Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Yes—Chromebooks with Google Play Store support can install a dedicated YouTube Music app. It is a Progressive Web App (PWA), not a separately engineered native desktop client: it opens YouTube Music in its own window, without the usual browser tabs and address bar. ChromeOS also provides playback controls in Quick Settings.
What Google released for Chromebooks
On February 9, 2021, Google added a separate “YouTube Music for Chromebook” listing to the Google Play Store, as reported by 9to5Google. The listing is distinct from the ordinary Android YouTube Music listing, but the Chromebook experience is a PWA: a web app displayed in a dedicated app window rather than a full native desktop client.
Google Play calls it “The recommended YouTube Music experience for Chromebook.” The listing, published by Google LLC, describes access to more than 70 million official songs, along with live performances, covers, remixes, personalized playlists and mixes, collaborative playlists, a personal library, charts, and discovery by genre and mood. Its displayed update date is August 29, 2023. These are claims and details in the Google Play listing, not a guarantee that every feature or track is available in every country or account. See the Google Play listing.
How to install YouTube Music on a Chromebook
- Open the Launcher and search for YouTube Music. If it is already available, select it to launch the app.
- If it is not installed, open the Google Play Store, find “YouTube Music for Chromebook,” and install it.
- Open YouTube Music from the Launcher and sign in if prompted.
Google’s Chromebook Help instructions describe launching YouTube Music from the Launcher or downloading it from Google Play. Play Store availability varies by device; check whether your Chromebook supports Google Play before relying on this installation route.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#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.
Dedicated app window or browser tab?
| What matters | Chromebook PWA | YouTube Music in a browser tab |
|---|---|---|
| Window integration | Opens in its own app window without the standard browser address bar or tab strip. | Runs inside the browser, alongside its tabs and browser controls. |
| Launcher access | Listed as an app, so it can be launched from the Chromebook Launcher. | Opened through the browser; the supplied sources do not establish an equivalent installed-app listing for this option. |
| ChromeOS media controls | Quick Settings can pause, play, or skip tracks. | Quick Settings can also control music played on the web. |
| Service features | Google describes the Chromebook app as its recommended YouTube Music experience; the app is a web-based experience. | Provides access through the YouTube Music website. |
| Device requirement | Requires a Chromebook that can use Google Play Store apps. | Uses the browser rather than requiring the Chromebook Play Store app. |
Control playback from Quick Settings
While music is playing, open Quick Settings on the Chromebook to access playback controls. Google says those controls can pause, play, or skip tracks from music played on the web or in a music app such as YouTube Music. Google’s Chromebook Help page covers the controls. ChromeOS has also supported lock-screen media controls for YouTube Music and other services, including playback through Chrome, as described in a Google ChromeOS update from December 17, 2019; lock-screen controls are separate from the Quick Settings controls.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the Chromebook app does not establish
The available product information describes the app window and YouTube Music features, but does not establish a separate offline-download capability for the Chromebook PWA. Do not assume that installing the app alone enables offline listening.
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
- 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).
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.
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"
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.
