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Set Google Chat to launch automatically on a desktop
- Install the Google Chat standalone app in Chrome, if you have not already. Sign in at chat.google.com and use Chrome’s install control or menu. Google identifies the standalone app as a Progressive Web App (PWA); if you already created a Chrome shortcut to chat.google.com, Google says the app installs automatically.
- Open Chrome and enter
chrome://appsin the address bar. - Right-click the Google Chat app and select Launch at startup.
Google lists Chrome 73 or later as a system requirement on its Chat app help page. Chrome must be open for the standalone app to work, but it does not have to be your default browser. The instructions and requirement are documented on Google Chat Help.
Why the desktop startup setting does not work on a Chromebook
Google’s instructions for Launch at startup explicitly say: “These steps don’t work on Chrome OS.” That is a limitation of this startup procedure—not a claim that Google Chat cannot be installed or opened on a Chromebook. Google lists the ChromeOS Launcher as a way to open the standalone app; you can find the platform-specific instructions in Google’s Chat app help.
What Chromebook users can do instead
Open Chat from the Launcher
For a manual launch, open the Chromebook Launcher and select Google Chat. Google documents this as the ChromeOS way to open the standalone app; it does not make Chat open automatically when you sign in.
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Ask an administrator about managed launch-on-login
On an organization-managed Chromebook, an administrator can configure the ChromeOS Launch on login policy for PWAs and installed web apps (IWAs). Depending on the policy, users may be allowed to choose whether an app launches at sign-in, or the administrator may require it. This is an administrative policy, not a standard setting every Chromebook owner can change. Google describes the policy in Chrome Enterprise and Education Help. If this is a school or work Chromebook, contact its administrator.
Chrome’s startup page is a different option
Chrome can be configured to open a specified webpage when the browser starts. That setting opens Chat as a page in Chrome; it is not the standalone app’s Launch at startup command and does not enable the Chat PWA to autorun on ChromeOS. Google also notes that work or school Chromebook users may be unable to change startup or homepage settings when an administrator controls them. See Google Chromebook Help for the browser-page setting.
Quick Recap
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
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- 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).
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.
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- 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.
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
Rank #2
- Storage: 16GB Flash Memory
- OS: Chrome OS
- Screen Size: 11.6"
Which startup option applies?
| Option | What opens | Who controls it | Where it applies |
|---|---|---|---|
Chat Launch at startup in chrome://apps |
The standalone Chat app | The user follows Google’s desktop instructions | Supported desktop systems; Google says the procedure does not work on ChromeOS. Google Chat Help |
| Chrome startup-page setting | A webpage in Chrome | The user, unless device or account policy restricts the setting | Chrome browser startup; it is not the standalone app’s autorun setting. Google Chromebook Help |
| ChromeOS Launch on login policy | A managed PWA or IWA, which may include Chat depending on configuration | The administrator may allow user control or force launch at sign-in | Organization-managed ChromeOS devices, subject to administrator policy. Chrome Enterprise and Education Help |
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