What Is Compatible With Chromebooks?
Chromebooks run ChromeOS, not Windows or macOS, so they cannot install traditional desktop software. Because DMACC's environment is Microsoft-based, many of the applications used across campus will not run natively on a Chromebook. This article lists common tools students encounter and the workaround (if one exists) for each.
Before you buy: If you have not yet purchased a laptop, we strongly recommend a Windows device for full compatibility with campus software. If you already own a Chromebook, the options below will help you complete most coursework.
Kaltura
Students using Chromebooks cannot install Kaltura Capture on their machines to submit videos for assignments. They can, however, use the Chrome extension Screencastify to capture their video and then upload it. Instructions
Microsoft Office
The full desktop version of Microsoft Office cannot be installed on a Chromebook. However, students can use Office on the web (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) through a browser by signing in at office.com with their DMACC account. The web versions cover most common tasks, though some advanced features found in the desktop apps are not available.
Respondus LockDown Browser
LockDown Browser works on Chromebooks, but there are two important things to know.
You must get the installation link from your instructor in Canvas. The link is not available anywhere else — you cannot search for it on the Chrome Web Store, and IT cannot provide it. Only your instructor's Canvas course has the correct installation link for your class.
How to install the extension: Use the LockDown Browser installation link provided in your Canvas course. This link will direct you to the Chrome Web Store, where you should select "Add to Chrome" to install the LockDown Browser extension. Do not try to search for the app directly in the Chrome Web Store — it will not work.
Important — close all other tabs and apps: LockDown Browser will not run if you have other tabs or applications open. Before starting your exam, you must close every other open tab and any other apps running on your Chromebook. If a tab remains open, LockDown Browser will fail to launch or will not let you proceed. This is the most common reason students think the extension "isn't working" — the install was fine, but other tabs or apps are still open. Read the on-screen prompts, close what it asks you to close, and then continue.
Visual Studio Code (and other coding software)
The desktop version of Visual Studio Code is not supported on Chromebooks for coursework. It can only run through a Linux development environment (Crostini), which requires administrator access to enable and is often locked on school-managed devices — and it is not something IT supports on student machines. There is a limited browser version at vscode.dev, but it lacks features many courses require, such as running and debugging code locally. Coding and computer science courses generally expect a full desktop install, which a Chromebook cannot provide.
Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, etc.)
The full Adobe Creative Cloud desktop applications cannot be installed on a Chromebook — Adobe only supports Windows and macOS for these apps. Some limited web and mobile versions exist (such as Adobe Express and Photoshop on the web), but they do not replace the full desktop applications used in most design, media, and photography courses.