How to Launch Apps on Startup in Chromebook

Do you find yourself opening the same apps every time you start your Chromebook? Wouldn’t it be convenient if they could launch automatically at startup? Fortunately, ChromeOS provides several ways to achieve this, making your workflow smoother and more efficient. In this guide, we’ll explore different methods to set apps to open automatically when you start your Chromebook.

Why Enable Apps on Startup?

Setting applications to launch at startup can help improve productivity and save time. Here are some benefits:

• Instant Access: Your essential apps open automatically, so you don’t have to launch them manually.
• Better Workflow: If you use certain apps daily, this feature ensures they are ready for use when you log in.
• Personalized Experience: Customize your Chromebook’s startup routine according to your needs.

Now, let’s look at how you can enable apps to launch on startup.

Method 1: Using the Restore Apps Feature

ChromeOS has a built-in feature that automatically restores apps that were open when you last shut down your Chromebook.

Steps to Enable Restore Apps:

1. Click on the time in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
2. Select Settings (the gear icon).
3. Go to On startup under the Advanced section.
4. Ensure that Continue where you left off is enabled.

With this option enabled, any apps and browser windows open before shutting down will reopen automatically when you restart your Chromebook.

Method 2: Adding Web Apps to Startup

Many Chrome users rely on web-based applications. If you want a specific website or web app to open on startup, follow these steps:

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to the On startup section.
4. Select Open a specific page or set of pages.
5. Click Add a new page and type the URL of the web app.

This method is great for web-based apps like Gmail, Google Docs, or other frequently used SaaS applications.

Method 3: Using Chromebook Apps and Extensions

ChromeOS supports Chrome extensions and Android apps, many of which have built-in settings to enable startup launch.

For Chrome Extensions:

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Go to chrome://extensions in the address bar.
3. Look for extensions with startup settings and enable them if available.

Some extensions, like productivity tools or note-taking apps, may include startup options.

For Android Apps:

1. Open Android Settings in the Chromebook Settings menu.
2. Find the app you want to launch on startup.
3. Check its settings for an “Open at startup” option.

If the app does not have a built-in startup option, you might need to configure it manually using the next method.

Method 4: Using Startup Scripts (For Advanced Users)

If you’re an advanced user comfortable with Linux, you can use scripts to start applications automatically.

Steps:

1. Enable Linux (Beta) on your Chromebook through Settings > Developers.
2. Open the Linux terminal.
3. Create a startup script in the ~/.config/autostart directory.
4. Make the script executable using the command:

chmod +x ~/.config/autostart/startup.sh

With this approach, advanced users can further customize startup behavior.

Managing Startup Apps

Once you’ve set up autostart for your apps, you may want to remove or manage them later. Here’s how:

• Revert Chrome Settings: Navigate to Settings > On Startup and modify or remove web pages set to open automatically.
• Disable Extensions: Open chrome://extensions and disable any extensions that launch at startup.
• Manage Android Apps: Open the Google Play Store, find the app, and adjust its settings.

Final Thoughts

Automatically launching apps at startup on your Chromebook can streamline your daily workflow and save time. Whether you prefer Chrome’s built-in restore feature, specific web app settings, or more advanced Linux scripts, there are various methods to customize your startup experience.

Try out these methods and enjoy a more efficient Chromebook setup!