Using Existing Software on ChromeOS

One of the hardest parts about migrating to a new operating system is to either migrate your existing software purchases to ChromeOS or to discover alternatives that work with ChromeOS. Fortunately, as the software landscape has evolved, many commercial applications either natively support ChromeOS or provide a web-based alternative that works well on the Chrome Web Browser. 

Existing Android Applications

Most ChromeOS Devices have built in support for Android Applications via the ChromeOS Android Runtime. This means that most existing Android Applications that you may use on an Android Phone or Tablet will also work on a ChromeOS Device. As ChromeOS does include the Google Play Store, this also means all existing purchases and subscriptions will also carry over to ChromeOS. 

Linux Applications

If your ChromeOS Device supports Linux, you will be able to run most Desktop Linux Applications without any modifications. Many major application vendors already publish Linux ports of their applications, and the catalog continues to grow. 

In addition to native Linux Application Ports, if you have a ChromeOS Device that supports Linux, you are also able to emulate several Windows Applications using something such as Wine or Proton.