Use Progressive Web Apps

A Progressive Web App (PWA) is an app built for the web that provides an experience similar to a mobile app. PWAs are fast and offer many of the features available on mobile devices. For example, they can work offline and send notifications.

You can use PWAs for a fast web experience on your computer or mobile device. You can install a PWA for faster access and extra functionality, like more storage for content to browse offline.

Tip: Even though PWAs are designed to work offline, some may not fully work without a connection.

Install a PWA

  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. Go to a website you want to install.
  3. At the top right of the address bar, click Install .
  4. Follow the onscreen instructions to install the PWA.

Tip: Some apps offer shortcuts to features. To find a list of app shortcuts, right-click the PWA on the taskbar.

Uninstall a PWA

Uninstall from a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer
  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. Go to a website you want to uninstall.
  3. At the top right, click More More and then Uninstall [app name].
  4. Click Remove.
    • To delete app data from Chrome, select "Also delete data from Chrome."

Tip: You can also manage PWAs through chrome://apps.

Uninstall from a Chromebook
  1. In your launcher, right-click on the PWA's icon and select Uninstall.
  2. To clear data, choose Also clear browsing data.
    • If you clear browsing data, all site-related data is also removed in Chrome. The next time you visit the site, you'll need to sign in again.
  3. Select Uninstall.

Accept or deny app name updates

Google Chrome notifies you about app updates when the app wants to update its name below its icon on your screen.

You can choose whether you want to accept the update or uninstall the app.

Important: When a change is drastic, like a name change to resemble a different app, it might be a malicious change by the developer. If you think that’s the case, uninstall the app.

  • To accept the change: Click OK.
  • To uninstall the app: Click Uninstall app.

Manage your apps in Chrome

Create shortcuts for apps

If you're on Windows, Mac, or Linux, you can create shortcuts to open apps faster. You can put these shortcuts on your desktop or menus.

  1. In a new tab, open chrome://apps.
  2. Right-click the app you want to create a shortcut for.
  3. Select Create shortcut.
  4. Choose where you want to see shortcuts on your computer.
  5. Click Create.
Start apps when you sign in

You can set up your apps to automatically launch when you sign in to Windows, Mac, or Linux.

  1. Navigate to chrome://apps.
  2. To open the menu, right-click on an app, like Google Maps. 
  3. Select Start App When you Sign in.

Tip: To turn off this feature, right-click the app and deselect Start App When you Sign in.

Manage PWA settings

  1. Click on the app in your dock or desktop.
  2. At the top right of the app window, click More Organize.
  3. Select App info and then Settings.
  4. Select the setting you want to update.

Related resources

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