Are you a Chrome fan looking to make the switch to a Surface Pro? Or are you already a Surface Pro user wondering if you can use your favorite browser on your device? You’re not alone. The question “Can the Surface Pro use Chrome?” is a common one, and the answer might not be as straightforward as you think.
The Short Answer: Yes, But…
Yes, you can use Chrome on your Surface Pro. However, there are some caveats to consider. Before we dive into the details, let’s take a step back and understand the context.
Microsoft Surface Pro is a line of 2-in-1 tablets/laptops that run on Windows operating systems. While Windows is the default operating system, Surface Pro devices can also run Windows 10 in S mode, which is a more streamlined and secure version of Windows 10. This is where things get interesting.
Windows 10 in S Mode: The Chrome Conundrum
When you buy a Surface Pro in S mode, you’re limited to installing apps from the Microsoft Store. This means you can’t install Google Chrome or any other desktop application from outside the Microsoft ecosystem.
But why? Microsoft wants to ensure a more secure and streamlined experience for users in S mode. By restricting app installations to the Microsoft Store, Microsoft can better control the apps that are available, reducing the risk of malware and other security threats.
How to Install Chrome on Surface Pro in S Mode
So, what if you still want to use Chrome on your Surface Pro in S mode? Well, there’s a workaround. You can switch out of S mode and upgrade to the full version of Windows 10. This will allow you to install Chrome or any other desktop application from outside the Microsoft Store.
To switch out of S mode, follow these steps:
- Go to the Microsoft Store on your Surface Pro
- Search for “Switch to Windows 10 Home” or “Switch to Windows 10 Pro”
- Click on the result and follow the prompts to upgrade
Keep in mind that switching out of S mode will remove some of the security restrictions, so be sure to exercise caution when installing applications.
Surface Pro Models and Chrome Compatibility
Another important factor to consider is the Surface Pro model you’re using. Newer Surface Pro models come with Windows 10 Home or Pro pre-installed, which means you can install Chrome or any other desktop application without restrictions.
On the other hand, older Surface Pro models might come with Windows 10 in S mode as the default operating system. In these cases, you’ll need to switch out of S mode to install Chrome.
Surface Pro Models and Their Default Operating Systems
Here’s a breakdown of some popular Surface Pro models and their default operating systems:
- Surface Pro 7: Windows 10 Home
- Surface Pro 6: Windows 10 Home (some models come with Windows 10 in S mode)
- Surface Pro 5: Windows 10 Pro
- Surface Pro 4: Windows 10 Home (some models come with Windows 10 in S mode)
If you’re unsure about your Surface Pro model or its default operating system, you can always check with the manufacturer or the retailer where you purchased the device.
Chrome Alternatives on Surface Pro
What if you’re stuck with a Surface Pro in S mode and can’t or don’t want to switch out of S mode? Don’t worry; there are Chrome alternatives available.
Microsoft Edge is a popular alternative to Chrome that comes pre-installed on Surface Pro devices. While it may not have all the features and extensions you’re used to with Chrome, Edge is a solid browser that offers a similar browsing experience.
Another option is Microsoft Chromium Edge, which is a new browser developed by Microsoft based on the Chromium open-source project. This browser offers a more Chrome-like experience, with support for Chrome extensions and a familiar interface.
Microsoft Chromium Edge vs. Google Chrome
So, how does Microsoft Chromium Edge compare to Google Chrome? Here are some key differences:
- Extensions: Microsoft Chromium Edge supports Chrome extensions, but you’ll need to manually install them from the Chrome Web Store.
- Syncing: Microsoft Chromium Edge uses a Microsoft account for syncing, whereas Google Chrome uses a Google account.
- Interface: Microsoft Chromium Edge has a slightly different interface than Chrome, but it’s very similar.
In summary, while Chrome is not available on Surface Pro in S mode out of the box, there are workarounds and alternatives available. You can switch out of S mode to install Chrome or use Chrome alternatives like Microsoft Edge or Microsoft Chromium Edge.
Whether you’re a die-hard Chrome fan or just looking for a reliable browser on your Surface Pro, there are options available to you.
Can I install Google Chrome on my Surface Pro?
You can indeed install Google Chrome on your Surface Pro. The Surface Pro is a Windows-based device, and Chrome is compatible with the Windows operating system. You can download and install Chrome from the Google website, just like you would on any other Windows device. Once installed, you can use Chrome as your primary browser or alongside Microsoft Edge, the default browser on the Surface Pro.
