How to Play Windows Games on a Chromebook [Latest Guide]

A Chromebook is a laptop developed by Google, running the Linux-based Chrome OS as its operating system, which is its key advantage. Users can perform most tasks through Google's Chrome browser, such as word processing, note-taking, and data processing, with files typically stored online. This eliminates the need for substantial local storage and a high-speed processor, making Chromebooks relatively affordable computers.

Can I Play PC Games on a Chromebook?

Aside from file editing, another concern for users is whether Chromebooks are suitable for gaming. According to Google, Chromebooks are good for gaming as they provide access to some PC, console, and mobile games. However, the majority of PC games demand substantial memory and high-speed processors, which Chromebooks generally lack. Consequently, they can only support a limited number of PC games. Now, with the ability to run most Android apps, Chromebooks are competent for playing mobile games.

How to Play Games on Chromebook - Create a Portable Windows USB

The immediate solution for Chromebook users to play Windows PC games is to create a portable Windows USB drive by following this guide. Once the drive is plugged into the Chromebook, it can boot from the portable USB, allowing you to run Windows OS on the Chromebook.

To create a portable Windows USB drive, you'll need to utilize third-party software. We recommend using the tool OS2Go. This tool is specifically designed for beginners to easily create a portable Windows USB drive without requiring extensive computer knowledge. Simply prepare the necessary items, and OS2Go will handle the rest of the process.

Items You Will Need:

• A Windows computer with the game you want to play installed. Remember that the game should be installed on the system drive.
• A USB drive or external hard drive with sufficient capacity to store all the files from the Windows computer's C drive. You can check the used space by going to Disk Management > C Drive > Properties.

Download and install the OS2Go tool on your Windows computer.

After getting everything you need, follow the step-by-step guide below to learn how to create a portable Windows USB.

Step 1. Install OS2Go on your Windows computer, which will show the used space on your system drive. Insert a USB drive with a capacity larger than the system drive's used space. Select the target USB drive and click Next to proceed.

Step 2. OS2Go will warn you that the following action will erase all data on your drive. Make sure you've backed up all important data. Click Continue to proceed.

Step 3. Adjust disk layout. The default disk layout on the target drive will be identical to the source drive. You can also edit the layout to suit your requirements. Check the option if you're using a Solid State Drive as the Windows boot drive. Then, click Proceed.

Step 4. OS2Go will then begin creating the portable USB drive. This process may take some time, depending on your operating system and network conditions. Once the progress reaches 100%, the USB drive should be bootable.

Step 5. Insert the portable Windows USB and start your computer. Press the necessary key (F2, DEL, F10, etc.) to access the BIOS. Select to boot from the USB drive.

注意: 请确保便携式USB和目标计算机的启动模式（UEFI或Legacy）相同，否则可能无法启动。

Windows To Go vs VM

Windows To Go and Virtual Machine (VM) are the two most common approaches for users seeking a dual-OS setup. Windows To Go enables users to create a portable Windows USB drive, allowing them to use their system on any computer. However, unfortunately, this feature has been removed in Windows 10 version 2004 and later.

Virtualization (VM) involves creating a software-based, or "virtual," version of a computer, which borrows designated amounts of CPU, memory, and storage from a physical host computer. A virtual machine is a computer file, usually referred to as an image, that functions like an actual computer. It can operate within a window as a distinct computing environment.

In summary, if your Windows version is later than Windows 10 2004, the Windows To Go feature will not be available. Additionally, the virtual machine needs to be installed on your Chromebook or Mac computer, which might not be ideal for devices with limited storage space.

For Mac Game Lovers - How to Play Fortnite on Mac in 2022

In this article, we will assist Mac gaming enthusiasts in playing Fortnite on their Mac computers once again.

Final Thoughts

If you can't afford a new Windows PC but still want to play Windows games on your Chromebook, the most cost-effective solution is to create a portable USB. With the tool OS2Go, you don't need to bother learning how it works; all you need to do is prepare a USB drive with sufficient space. In just a few moments, you'll have a portable USB ready to go. If you're interested in OS2Go, don't hesitate – download it and give it a try!