Installing a progressive web app (PWA) on Chromebook

Question

I'm developing a PWA that already works fine as such on Desktop and Android. On Android, it can be installed on the home screen and runs offline.

I would expect that this makes the app installable on Chromebook as well, allowing the app icon to be installed into the task bar, for example, without the need for a dedicated "Chrome App" (since I see non technical reason for that).

However, I can't find a way to install my app manually on my Chromebook (Chrome OS 54) - there does not seem to be any "install" command in the menu.

Is this simply not supported (why?) or does this require special settings in the manifest or something?

Answer 1

I think the equivalent, for now, of installing a progressive web app on a chrome book, is to select More Tools from the "Customize and Control" button (three vertical dots lately) and select Add to Shelf. Check the "Open as Window" option.

Answer 2

Based on Google Support documentation[https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/2588006?hl=en], you should be able to install apps or extension in your browser window as buttons on the toolbar.

Try to install apps to your chromebook using steps below:

• Open the Chrome Web Store.
• In the left column, click Apps or Extensions.
• Browse or search for what you'd like to add.
• When you find an app or extension you'd like to add, click Add to Chrome.

• If you're adding an extension:

• Review the types of data that the extension will be able to access.

• Click Install.

You'll see your apps in your launcher, and your extensions in your browser window as buttons on the toolbar.

Note: You can't add apps or extensions if you're browsing as a guest.