It’s worth noting that Chrome is a popular browser, and many users prefer it over Edge. If you’re already familiar with Chrome and its features, you’ll feel right at home using it on your Surface Pro. Additionally, since Chrome is a widely used browser, you can sync your bookmarks, history, and other data across all your devices that have Chrome installed, including your Surface Pro.
Is Google Chrome optimized for the Surface Pro’s touch screen?
Google Chrome is optimized for touch input, making it a great choice for the Surface Pro’s touch screen. Chrome’s interface is responsive and intuitive, allowing you to easily navigate and interact with web pages using gestures and taps. You can pinch to zoom, swipe to navigate, and tap to select links and buttons. Chrome also supports Windows 10’s touch-friendly features, such as the ability to use the Windows Ink workspace to annotate web pages and take screenshots.
However, it’s worth noting that Chrome’s touch optimizations may not be as seamless as those found on Chrome OS devices, which are specifically designed for touch input. Nevertheless, Chrome on the Surface Pro provides a smooth and responsive touch experience, making it a great choice for users who prefer to interact with their device using touch input.
Can I set Google Chrome as my default browser on the Surface Pro?
Yes, you can set Google Chrome as your default browser on the Surface Pro. To do so, open Chrome and click on the three vertical dots in the top right corner to access the Chrome menu. From there, select “Settings” and scroll down to the “System” section. Click on “Make default” next to “Make Chrome the default browser.” This will set Chrome as your default browser, and it will open whenever you click on a link or open a new browser window.
It’s also worth noting that you can set Chrome as your default browser through the Windows 10 settings app. To do so, go to Settings > System > Default apps, and select Chrome as your default web browser. Either method will set Chrome as your default browser, and you can use it to open web pages and links by default.
Will using Google Chrome on my Surface Pro affect its battery life?
Using Google Chrome on your Surface Pro may affect its battery life, but the impact is likely to be minimal. Like any resource-intensive application, Chrome can consume more power than other browsers, especially if you have multiple tabs open or are streaming content. However, modern Surface Pro devices are designed to provide all-day battery life, and Chrome’s impact on battery life should be negligible.
That being said, if you’re concerned about battery life, there are steps you can take to minimize Chrome’s impact. You can adjust Chrome’s settings to reduce resource consumption, such as turning off unnecessary extensions or reducing the number of open tabs. You can also use Windows 10’s power-saving features to limit Chrome’s power consumption when running on battery power.
Can I use Chrome extensions on my Surface Pro?
Yes, you can use Chrome extensions on your Surface Pro. Chrome extensions are small software programs that can be installed in Chrome to provide additional functionality, such as ad blocking, password management, and productivity tools. The Surface Pro, running Windows 10, can run Chrome extensions just like any other Windows device.
To install an extension, open Chrome and go to the Chrome Web Store. Browse or search for the extension you want to install, and click “Add to Chrome” to download and install it. Once installed, you can manage your extensions by going to chrome://extensions/ in the Chrome address bar.
Is Google Chrome compatible with the Surface Pen?
Google Chrome is compatible with the Surface Pen, which comes with the Surface Pro. The Surface Pen is a stylus that allows you to interact with your device using handwritten input, and Chrome supports this input method. You can use the Surface Pen to navigate Chrome, select text, and even annotate web pages using the Windows Ink workspace.
When using the Surface Pen with Chrome, you can also take advantage of features like Windows Ink’s palm rejection, which prevents accidental input when your hand is resting on the screen. Additionally, Chrome’s support for touch input means you can use the Surface Pen to tap on links, select text, and perform other actions within the browser.
Can I sync my Chrome data across devices using my Surface Pro?
Yes, you can sync your Chrome data across devices using your Surface Pro. When you sign in to Chrome on your Surface Pro using your Google account, you can sync your browsing data, including bookmarks, history, and passwords, across all your devices that have Chrome installed. This means you can access your Chrome data from any device, including your Surface Pro, desktop, laptop, or mobile device.
To enable syncing, go to chrome://settings/ in the Chrome address bar, and sign in with your Google account. Then, go to the “Sync” section and toggle the switch to enable syncing. You can also customize what data is synced by going to the “Advanced sync settings” section. Once you’ve enabled syncing, your Chrome data will be accessible from any device, making it easy to pick up where you left off.