Modern web applications such as Spotify, Slack, Notion, Twitter/X, and Google Docs often deliver desktop experiences that rival native software. Rather than keeping these tools buried among dozens of open browser tabs where they can be accidentally closed or lost, Google Chrome allows you to install them as Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). Installing a PWA provides an isolated, standalone application window, desktop and taskbar shortcuts, offline caching capabilities, and background notification management.
What Is a Progressive Web App in Chrome?
A Progressive Web App is a web-based service built with modern browser APIs (such as Service Workers, Web App Manifests, and Cache API) that behaves like a native operating system program. When installed through Google Chrome on Windows, macOS, or Linux, a PWA gains several distinct advantages:
- Frameless Standalone Window: Launches without browser address bars, bookmark strips, or navigation buttons, maximizing screen space.
- Operating System Integration: Appears in the Windows Start menu, macOS Launchpad and Dock, or Linux application drawers.
- Dedicated Process Management: Runs in its own isolated process, allowing you to manage and monitor it independently through Chrome’s Task Manager or system activity monitors.
- Auto-Startup Options: Can be configured to launch automatically when you sign in to your computer.
- Native Badging and Notifications: Displays unread message count badges directly on your OS taskbar or dock icon.
How to Install a PWA in Google Chrome
Installing a supported website as an app takes only two clicks:
- Open Google Chrome and navigate to any PWA-enabled website (e.g. WhatsApp Web, Spotify Web, or GitHub).
- Look at the far right end of the Chrome Omnibox (address bar):
- If the site natively supports PWA standards, an Install icon (a computer monitor with a downward arrow) will appear. Click it.
- Alternatively, click the three-dot Chrome menu in the top-right corner > hover over Save and share > select Install [App Name].
- A confirmation prompt appears asking if you want to install the app. Click Install.
- The website instantly detaches from your tab bar and reopens as an independent desktop application window.
Creating Shortcuts for Websites Without Native PWA Support
If a website does not provide an official PWA manifest, you can still force Chrome to run it as a standalone windowed app:
- Navigate to the target website in Chrome.
- Click the three-dot menu > Save and share > Create shortcut.
- Enter your desired application name.
- Crucially, tick the checkbox labelled Open as window.
- Click Create. Chrome generates desktop shortcuts and launches the site in an isolated, borderless window.
Managing Installed PWAs and Application Permissions
Google Chrome provides a central management hub to audit, configure, and control all installed web applications:
- In Chrome’s address bar, type:
and press Enter.chrome://apps - This dashboard displays every installed web app across your active Chrome user profile.
- Right-click any application icon to access configuration options:
- Launch at login: Toggles whether the app starts automatically when your operating system boots.
- Open as window: Toggles between a standalone borderless frame and opening inside a standard browser tab.
- App info: Opens the site settings permissions page (allowing you to control microphone, camera, notifications, sound, and local storage access).
- Create shortcuts: Generates fresh desktop or Start Menu shortcuts if original icons were deleted.
Uninstalling a PWA from Chrome and Your Operating System
If you no longer need an installed web app, remove it cleanly to free up storage and system resources:
- Open the installed PWA window.
- Click the three dots in the app window’s title bar.
- Select Uninstall [App Name].
- In the confirmation dialogue, you can optionally tick Also clear data from Chrome to erase cached cookies, offline storage, and login sessions.
- Click Remove. Chrome dismisses the app and deletes associated OS shortcuts automatically.