As a Chromebook user, you are likely to be familiar with the Chrome OS Launcher. This is the feature that allows you to access your apps, settings, and files with just a click of a button. However, with the release of the new Chrome OS Launcher, things have gotten even better. In this article, I will walk you through how to enable the new Chrome OS Launcher on your Chromebook, its benefits, how it compares to the old launcher, how to customize it, and tips for using it.
Introduction to the New Chrome OS Launcher
The new Chrome OS Launcher is a redesigned version of the old launcher with a more modern look and feel. The redesign comes with several new features that make it easier to access your apps, settings, and files. One of the most noticeable changes is the search bar, which is now located at the bottom of the screen. This makes it easier to access and use, especially if you are using your Chromebook in tablet mode.
Another new feature is the ability to switch between apps using the keyboard. This is a great feature if you are working on multiple apps at the same time. You can easily switch between them without having to go back to the launcher every time. The new launcher also allows you to pin your favorite apps to the taskbar for quick access.
Benefits of the New Chrome OS Launcher
The new Chrome OS Launcher comes with several benefits. One of the most significant benefits is the improved search functionality. The new launcher has a more powerful search engine that can search through all your apps, settings, and files. This means that you can find what you are looking for much faster than before.
Another benefit of the new launcher is the ability to customize it to your liking. You can choose which apps to pin to the taskbar, change the wallpaper, and even customize the app icons. This makes it easier to personalize your Chromebook and make it your own.
Chrome OS Launcher vs. Old Chrome OS Launcher
The new Chrome OS Launcher is a significant improvement over the old launcher. The most noticeable difference is the design. The new launcher has a sleeker design that is more modern and visually appealing. The new launcher also comes with several new features, such as the improved search functionality and the ability to switch between apps using the keyboard.
The old launcher, on the other hand, was more static. It did not have many customization options, and it was not as powerful as the new launcher when it came to search functionality. Overall, the new launcher is a significant improvement over the old launcher, and it is worth enabling on your Chromebook.
Checking Your Chromebook Compatibility for the New Chrome OS Launcher
Before you enable the new Chrome OS Launcher on your Chromebook, you need to make sure that your device is compatible. The new launcher is compatible with most Chromebooks, but there are some older models that may not support it.
To check your Chromebook’s compatibility, go to the settings menu and click on the “About Chrome OS” tab. Here, you will find information about your device, including the version of Chrome OS that you are running. If your Chromebook is running Chrome OS 88 or later, then it is compatible with the new launcher.
Enabling the New Chrome OS Launcher on Your Chromebook
Enabling the new Chrome OS Launcher on your Chromebook is a simple process. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the settings menu by clicking on the gear icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Click on “Personalization” and then “App Launcher.”
- Select “Chrome OS Launcher (New)” from the dropdown menu.
- Click on the “Restart” button to apply the changes.
Once you have enabled the new launcher, you will notice the new design and features. You can now start customizing it to your liking.
Customizing the New Chrome OS Launcher
One of the best things about the new Chrome OS Launcher is the ability to customize it to your liking. Here are some ways to customize the new launcher:
- Pin your favorite apps to the taskbar: You can pin your most frequently used apps to the taskbar for quick access. To do this, simply right-click on the app icon and select “Pin to taskbar.”
- Change the wallpaper: You can change the wallpaper on your Chromebook to make it more visually appealing. To change the wallpaper, go to the settings menu, click on “Personalization,” and then “Wallpaper.”
- Customize app icons: You can customize the app icons on your Chromebook to make them more visually appealing. To do this, right-click on the app icon and select “Edit.”
Tips and Tricks for Using the New Chrome OS Launcher
Here are some tips and tricks for using the new Chrome OS Launcher:
- Use the keyboard to switch between apps: The new launcher allows you to switch between apps using the keyboard. To do this, press the “Search” key and then the number key corresponding to the app you want to switch to.
- Use the search bar to find what you need: The new launcher has a more powerful search engine that can search through all your apps, settings, and files. Use the search bar to find what you need quickly.
- Pin your favorite apps to the taskbar: Pin your most frequently used apps to the taskbar for quick access.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with the New Chrome OS Launcher
If you are experiencing issues with the new Chrome OS Launcher, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Restart your Chromebook: Sometimes, simply restarting your Chromebook can resolve issues with the launcher.
- Check for updates: Make sure that your Chromebook is up to date with the latest version of Chrome OS. Go to the settings menu and click on “About Chrome OS” to check for updates.
- Disable and re-enable the launcher: If the launcher is not working correctly, try disabling it and then re-enabling it.
Chrome OS Launcher Updates and Future Developments
Google is constantly updating and improving the Chrome OS Launcher. You can expect to see new features and enhancements in the future. Make sure that your Chromebook is up to date with the latest version of Chrome OS to take advantage of these updates.
