How To Get Widgets and a ‘Start Button’ on Your Chromebook

You’ll need to be able to install Android apps on your device

Craig McWha
Debugger

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screenshot of the ‘start menu’ on a Chromebook
image courtesy of the author

The desktop on a Chromebook is as barren as the Sahara Desert. Save for a wallpaper you’ll rarely see, it has no function whatsoever. I still cannot understand why Google have kept things this way rather than allow shortcuts and widgets to be displayed on the Desktop, but hey ho, what do I know? I’m only a user.

Cue my discovery of the Taskbar app. Designed for Android phones, maybe this little app could fulfill a need most of us Chromebook users yearn for?

Let’s take a look.

Installing Taskbar

Installation is straightforward. Head to the Google Play Store and download the app. Open up Taskbar once installed and then it’s time to play with the settings to ensure it plays nicely with your Chromebook.

The Taskbar App Settings

First things first. Click general settings and ensure you’ve got everything set as per the screenshot below. The Taskbar does not replace the shelf in Chrome OS so you’ll want to make sure they play well together and do not clash.

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Craig McWha
Debugger

Former rough sleeper, UK RAF veteran, graduate. Interested in society and social issues. A growing interest in tech stuff and Cyber Security.