Can I use VirtualShield on my Chromebook?
Yes, you can! As a matter of fact, there are 3 different versions of VirtualShield available for Chromebook devices. Our Google Chrome extension, our Android application, and our brand-new Linux application.
Which version do I choose?
Most Chromebooks support Android apps right out-of-the box, others may need to be updated first in order to support Google Play. If you can access the Google Play Store and install other apps on your Chromebook, then it is likely that you can install VirtualShield as well.
Some newer Chromebooks, such as Google's Pixelbook, also support the installation of Linux applications. However, you will need to set up Linux (Beta) on your device first before you can install and run Linux apps.
If your device doesn't support Android and Linux apps, there's no need to worry. You can still install our Google Chrome extension. The extensions use a different technology, and they will work on nearly any device, even older ones.
Android App Requirements
First, make sure your Chromebook is fully updated and running the latest Chrome OS version.
- 1
-
To check, select the
clock near the
corner of your screen to open the
Status area, then click the
Settings cog:
Tip: You can also open the Settings by pressing Alt + Shift + S on your keyboard. - 2
-
Select
About Chrome OS on the
left-hand side of this screen:
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In the
About window, click
Check for updates. If there’s an available update, it will begin to
download and
install:
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Once your Chromebook is
updated, go to the
Status area and select the
Settings cog again.
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Select
Google Play Store on the
left-hand side of this screen.
If you don't see this option, it may be labeled Apps:
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Find the option labeled
Install apps and games from Google Play on your Chromebook, and select
Turn on:
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You will be prompted to agree to Google’s
Terms of Service. Select
I Agree to continue:
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That's it! You will be now able to install our
Android app, along with
other apps from the
Google Play Store.
Linux App Requirements
Linux (Beta), also known as Crostini, is a feature that lets you install and develop Linux applications using your Chromebook. Linux (Beta) is off by default, but it can be turned on from your device's Settings.
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-
Select the
clock near the
corner of your screen to open the
Status area, then click the
Settings cog:
Tip: You can also open the Settings by pressing Alt + Shift + S on your keyboard. - 2
-
Select
Linux (Beta) on the
left-hand side of this screen.
If you don't see this option, it may be labeled Apps:
- 3
-
Find the option labeled
Run Linux tools, editors, and IDEs on your Chromebook, and select
Turn on:
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Follow the steps on the screen. Setup can take
10 minutes or more.
Do not attempt to
power off your Chromebook during this process:
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A
Terminal window opens. You will now be able to install our
Linux app, run
Linux commands, and customize your
shell.
If you need any assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us.