A lot of “apps” you wish existed on your Chromebook — a distraction-free version of a web tool, a site you visit daily — already do, if you install them as a Progressive Web App (PWA). PWAs run in their own window, live in your launcher, and can be pinned to the shelf like any native app.
What a PWA gives you over a bookmark
- Opens in its own window without browser tabs, bookmarks bar, or address bar clutter.
- Appears in the ChromeOS launcher and can be pinned to the shelf.
- Loads faster than a regular tab and can support offline access, depending on the site.
- Can send its own notifications, separate from your general Chrome notifications.
How to install a PWA
- Open the website in Chrome.
- Look at the right side of the address bar for an install icon — a small monitor with a down-arrow, or a “+” inside a circle depending on your ChromeOS version.
- If you don’t see the icon, click the three-dot menu, then look for Install [site name] or Cast, save, and share → Install page as app.
- Click Install in the confirmation prompt.
- The app opens automatically in its own window and is added to your launcher.
Not every website qualifies — a site needs to meet certain technical requirements (a web app manifest, HTTPS, a service worker) to be installable. If you never see an install icon on a given site, that site simply isn’t set up as a PWA.
How to pin an installed PWA to the shelf
- Open the PWA from your launcher.
- Right-click its icon on the shelf while it’s open.
- Select Pin to keep it on the shelf permanently.
For more shelf organization tips, see how to customize and pin apps to the shelf.
How to uninstall a PWA
- Open the launcher and find the app.
- Right-click (or long-press on touch) the app icon.
- Select Uninstall or Remove.
Still not working?
- No install icon appears. The site may not be a valid PWA, or you may need to reload the page — the icon sometimes takes a moment to appear after the page fully loads.
- Installed app won’t open. Try uninstalling and reinstalling the PWA, and confirm you’re signed into the correct Chrome profile.
- App is missing from the launcher after a Powerwash or account switch. PWAs are tied to your Google account’s Chrome sync — reinstall them, or check how sync works across devices.
FAQ
Do PWAs take up storage space like native apps?
Very little — PWAs mostly cache site assets locally, so they’re typically much smaller than an Android app doing the same job.
Can I install a PWA from the Play Store instead?
Some services publish both a PWA and a full Android app on the Play Store — if a Play Store version exists, it usually offers more features, but the PWA is lighter and installs faster.
Do PWAs work offline?
It depends on the site. Sites that implement a service worker for offline caching will keep working without internet; others require a connection every time.
