If you’re using a Chromebook, things just got a whole lot more interesting. Google has officially rolled out a brand-new App Store experience, and no, we’re not talking about the Play Store you already know. This one’s built specifically for ChromeOS.
That’s right, Chromebooks now have a dedicated App Store that brings everything together in one place. Instead of bouncing between the Play Store and web searches just to find the app you need, the new App Store gives you a central hub for installing Android apps and web apps (PWAs).
Why This Matters
Let’s be real, finding the right version of an app on a Chromebook used to feel like a scavenger hunt. Some apps were only available as PWAs, while others needed the Play Store.
With this new App Store, you get smarter recommendations based on your device and how you use it. Searching for a photo editor? It’ll suggest a mix of Android apps and web tools – all side by side – with install buttons ready to go.
How to Access the New App Store
Good news: you don’t need to do anything fancy to get it. If your Chromebook is updated to ChromeOS version 132 or later, you should see the new App Store icon in the app drawer or on the Chromebook shelf.
If you’re not seeing it yet, simply open Settings, click on About ChromeOS, and check for updates. Make sure to update your Chromebook to the latest available version.
The new App Store on Chromebooks brings several useful features that make finding and installing apps much easier. You’ll find curated app collections, neatly organized into categories ranging from productivity to gaming. The improved search functionality lets you type in something like ‘video editor’ and see cross-platform options, not just results from the Play Store. App previews give you a quick look at what each app does before you install it, eliminating the guesswork. And with one-click installation, getting new apps onto your device is faster and more seamless than ever.
Here’s how you can use it:
1. Click on the App Launcher icon, then find and open the Apps & Games app.
2. Search for the app you want to install.
3. Choose your preferred installation option – to install the PWA version, click Install from Web, and to install the Android version, click Get from Google Play.
Try the New App Store on ChromeOS
Honestly, it was previously available within the Explore app, under a section called Apps & Games in the sidebar. Now, Google has separated it from Explore and made it a standalone platform.
We’ve tested it out, and it feels polished. It’s cleaner, faster, and just makes more sense. So go on, update your Chromebook, check it out, and enjoy the upgrade.
