open the Screenshot Tool

1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Show Windows.
 
2. The screen capture toolbar will appear at the bottom of the screen.

Step 2: Select the Window to Capture

1. In the toolbar, click the Window capture option (it looks like a window icon).
2. Click on the window you want to capture, and the screenshot will be taken.

Step 3: Locate the Window Screenshot

1. A notification will confirm the screenshot, and the image will be saved in the Downloads folder.

Method 4: Use the Screen Capture Tool for Advanced Options

If you want more control over your screenshots, use the built-in screen capture tool:

Step 1: Open the Screen Capture Tool

1. Press Shift + Ctrl + Show Windows.
2. The screen capture toolbar will appear at the bottom of the screen.

Step 2: Choose Your Capture Mode

1. In the toolbar, you can select between full-screen capture, window capture, or partial capture.
2. You can also toggle between taking screenshots or recording videos of your screen.

Step 3: Capture the Screen

1. After selecting the capture mode, follow the prompts to take your screenshot.

Step 4: Locate the Screenshot

1. Your screenshot will be saved in the Downloads folder, just like other methods.

Method 5: Taking a Screenshot in Tablet Mode (For Convertible Chromebooks)

If you are using a Chromebook in tablet mode (i.e., with the keyboard folded back), you can use the following method:

Step 1: Take a Screenshot Using Tablet Mode Shortcut

1. Press the Power button + Volume down button simultaneously to capture the entire screen.

Step 2: Locate the Screenshot

1. The screenshot will be saved in the Downloads folder, and a confirmation will appear in the bottom-right corner.

Method 6: Screenshot with External Keyboard

If you are using an external keyboard without the "Show Windows" key, you can still take screenshots:

Step 1: Take a Screenshot with an External Keyboard

1. Press Ctrl + F5 for a full-screen screenshot.
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + F5 to capture a selected area of the screen.

Conclusion

Taking a screenshot on a Chromebook is quick and easy using keyboard shortcuts, the screen capture tool, or the physical buttons in tablet mode. By following this guide, you can capture full-screen, partial, or window-specific screenshots and locate them in your Downloads folder for further use.

How to Copy and Paste on a Chromebook

Copying and pasting text, images, or files on a Chromebook is an essential skill for boosting productivity. Chromebooks provide several ways to perform this task using keyboard shortcuts, the touchpad, or the context menu. This guide will walk you through the different methods of copying and pasting on a Chromebook.

Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Step 1: Select the Text or Item You Want to Copy

1. To copy text, click and drag your mouse cursor over the text to highlight it.
2. To copy an image or file, click on it once to select it.

Step 2: Copy the Selected Text, Image, or File

1. Press Ctrl + C on your keyboard to copy the selected item.
2. The selected text, image, or file will now be saved to your clipboard.

Step 3: Paste the Copied Text, Image, or File

1. Navigate to the location where you want to paste the copied content (this could be in a document, a folder, or another field).
2. Press Ctrl + V on your keyboard to paste the copied item.

Method 2: Using the Touchpad and Right-Click Menu

Step 1: Select the Text or Item You Want to Copy

1. To select text, click and drag your mouse over the text you want to copy.
2. To select a file or image, click on it once.

Step 2: Copy the Selected Item Using Right-Click

1. Tap the touchpad with two fingers (or right-click if using a mouse) to open the context menu.
2. From the menu, select Copy.

Step 3: Paste the Copied Item Using Right-Click

1. Navigate to the location where you want to paste the copied content.
2. Tap the touchpad with two fingers to open the context menu and select Paste.

Method 3: Copying and Pasting Files

Step 1: Open the Files App

1. Click on the Launcher in the bottom-left corner of the screen, then search for and open the Files app.
2. Locate the file(s) you want to copy.

Step 2: Copy the File(s)

1. Select the file or folder by clicking on it.
2. Press Ctrl + C to copy the file, or right-click on the file and choose Copy from the context menu.

Step 3: Paste the File(s)

1. Navigate to the folder where you want to paste the file(s).
2. Press Ctrl + V to paste the file, or right-click and select Paste from the context menu.

Method 4: Using the Clipboard History (Chrome OS 89 and Later)

Chromebooks running Chrome OS 89 or later have a clipboard history feature that allows you to access multiple items you’ve copied.

Step 1: Access Clipboard History

1. Press Search + V on your keyboard to open the clipboard history.
2. A pop-up window will appear showing the most recent items you’ve copied.

