Run Linux Apps

For native desktop apps, consider turning on Linux. Chrome OS is built on the Linux kernel, and though access to it is disabled by default, you can easily install it using Crostini, which is Google's official sandbox environment that runs Linux packages on Chrome OS.

Shortcut Cheat

Chromebook offers a nifty little tool to help new users master shortcuts, and you only need to remember one combination: “Ctrl + Alt + /". This pulls up a “cheat sheet” of all keyboard shortcuts neatly organized into six different sections, so no need to memorize any of them.

Gestures

Mastering touchpad gestures can dramatically improve your workflow — for example, swipe up with three fingers and create a “New Desk” using the button at the top of the screen. Each desktop can be renamed, and you can move windows and apps between different “Desks.”

Dark Mode

Google has yet to roll out a dark theme, but you can access the beta feature by typing “chrome://flags” in the URL bar and looking up “dark” in the flag search field. Enable the “Dark/light mode of system UI” flag from the drop-down menu and turn on “Auto Dark Mode for Web Contents.”

Connect your Chromebook to your phone via Phone Hub, which, for instance, lets you send texts or check notifications — all from your Chromebook. If you pair the two devices with Bluetooth, you can even log into your Chromebook by unlocking your Android phone.