Switch to a Chromebook

Learn how to get started using your new Chromebook with this guide. Along the way, you'll see links to resources where you can find more information.

1. Prepare to switch

On your old computer:

Get a Google Account

A Google Account gives you access to all Google services on the web, including Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive.

• If you don't have a Google Account yet, create one.
• If you already have a Google Account, you're good to go.

Back up your bookmarks, apps, and extensions

If you use the Chrome browser on your old computer, sign in to Chrome to save your bookmarks, apps, and extensions to your Google Account.

These settings will then show up automatically when you sign in with the same account on your Chromebook.

Back up your files

Option 1: Save your files on Google Drive

Upload your files to Google Drive so you can see and open your files on the web using your new Chromebook or any other computer. Learn how to back up and sync files with Google Drive.

You can also upload your files to other cloud storage services, such as Box or SMB.

Option 2: Save your files on a storage device

You can back up your files on a compatible storage device, such as a USB thumb drive or external hard drive. Learn which storage devices are compatible with Chromebooks.

2. Set up your new Chromebook

On your new Chromebook:

Sign in to your Chromebook

1. Turn on your Chromebook.
2. Sign in using your Google Account.
3. To set up your Chromebook, follow the onscreen steps.

Once you're set up, your Chromebook will automatically show your Google Account photo and all your settings, bookmarks, and extensions from Chrome.

Find your files

Choose the same option you used to back up your files:

Option 1: Find your files on Google Drive

1. In the corner of your screen, select the Launcher .
2. Select Files .
3. In the left column, select Google Drive Computers.
4. Wait a few moments for your files to appear.

If you used a different cloud storage service, you can find your files with the Files app (for some services) or you can open the service's website in Chrome.

Option 2: Find your photos on Google Photos

1. In the corner of your screen, select the Launcher .
2. Select Google Photos .
3. Wait a few moments for your photos to appear.

Option 3: Find your files on your storage device

1. Connect the storage device to your Chromebook.
2. In the corner of your screen, select the Launcher .
3. Select Files .
4. In the left column, select the name of your storage device.
5. To save your storage device files on your Chromebook, select the files from the storage device and drag them to My files in the left column.

Tips:

• Learn how to save your files on your Chromebook.
• Get even more Google Drive storage for your Chromebook at no charge.

Set up your printer

Learn how to set up your printer with your Chromebook.

3. Get the most out of your Chromebook

Find apps for common tasks

Your Chromebook runs web apps instead of software programs used on other computers. For example, instead of using Microsoft Office to create documents, you can use Google Docs and Drive to create and share files online. Learn about suggested apps you can use for common tasks.

To find and download apps, go to the Chrome Web Store.

Customize your Chromebook

Make your Chromebook your own:

• Choose your desktop wallpaper.
• Choose a browser theme.
• Add apps and extensions.
• Learn about your Chromebook keyboard's special keys and shortcuts.

Work offline

When you're not connected to the Internet, you can still use your Chromebook with apps like Gmail Offline and Google Docs.

Learn how to use your Chromebook offline, and download offline apps in the Chrome Web Store.