Step 2: Paste from Clipboard History

1. Click on the item you want to paste from the clipboard history.
2. The item will be pasted into the current location.

Method 5: Copying and Pasting Between Android Apps

On Chromebooks that support Android apps, you can copy and paste between Android apps and Chrome OS.

Step 1: Copy Content in an Android App

1. In an Android app (e.g., a text editing app), select the text or item you want to copy.
2. Tap and hold on the selected content and choose Copy from the pop-up menu.

Step 2: Paste into Chrome OS or Another Android App

1. Switch to Chrome OS or another Android app.
2. Use Ctrl + V or the right-click menu to paste the copied content.

Conclusion

Copying and pasting on a Chromebook is simple, whether you're using keyboard shortcuts, the touchpad, or accessing clipboard history. By following this guide, you can efficiently copy and paste text, images, and files on your Chromebook using a variety of methods to suit your needs.

How to Run Windows 10 on a Chromebook

Running Windows 10 on a Chromebook can provide access to Windows-exclusive apps and software that are not available on Chrome OS. While Chromebooks don't natively support Windows, you can run Windows 10 using a virtual machine, a USB drive, or a third-party tool. This guide will show you how to run Windows 10 on a Chromebook using different methods.

Method 1: Use Windows 10 on Chromebook via Virtual Machine (VM)

Running Windows 10 on a Chromebook through a virtual machine is a common method that requires enabling Linux (Beta) and setting up a virtual machine.

Step 1: Enable Linux (Beta) on Chromebook

1. Click the clock in the bottom-right corner of your screen, then click on the Settings gear icon.
2. Scroll down the left sidebar and click on Developers.
3. Under Linux development environment (Beta), click Turn on.
4. Follow the setup instructions, choose the amount of disk space for Linux, and click Install.

Step 2: Install Virtual Machine Software

1. After Linux is set up, open the Terminal from the Launcher (click the circle icon and search for Terminal).
2. To install the QEMU and Virt-Manager virtual machine tools, type the following command in the Terminal:

 

Quote:Note: Installing Windows 10 via USB may require replacing the Chrome OS operating system and could void your warranty. Proceed with caution.

How to Run Linux Apps on a Chromebook

Running Linux apps on a Chromebook expands the functionality of your device by allowing you to use powerful Linux-based software and tools. Chrome OS supports a built-in Linux (Beta) feature that enables you to install and run Linux apps alongside your regular Chrome apps. This guide will show you how to enable Linux on your Chromebook and install Linux apps.

Step 1: Check Linux (Beta) Compatibility

Before enabling Linux on your Chromebook, ensure that your device supports the Linux (Beta) feature.

1. Click the clock in the bottom-right corner of your screen to open the system tray, then click on the Settings gear icon.
2. In the Settings menu, scroll down the left sidebar and click on About Chrome OS.
3. Check for updates to ensure that your Chromebook is running the latest version of Chrome OS, as Linux (Beta) is available on newer models and updates.

Step 2: Enable Linux (Beta) on Your Chromebook

If your Chromebook supports Linux (Beta), you can enable it from the Settings menu:

1. Open the Settings menu by clicking the clock in the bottom-right corner, then clicking the Settings gear icon.
2. Scroll down the left sidebar and click on Developers.
3. Under the Linux development environment (Beta) section, click Turn on.
4. A setup window will appear. Click Next to begin the installation process.
5. Choose the amount of disk space to allocate for Linux, then click Install. This process may take a few minutes.

Step 3: Open the Linux Terminal

Once Linux (Beta) is installed, the Linux Terminal app will appear in your app launcher:

1. Open the Launcher by clicking the circle icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
2. Search for Terminal in the Launcher and click on it to open the Linux Terminal.

Step 4: Update Linux and Install Linux Apps

Now that Linux is enabled, you can update your Linux environment and start installing Linux apps.

Step 4.1: Update Linux

1. In the Linux Terminal, type the following command to update your Linux packages:

 

How to Back Up and Restore a Chromebook

Chromebooks are designed to automatically sync important data to your Google account, making it easy to back up and restore your settings, files, and apps. However, there are additional steps you can take to ensure a complete backup of your data. This guide will walk you through how to back up and restore your Chromebook efficiently.

