You’ve decided to try a Chromebook, have you? Maybe you’re sick of Windows or macOS. Or maybe your old laptop died and you wanted a budget-friendly replacement . I personally think Chromebooks are great for everyday use and exception value for the money.
But to get the most out of a Chromebook, you need to set it up properly and optimize the settings to fit your specific needs and wants. After you’ve signed in with your Google account and gone through the first-boot walkthrough, there are several extra steps I recommend taking to make sure your Chromebook experience is good as it can be.
These are the essential initial actions for anyone new to or trying out a Chromebook for the first time; however, feel free to omit any that seem irrelevant to your situation.
Discover and obtain beneficial applications.
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The initial step you should take is to obtain some applications for your system! Even though utilizing multiple browser tabs to access your preferred online services might suffice, these services often come with dedicated apps. If such apps are available, consider downloading and installing them for added ease and efficiency.
Your Chromebook ought to have several Google applications installed from the start, such as Chrome, Gmail, and YouTube. However, if you wish to add more, just open the Google Play Store and look up the desired apps. Otherwise, browse through popular apps, highlighted selections, and various app sections.
Contemporary Chromebooks support the installation of Android applications, which means you ought to be capable of installing nearly every app available on the Google Play Store. (An exception would apply if your device is an older version of a Chromebook.) Numerous Chromebooks possess this capability. also execute Linux applications directly However, this necessitates a greater understanding of technical skills and comfort with using the command line.
When it comes to gaming, that's an entirely different topic that goes beyond the scope of this article. I suggest looking into it separately. our overview of the advantages and disadvantages of gaming on a Chromebook .
Link your Chromebook to your Android smartphone
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ChromeOS enables you to link your Chromebook to your Android smartphone, offering numerous advantages such as unlocking your Chromebook using your phone, accessing your phone’s data plan through your Chromebook, composing and reading texts directly from your Chromebook, along with synchronizing message alerts and photo updates across both devices.
If you missed linking your Chromebook to your phone during the initial setup, you can still do so afterward. Simply head over to the settings. Settings > Connected devices and look for Android phone . Then, click Set up and follow the on-screen instructions.
Keep in mind that the settings for ChromeOS are distinct from those of the Chrome browser! You can locate the former in the lower right corner of the ChromeOS desktop, whereas the latter can be accessed via the three-dot menu located at the upper right corner of the browser itself.
Choose a theme, background image, and screen lock pattern
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If you enjoy personalizing the appearance of your everyday devices, be aware that you have the option to modify the theme, background image, and screen saver on your Chromebook. To do this, simply right-click anywhere on your desktop surface and choose from the options provided. Wallpaper and style , or navigating to Settings > Wallpaper and Style > Choose your wallpaper and theme .
When selecting wallpapers, you can opt for various categories such as landscapes, art pieces, or even photos stored in your Google Photos account. You may decide to select a single image to use, update the current wallpaper, or activate the "Rotate Daily" feature.
There are only a few style options available, or alternatively, you can select accent colors that complement the present wallpaper. Additionally, you may pick between light mode and dark mode, or let the system adjust automatically according to the time of day when using your Chromebook.
When selecting a screensaver, you have options for the type of animation, where images come from, as well as the duration it displays during your device’s charge time.
Arrange your home screen rack
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The homepage of ChromeOS is intentionally streamlined. Besides the background image, all functionalities can be reached through the "shelf." This area includes an application starter, favorite applications, important files, a basic calendar, along with easy navigation to the ChromeOS options and configurations.
To ensure your ChromeOS experience is enjoyable, consider customizing the shelf. A straightforward approach is to pin the applications you frequently use and rearrange them according to what best suits your preferences and requirements.
If you right-click on the shelf, you’ll be able to choose between Always show shelf (i.e., the shelf will remain visible at all times no matter what you’re doing) and Autohide shelf For instance, the shelf will vanish when ChromeOS determines it's no longer needed. Additionally, you have the option to relocate the shelf from the bottom to either the left or right side of your screen.
Adjust your privacy and security settings
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The first thing you should definitely do when you get a new Chromebook is set up your privacy and security settings. To start this process, click the Settings From the menu located at the lower-right edge of the desktop, select the cog icon, then click. Privacy and security .
You ought to find the ability to modify your "Privacy settings," check and control "Sync and Google services," fine-tune your "Lock screen and sign-in" preferences, and so forth. It would be wise to go through each one individually until you're satisfied with your choices.
Here are some of the included security features that provide Chromebooks are incredibly secure right from the start. .
Create extra login profiles
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Initially, you will have just one user account set up on your Chromebook linked to your primary Google account. Nevertheless, you have the option to create extra accounts for yourself or include new individuals—like family members who might be sharing the device—to access their own profiles on the same Chromebook.
To add your own account, simply click. Settings > Accounts , and then tapping Add Google Account You can toggle among different profiles (such as one dedicated to professional use and another for personal activities) to keep your work and leisure time distinct. These profiles operate independently, each containing its individual set of information like applications, saved links, online tools, and more.
Child user accounts are particularly beneficial as they allow parents to set up control measures, restricting the amount of time spent on screens and blocking certain webpages.
Discover how to utilize Guest browsing mode
If you wish to provide temporary access to your Chromebook without setting up an additional user account, consider using the Guest browsing feature. Here’s how: Sign out to reach the login screen where you will find the option for Guest browsing. Browse as Guest at the bottom.
Exploring in guest mode is ideal for sporadic and infrequent usage since all data generated during those sessions will be cleared once the guest browsing mode is exited. However, if this person plans to utilize your Chromebook regularly—be it every week or month—it would be better to create an account for them instead (refer above instructions).
Enable pertinent accessibility options
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Chrome OS comes with a variety of accessibility features. Settings > Accessibility The features encompass a text-to-speech screen reader, an extensive full-screen magnification tool, voice input capabilities, along with the ability to operate your Chromebook using head gestures and facial expressions.
Even if you don't have a specific medical condition that necessitates using these accessibility options, it's beneficial to examine them thoroughly. Many of these tools simply add convenience and can enhance your overall experience with the device.
Adjust your power settings
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Last but not least is the need to adjust your power settings. To access them, click Settings > System Preferences > Energy Saver Here, you have the option to turn on or off the "Battery saver" and "Adaptive charging" features, along with setting your device to enter sleep mode when the lid is closed.
You can also adjust what happens under two different scenarios: “While inactive and plugged in” and “While inactive and on battery.” The options being “Sleep,” “Turn off display,” and “Keep display on.” I’ve set mine to Sleep at every opportunity to preserve my Chromebook’s battery.