First steps to set up a Chromebook

We are going to explain what are the first steps to set up a Chromebook, and instead of doing it based on screenshots as we usually do, today we are going to rely on a video. So, if you have bought a Chromebook you will know how to face the initial configuration, something that will also be useful if you install Chrome OS on an old PC to turn it into a home Chromebook.

In this article, first we are going to put you the video from Instagram Video in which you are going to be able to listen to the whole explanation. But so that it’s not just the video and that’s it, we’re also going to support you with a bit of text in which we’ll give you a summary. The idea is that when you buy a Chromebook and turn it on for the first time, you know the steps to take.

First steps with Chrome OS, in video

When you turn on your Chromebook for the first time, the first thing you will see is the screen where you can set the language or accessibility options. Usually the device is already in English, but if not, you can click on the language to change it by hand, both the language of the system and the keyboard.

In the next step, you have to connect to your home WiFi to continue with the configuration. When you do so, the Chromebook will ask you what kind of use you are going to give it, choosing first if it will be used by an adult or a child, or if it is for a work or home environment. Depending on this, some options will be automatically adjusted.

In the next step, you have to log in with your Google account. Here, you do not need to create an account for the device, it is best to use the one you already have on your mobile if you are an Android user, or your most used Gmail. Thus, emails and contacts from these Google accounts will be automatically incorporated into the Chromebook.

The path you follow now in the configuration may vary a bit depending on the account you put in and the purpose, but generally the main points are the same. The first thing you’ll see is a prompt telling you that your Google account data is going to be synced to that Chromebook, a process that can take a little while.

With this synchronization, what you are going to do is make sure that on your Chromebook you not only have the contacts saved in the Google account, but also extensions and bookmarks for the browser. The idea is that everything is automatically synchronized so you don’t have to add them later by hand.

You may also get a notice telling you that it will customize Google services based on your browsing data. If this option or others don’t quite convince you, you will have a checkbox to customize the data you want to sync, so you can have more control over that.

In the following screens of the installation process, you will be able to configure the fingerprint login if your Chromebook has a reader. In addition, you will also be able to choose the Android applications you want to install on Chrome OS from those registered in your account. Finally, you will also be able to configure the connection of your cell phone to the Chromebook so that messages or other data are synchronized between the two, and you will go to a final window to approve the typical permissions.

Chrome OS will then sync all your content and complete the setup. During that time, if you checked the box to customize the data to sync, you will get the window where you can manage all the data you want to add.

Enable multiple sign-in

With the steps we have given you before, you already have your Chromebook configured and ready to start using it. But you can also have your Chromebook configured with two accounts, one personal and one at work, so you can have different applications on each.

Chrome OS allows you to have different profiles, but it is best to use a different Google account for work purposes. To set it up, first log out with the user you have set it up with, and then, on the login screen, click on the add a different user button.

After doing all the account setup on the Chromebook, you will be able to set up a multiple login. When you do this, in the options in the bottom bar you will be able to switch from one account to another instantly, as both will be active.

Essential keyboard shortcuts

Like all operating systems, Chrome OS has its assortment of keyboard shortcuts to be able to perform actions in a very fast way. So that you don’t have to memorize them all, we are going to leave you a small list with the essential keyboard shortcuts, those that can be most useful for you:

• Control + Alt + .: With a multiple login, you will alternate between sessions.
• Alt + (number): Opens the application placed in that position in the system tray.
• Control + Show window: Screenshot.
• Shift + Control + Show window: Screenshot in a specific area of your choice.