For administrators who manage ChromeOS devices for a business or school.
In January 2024, Chrome Web Store moved to a new URL, https://chromewebstore.google.com/. As an administrator who uses the Google Admin console to manage ChromeOS devices and Chrome policies, how you force install apps and extensions on managed devices remains unchanged. However, installing Chrome apps or extensions from the new Chrome Web Store requires ChromeOS version 109 or later. To learn about version management, go to Manage updates on ChromeOS devices.
Common questions
Can Chrome apps and extensions be installed on unmanaged devices with ChromeOS version 108 or earlier?
No.
Can Chrome apps and extensions be installed on managed devices with ChromeOS version 108 or earlier?
Yes. But only by administrators who use the Admin console to manage Chrome policies and force install apps and extensions.
What happened with ChromeOS version 109? And why can't users with ChromeOS version 108 or earlier install Chrome apps or extensions on managed devices directly from Chrome Web Store?
ChromeOS version 109 introduced a new Chrome Web Store certificate that is required by Chrome Web Store. The new certificate is a Google certificate that is included in the OS image by Google and secured with secure boot. As an admin, you can’t make changes or install the new certificate for security reasons.
Can users install Chrome apps and extensions on managed devices with ChromeOS version 109 or later?
Yes. So long as the policies that you set allow users to install apps and extensions. However, Chrome apps are no longer searchable in the Chrome Web Store Chrome, so users need the app’s direct link.
I have a direct link to a Chrome app. Will it work?
Yes. Direct links to all available apps continue to resolve. Google is not removing any existing Chrome app from Chrome Web Store.
Can I use the Admin console to search for Chrome apps?
Yes. You can continue to search for and force install Chrome apps in the Admin console.
Can users search for Chrome apps in the new Chrome Web Store?
No. The new Chrome Web Store doesn't have a Chrome app landing page and searches for Chrome apps are not supported.