By default, Chromebooks come with Google Chrome as the primary browser, which makes sense given it’s in the name. But if you’re looking to shake things up or simply prefer a different experience, the Opera browser is a great alternative. Whether you’re drawn to its built-in VPN, ad blocker, or sleek design, installing Opera on your Chromebook is quick and easy.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to download, install, and set Opera as your default browser on a Chromebook. Let’s get started!
Install Opera on Chromebook
The Opera browser is available on all major operating systems, including Chromebook. We have a dedicated version of the Opera browser for Chromebooks, and you can easily download and install it from the official website or the Google Play Store.
However, to install the Opera browser, your Chromebook must support Android applications, and you’ll need to enable the Google Play Store on your device.
Once that’s done, follow these steps to download and use Opera:
1. Open the Google Chrome browser on your Chromebook.
2. Go to opera.com/download.
3. You’ll see a section mentioning that Opera is available for Chromebooks. Click the Get it on Google Play button.
4. This will open the Google Play Store. Click the Install button next to Opera and wait for the installation process to finish.
5. Once installed, you can open Opera anytime from your App Launcher. Just click the circle icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen, search for Opera, and launch it from there.
If you plan to use Opera regularly, pinning it to your shelf makes launching it a breeze. Right-click on the Opera icon and select Pin to shelf from the menu. You’ll now see Opera permanently on your shelf for one-click access.
Note: You can also install Opera directly from the Play Store. Just open the Play Store, search for Opera, and install it from there.
Make Opera the Default Browser on Chromebook
If you’ve installed the Opera browser on your Chromebook, you might notice that Google Chrome is still the default for opening links and web apps. That’s because ChromeOS doesn’t automatically switch your default browser when you install a new one. But if you’d rather use Opera for your daily browsing, here’s how to make the switch.
1. Open the Opera browser.
2. Click the user icon in the bottom-right corner and select Settings.
3. In the Settings menu, scroll down until you see the Browser section.
4. Under the Browser section, click on Default Browser, then click Next, this will open your Chromebook’s Default Apps window.
5. Choose Opera from the list, and it will now be set as your default browser on your Chromebook.
Use Opera on Chromebook
That’s it! You’ve successfully installed and started using Opera on your Chromebook. The Opera Browser on Chromebook is actually the Android version, but it’s been optimized to work better in a desktop-like environment. This means the interface will look a bit different compared to the full desktop version you might be used to on Windows or macOS. Still, you get many of the same great features, like a built-in ad blocker, free VPN, and a sleek, customizable layout.
Keep in mind that, since it’s running as an Android app, there might be some limitations compared to the full desktop version, especially when it comes to advanced extensions or developer tools. But for everyday browsing, Opera on a Chromebook is fast, smooth, and surprisingly versatile.