Step 1: Ensure Google Account Sync is Enabled

Chromebooks sync most of your data (such as apps, bookmarks, settings, and passwords) to your Google account. To verify that sync is enabled:

1. Click on the clock in the bottom-right corner of your screen to open the system tray, then click on the Settings gear icon.
2. In the Settings menu, select You and Google on the left panel.
3. Click on Sync and Google services.
4. Make sure that Sync everything is turned on, or manually select which items you want to sync, such as Apps, Extensions, Bookmarks, Wi-Fi settings, etc.
5. All the selected data will be synced to your Google account, ensuring it is backed up to the cloud.

Step 2: Back Up Files to Google Drive

While Chrome OS syncs data like settings and apps, your local files (such as documents and downloads) are not automatically backed up. To manually back up your files:

1. Open the Files app on your Chromebook by clicking the Launcher and selecting Files.
2. Locate the files or folders you want to back up from the Downloads folder or any other local storage location.
3. Right-click on the file or folder and select Move to, then choose Google Drive as the destination.
4. Your files will now be uploaded to Google Drive, ensuring they are safe and can be restored on any device linked to your Google account.

Quote:Tip: You can install the Google Drive app to easily manage and organize your backups in the cloud.

How to Remote Desktop into a Chromebook

Remotely accessing your Chromebook can be useful for troubleshooting, managing files, or using apps from another device. While Chromebooks don’t natively support remote desktop connections like Windows or macOS, you can use Chrome Remote Desktop or a third-party app to remote into your Chromebook from another computer. This guide will show you how to set up and use Chrome Remote Desktop to access a Chromebook.

Method 1: Using Chrome Remote Desktop

Chrome Remote Desktop is a free tool that allows you to remotely access your Chromebook or any other device running the Chrome browser.

Step 1: Install Chrome Remote Desktop on Your Chromebook

1. On your Chromebook, open the Chrome browser.
2. Go to the Chrome Remote Desktop web page: https://remotedesktop.google.com/.
3. Click Set up remote access under Remote Access.
4. You will be prompted to install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension from the Chrome Web Store. Click Add to Chrome to install the extension.
5. Once the extension is installed, click Accept & Install to enable remote access.

Step 2: Set Up Remote Access on Your Chromebook

1. After installing the extension, you will need to set up a name for your Chromebook to identify it when accessing remotely. Enter a name for your device and click Next.
2. Set up a PIN (at least 6 digits) to secure your remote sessions. You will need this PIN to connect to the Chromebook from another device.
3. Click Start to enable remote connections to your Chromebook.

Step 3: Access Your Chromebook from Another Computer

1. On your other computer, open the Chrome browser and go to https://remotedesktop.google.com/access.
2. Under Remote Devices, you will see a list of available devices. Click on your Chromebook's name.
3. Enter the PIN you set earlier and click Connect.
4. You are now connected to your Chromebook remotely and can control it as if you were sitting in front of it.

Step 4: Disconnect the Remote Session

1. To end the remote session, simply close the browser window or tab with the remote desktop connection.
2. You can also disconnect from the remote Chromebook by clicking the Stop Sharing button at the bottom-right corner of the screen on the Chromebook.

Method 2: Using a Third-Party App (Optional)

If you prefer using a third-party tool, there are several remote desktop solutions compatible with Chromebooks, such as TeamViewer and AnyDesk. These apps offer similar functionality to Chrome Remote Desktop but may provide additional features, such as file transfers or remote printing.

Step 1: Install a Third-Party Remote Desktop App

1. Go to the Google Play Store on your Chromebook and search for a remote desktop app such as TeamViewer or AnyDesk.
2. Install the app on your Chromebook.

Step 2: Set Up the Remote Desktop App

1. Open the installed app and follow the setup instructions provided by the app.
2. You will typically be given a unique ID or code that you can use to connect to your Chromebook from another device.

Step 3: Connect to Your Chromebook from Another Device

1. On your remote device, download and install the corresponding remote desktop app (such as TeamViewer or AnyDesk).
2. Enter the unique ID or code provided by your Chromebook.
3. Enter any required password or PIN, and you will be connected to your Chromebook remotely.

Step 5: Secure Remote Access (Optional)

To secure your remote desktop connection:

1. Always use a strong and unique PIN or password to secure your connection.
2. Ensure that you only allow remote access from trusted devices.
3. Disconnect from the session when you're done using remote access.

Conclusion

Using Chrome Remote Desktop or a third-party remote desktop app, you can easily access and control your Chromebook from another computer. By following this guide, you can set up remote access, allowing you to manage files, apps, and more on your Chromebook from anywhere.

