Explore is a built-in Chromebook app that introduces ChromeOS features through tips, answers and visual tutorials. Google announced it on July 20, 2020, as the successor to the older Get Help experience. To open it, launch the Chromebook Launcher and search for Explore.
What the Explore app does
Google designed Explore for both first-time and experienced Chromebook users. After you sign in and complete initial onboarding, the app provides guided lessons that you can follow at your own pace and revisit later.
At launch, Google highlighted tutorials for everyday tasks such as managing files between local storage and Google Drive, and setting up a printer. The app also presents answers and visual explanations rather than requiring users to work through long instruction pages.
Alex Kuscher, Google’s Director of ChromeOS Software, described the goal this way: “Getting started with new technology can be tough, with pages of instructions and tutorials to pore over.”
#1 Best Overall
- Intel Celeron N4120: 4 Cores & Threads, 1.1GHz Base Clock, Up to 2.6GHz Boost Clock, 4MB Cache, Intel UHD Graphics 600. The perfect combination of performance, power consumption, and value helps your device handle multitasking smoothly and reliably with four processing cores to divide up the work.
How to open Explore on a Chromebook
- Open the Launcher from the bottom-left corner of the shelf.
- Alternatively, press the Chromebook’s Search key or the applicable Launcher key.
- Type Explore and select the app from the results.
Google’s current Chromebook Help description says Explore can help you learn about your Chromebook with tips and tutorials, discover what is new, and get help from the device manufacturer.
What you can learn inside Explore
ChromeOS basics
Lessons introduce features and settings that can otherwise be easy to miss, making Explore useful when you are moving from another operating system or setting up a Chromebook for the first time.
Rank #2
- Storage: 16GB Flash Memory
- OS: Chrome OS
- Screen Size: 11.6"
Files and storage
The launch examples included working with files stored on the Chromebook and in Google Drive. This is especially useful for understanding where a downloaded or created file is located and how to move it between locations.
Printers and other hardware
Printer setup was another launch tutorial. The exact screens and available options can vary by Chromebook and printer, so follow the instructions shown on your device.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #3
- Intel Processor Up to 2.80GHz, 4GB DDR4, 128GB Storage
- 15" FHD IPS Display, Intel UHD Graphics
- 1x USB Type C, 1 x USB Type A, 1x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack, HDMI
- Fast WiFi and Bluetooth, Integrated Webcam
- Chrome OS, AC Charger Included, Pastel Silver
New features and manufacturer help
Explore is also intended to surface what is new in ChromeOS and provide device-manufacturer support. Because Google and manufacturers can change the app’s content, a lesson shown in 2020 may not appear unchanged today.
What changed after the 2020 launch
Explore should not be treated as a permanent app store. Google’s ChromeOS 132 Enterprise and Education release notes, published January 8, 2025, say that the Apps & Games module was removed from Explore. Those notes direct users to discover.apps.chrome for app discovery instead.
Rank #4
- THE BETTER WAY TO LAPTOP – Imagine a Chromebook that’s as flexible as your day: thin and lightweight with built-in Google apps and stress-free security.
- TAKE HITS KEEP MOVING – Sleek, light, and built to last- the Chromebook 2-in-1 is just 0.69” thick and 3.3lbs. Enjoy long-lasting battery life, fast charging, and military-grade durability for nonstop productivity wherever life takes you.
- PERFORMANCE THAT MATCHES YOUR HUSTLE – Fuel your ideas with an Intel Core processor and 128GB storage. Boot up in under 10 seconds to start the day powerfully efficient.
- FLEX YOUR CREATIVITY ANYWHERE, ANYTIME – Create, work, or unwind your way with a versatile 2-in-1 design. Flip easily between laptop, tent, and tablet modes with a responsive touchscreen built for flexibility.
- BRILLIANT VIEWS AND IMMERSIVE AUDIO – See, hear, and create with awesome clarity. The WUXGA display brings rich detail to your work and play, while audio tuned by Waves MaxxAudio provides immersive, balanced sound.
This change affects where you look for app recommendations; it does not change Explore’s role as a Chromebook learning and help app.
Are the Chromebook perks still available?
Google’s July 2020 announcement listed promotional examples available “right now in the U.S.” at that time: one year of 100GB storage and more through Google One, access to Stardew Valley, and three months of Disney+.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Best Value
- FOR HOME, WORK, & SCHOOL – With an Intel processor, 14-inch display, custom-tuned stereo speakers, and long battery life, this Chromebook laptop lets you knock out any assignment or binge-watch your favorite shows..Voltage:5.0 volts
- HD DISPLAY, PORTABLE DESIGN – See every bit of detail on this micro-edge, anti-glare, 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) display (1); easily take this thin and lightweight laptop PC from room to room, on trips, or in a backpack.
- ALL-DAY PERFORMANCE – Reliably tackle all your assignments at once with the quad-core, Intel Celeron N4120—the perfect processor for performance, power consumption, and value (2).
- 4K READY – Smoothly stream 4K content and play your favorite next-gen games with Intel UHD Graphics 600 (3) (4).
- MEMORY AND STORAGE – Enjoy a boost to your system’s performance with 4 GB of RAM while saving more of your favorite memories with 64 GB of reliable flash-based eMMC storage (5).
Those were dated, region-specific launch offers. The current Chromebook Help information does not establish that they remain redeemable, so do not assume a new or existing Chromebook qualifies. Check the offer terms shown on your device or Google’s current promotion pages before relying on any perk.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If Explore is missing or looks different
- Open the Launcher and search for Explore rather than looking only through pinned shelf icons.
- Use the Chromebook Help guidance available for your device; Google says manufacturer help may be presented through Explore.
- Expect the app’s modules to differ from launch-era screenshots, particularly after the ChromeOS 132 removal of Apps & Games.
- For finding Chromebook web apps, use discover.apps.chrome, the destination named in Google’s ChromeOS 132 release notes.
Who should use Explore?
Explore is most valuable when you are new to ChromeOS, have inherited a Chromebook, or want a guided explanation of a feature you have not used. It is already part of the Chromebook software experience, so the sources do not require a particular laptop model, specification or accessory to use it.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
