Before 2020, who had heard of Zoom? It wasn’t even a word to describe video calls! Thanks to the global pandemic, Zoom became a must-have app for staying in touch, both at work and with family and friends. But the question many people still ask is, can my Chromebook run Zoom?
Yes, your Chromebook can run Zoom. In fact, Zoom is compatible with almost every device out there, which is one reason for its massive popularity. Not only is Zoom free, but it’s also very easy to use.
Since Zoom works on most devices, let’s look at how to install Zoom on a Chromebook and what you can expect when using it.
Zoom For Chrome OS
To give Chromebook users a better experience, Zoom has created the Zoom Progressive Web App (PWA). This app offers more features and better functionality specifically for Chromebooks. Let’s break that down a bit.
What is a Progressive Web App (PWA)?
A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a type of app that works through your web browser but feels like a native desktop app. It’s faster, has more features, and takes up less storage space—ideal for Chromebooks, which typically have limited storage.
PWAs provide the best of both worlds: they behave like apps but still run through your browser. And, just like regular apps, PWAs are automatically updated with new versions and features.
How to download and install Zoom on a Chromebook
Now that we know a Chromebook can run Zoom, let’s go through the steps to install it.
- Open the Google Play Store on your Chromebook.
- Search for “Zoom PWA” or “Zoom for Chrome PWA”.
- Alternatively, you can click this link to go straight to the Play Store page.
- Click the green “Install” button to download the app.
- Once installed, log in or sign up, and you’re all set to use Zoom!
Zoom PWA Features for Chromebook
Zoom PWA offers many of the same features as Zoom for Windows, Mac, or mobile devices. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can do with the Zoom PWA on your Chromebook:
- Customizable Gallery View (on supported machines)
- Self-select Breakout Rooms
- Live transcription
- Live translation (with assigned interpreters)
- New background masking for privacy
- Raised hand and meeting reactions
Zoom is always adding new features, so using Zoom on a Chromebook means you won’t miss out on any major functionality!
FAQ
If Zoom isn’t working, it’s likely that you’re using an outdated version. Try installing the latest version of Zoom for Chrome PWA, which should resolve most issues.
Yes, but it depends on your Chromebook’s specifications. The Zoom PWA supports virtual backgrounds, but if your device isn’t powerful enough, this feature may not be available. You can try enabling a background by going into Zoom’s settings, but it may only work on newer Chromebooks.
Yes, Zoom offers a free version that you can use on your Chromebook. With the free version, you can host meetings with up to 100 participants for 40 minutes. If you need more time or advanced features, you can look into Zoom’s paid plans.
Absolutely! Screen sharing works perfectly on a Chromebook. During a Zoom meeting, simply click on the “Share Screen” button at the bottom of the meeting window, and choose which window or application you want to share.
Yes, you can use Zoom directly through the web browser without downloading the app. Just go to the Zoom website and join a meeting by entering the meeting ID. However, using the Zoom PWA app provides a smoother experience with more features optimized for Chromebooks.