How to Add a New User Account on a Chromebook

Adding a new user account on a Chromebook allows multiple users to share the device, each with their own personalized apps, settings, and files. This guide will show you how to add a new user account on a Chromebook and set it up for easy use.

Step 1: Sign Out of Your Current Account

1. Click on the clock in the bottom-right corner of the screen to open the system tray.
2. Click on your profile icon.
3. From the menu that appears, click on Sign out.
4. You will be taken to the login screen.

Step 2: Start Adding a New User

1. On the login screen, you will see the option to add another user at the bottom left of the screen.
2. Click the Add Person button.

Step 3: Sign In with a Google Account

1. If the new user already has a Google account, they can sign in with their existing email and password.
2. If the new user does not have a Google account, click More options and select Create account to set up a new Google account.
3. Follow the prompts to enter the account credentials or create a new Google account.

Step 4: Set Up the New Account

Once the new user logs in or creates a new account:

1. Sync Settings: The new user will be prompted to enable or disable Google Sync, which syncs bookmarks, passwords, apps, and other settings across devices signed in with their Google account.
2. Google Play Store Permissions: The new user will also be asked to enable Google Play Store access, allowing them to download Android apps if supported by the Chromebook.
3. Data Sharing: The user can choose whether to allow data sharing with Google for personalized recommendations.

Step 5: Customize the New User Account

1. After completing the setup, the new user can customize their profile by selecting a profile picture, changing the wallpaper, or adjusting system settings.
2. The new user’s apps, settings, and files will be kept separate from the other users on the Chromebook.

Step 6: Switch Between User Accounts

To switch between user accounts without signing out:

1. Click on the clock in the bottom-right corner to open the system tray.
2. Click on your profile icon.
3. From the menu, select Switch user.
4. Choose the account you want to switch to, and enter the password if necessary.

Step 7: Remove a User Account (Optional)

If you need to remove a user account from the Chromebook:

1. On the login screen, click on the profile of the user you want to remove.
2. Click the down arrow next to the user name.
3. Click on Remove this user, then confirm the action. The account and all associated data will be removed from the Chromebook.

Conclusion

Adding a new user account to a Chromebook is an easy and convenient way to share the device among multiple users while keeping individual settings and files separate. By following this guide, you can quickly set up new user accounts, manage switching between them, and customize each user’s experience.

How to Use Your Chromebook's Task Manager

The Task Manager on a Chromebook allows you to view and manage running processes, check system resource usage, and force-stop unresponsive apps. It's a useful tool for optimizing your Chromebook’s performance and troubleshooting issues. This guide will show you how to open and use the Task Manager on your Chromebook.

Step 1: Open the Task Manager

There are several ways to open the Task Manager on a Chromebook:

Method 1: Using the Keyboard Shortcut

1. Press Search + Esc on your keyboard.
2. The Task Manager window will open, showing all running processes.

Method 2: Using Chrome Menu

1. Open the Chrome browser.
2. Click the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner.
3. Go to More tools and select Task manager.
4. The Task Manager will open.

Step 2: Understand the Task Manager Layout

The Task Manager on your Chromebook displays a list of processes that are currently running, along with important information about them:

- Task: The name of the running application or process.
- Memory footprint: The amount of memory (RAM) being used by the process.
- CPU: The percentage of CPU (processor) power the task is using.
- Network: The amount of network bandwidth the process is using.
- Process ID (PID): The unique identifier for each process.

You can click on any of the column headers (such as CPU, Memory footprint, or Network) to sort the tasks based on the specific resource usage.

Step 3: End Unresponsive or Resource-Heavy Processes

If you notice that an app is using too many resources or has become unresponsive, you can force it to close using the Task Manager.

Step 3.1: Identify the Process

1. In the Task Manager window, scroll through the list of running processes to find the one you want to end.
2. You can check the CPU or Memory footprint columns to identify processes that are using too many resources.

Step 3.2: End the Process

1. Click on the task you want to stop.
2. Once the process is selected, click the End process button at the bottom-right corner of the Task Manager window.
3. The selected process will be immediately terminated.

Step 4: Monitor System Resource Usage

The Chromebook Task Manager is also useful for monitoring system resources like CPU and memory usage. This can help you identify apps that are consuming excessive resources and optimize your system performance.

1. Keep an eye on the CPU and Memory footprint columns to monitor how much of your system’s resources are being used by each process.
2. If an app is consistently using a large amount of CPU or memory, consider closing it or restarting the app to improve performance.

Step 5: Additional Options in Task Manager

You can view more information about running processes by right-clicking (or tapping with two fingers) on any column header. This will bring up additional metrics you can enable, such as:

- GPU memory: Shows how much memory is being used by the graphics processing unit (GPU).
- Shared memory: Displays memory shared between different processes.
- Handles: Displays the number of handles (resources such as files and registry keys) opened by each process.

Check the boxes next to these additional options to include them in the Task Manager display.

Step 6: Close Task Manager

Once you have finished using the Task Manager:

1. Click the X button in the top-right corner of the Task Manager window to close it.
2. Alternatively, press Search + Esc again to close the Task Manager.

Conclusion

The Task Manager on your Chromebook is a powerful tool for monitoring and managing system processes. Whether you're troubleshooting unresponsive apps or checking resource usage, the Task Manager provides you with the information and control you need to optimize your device’s performance. By following this guide, you can effectively use the Task Manager to improve your Chromebook's efficiency.

How to Use Virtual Desktops on a Chromebook

Virtual desktops (also known as "Desks") on Chromebooks allow you to organize your workspace by creating multiple desktops, each with its own set of open apps and windows. This feature helps you stay organized and improve productivity by separating tasks across different desktops. Here’s how to use virtual desktops on a Chromebook.

Step 1: Access Overview Mode

Step 1.1: Open Overview Mode

1. Press Overview key (the key that looks like a rectangle with two lines) on your Chromebook’s keyboard, or swipe up with three fingers on the touchpad.
2. This will bring up Overview Mode, showing all your open windows and any virtual desktops.

Step 1.2: Add a New Virtual Desktop

1. At the top of the Overview screen, you will see a row of virtual desktops (called "Desks").
2. Click on the + New desk button to create a new virtual desktop.
3. You can create up to 8 virtual desktops.

Step 2: Switch Between Virtual Desktops

Step 2.1: Switch Using Overview Mode

1. Press the Overview key or swipe up with three fingers to enter Overview Mode.
2. At the top, click on the virtual desktop (desk) you want to switch to.

Step 2.2: Switch Using Keyboard Shortcuts

1. You can quickly switch between virtual desktops without entering Overview Mode by using the following keyboard shortcuts:
  - Press Search + ] (right bracket) to move to the next virtual desktop.
  - Press Search + [ (left bracket) to move to the previous virtual desktop.

Step 2.3: Switch Using Touchpad Gestures

1. Swipe left or right with four fingers on your touchpad to move between virtual desktops.

Step 3: Move Windows Between Virtual Desktops

Step 3.1: Move Windows Using Overview Mode

1. Press the Overview key or swipe up with three fingers to enter Overview Mode.
2. Drag a window from one desktop and drop it onto another virtual desktop at the top of the screen.
3. You can also right-click on a window in Overview Mode and select Move window to desk X to move it to a specific virtual desktop.

Step 3.2: Open a New Window in a Specific Virtual Desktop

1. Open a virtual desktop by switching to it (using Overview Mode or the keyboard shortcuts).
2. Open any app or window while on that virtual desktop, and it will be confined to that specific desktop.

Step 4: Rename Virtual Desktops

1. Enter Overview Mode by pressing the Overview key or swiping up with three fingers.
2. Click on the name of the virtual desktop at the top of the screen (by default, it will be named "Desk 1", "Desk 2", etc.).
3. Type a new name for the virtual desktop, such as "Work", "School", or "Personal", and press Enter.

Step 5: Close a Virtual Desktop

1. Open Overview Mode by pressing the Overview key or swiping up with three fingers.
2. Click the X button on any virtual desktop at the top of the screen to close it.
3. All open windows on that virtual desktop will automatically move to the next available desktop.

Step 6: Use Virtual Desktops for Productivity

- Organize Tasks: You can use different virtual desktops to separate tasks, such as one for work, one for personal browsing, and another for entertainment.
- Minimize Clutter: Keep apps and windows neatly organized by dedicating specific desktops to particular tasks.
- Switch Workspaces Quickly: Use the keyboard shortcuts or gestures to move between different desktops without losing focus.

Conclusion

Using virtual desktops on a Chromebook is a great way to boost productivity by organizing your apps and windows across multiple workspaces. By following this guide, you can easily create, switch between, and manage virtual desktops, helping you stay focused and efficient.