How to Install Google Home App on a PC?

by antonio

Google Home App is a computer tool that allows you to set up and control your Google Home and Chromecast devices. In this way, it is possible to control everything that is linked to these devices; from one place. We already explained this in our guide on How to Install Google Home App on a Mobile?. But Is it possible to install Google Home App on a PC?. We’re not going to mess around: the concrete answer is no..

So what do we mean by the title of this article? Well, on the one hand it turns out that Google Chrome has built-in some of the functions of the Google Home app; on the other hand, there is an unofficial method with which it is possible to install Google Home App on a computer. You want to know about all this? Then read on.

Google Chrome as an official alternative

To link a PC to Chromecast or Google Home devices, and stream content to the screen, for example; a Smart TV, you don’t need to install Google Home App on a PC. And it is that, in fact; there is no version of this Desktop App. It can only be installed on a mobile with Android or iOS. However, it is possible to carry out this link between PC and Smart TV; using the functions of the Google Chrome web browser.

use chrome as a google home app

In this sense, it is absolutely essential to have Chrome installed on your PC or Laptop; in addition to keeping it always updated to its latest available version. These features are not available in any other browser.

If you don’t already have Chrome on your computer, visit our text on How to Download and Install Chrome on a PC. Conversely, if you already have it installed; See our guide on How to Update Google Chrome. The browser must always be at its latest version for links to be generated efficiently.

Also, you should know that Google Chrome is not able to replicate all the features of the Google Home app. It only allows you to project and send content from your computer to the screen of another device (usually TVs).

But it doesn’t work to perform the initial setup of a Chromecast or Google Home device. This first configuration can only be done from the mobile app. However, Chrome is still the only official PC alternative to that App.

Steps to use Chrome (like Google Home App)

We have already made it clear that it is not possible to install Google Home App on a PC. We also highlight that Google Chrome is a limited alternative as long as it doesn’t have the same functionality. However, Google Home App is especially used to project a mobile screen to TVs; and this is something we can do from a PC with Google Chrome.

trnasmitir chroem towards chromecast

In fact, we can choose to stream only one Google Chrome tab on the TV; as well as convey ingthis that we do in an orderlyr. In both cases, all you need is the following: a Chromecast or Google Home device, a compatible TV, an updated Chrome computer, and connecting everything to the same Wi-Fi network.

Five steps to stream a Chrome tab

  1. Open Google Chrome from your computer or Laptop.
  2. Click the More button at the top right of the browser. It is identified by three dots arranged in an upright position.
  3. Select“Transmit…” or“Send…” which will be one of several options displayed.
  4. Choose the Chromecast device you want to stream the Chrome tab to. You’ll see the available devices in a small pop-up window at the top right of the browser.
  5. To stop the link between the Chrome tab and the TV, go to the top right of the browser, before the three vertical dots you will see the icon of a screen; click it and then the Stopoption.

Consider the following:

  • If your Chromecast device was already streaming content to your TV, that stream will be canceled to project the Chrome tab.
  • You can stream a video or media by simply clicking the button Transmit (it’s a small screen with wirewaves). For example, YouTube already has this button; but it only appears after taking the steps above.
  • Both the Crome tab and the TV will be able to see the content being streamed. However, the sound will only come out of the TV. Reserving PC audio for your programs and the other Chrome tabs.

Steps to broadcast a desktop screen

  1. Follow the same first three steps above.
  2. Select the Send (or Stream)button at the top right of Chrome, just to the left of the three vertical dots.
  3. A small pop-up window will pop up. Click the button Sources which is accompanied by a down arrow.
  4. Select the Stream Desktop option and then the Chromecast device you want to link to your computer’s screen.

Consider the following aspects:

  • Everything you do on your computer will be projected on both your own screen and your TV. Technically, your TV will become a secondary monitor.
  • You can stream only specific images or videos from your PC instead of the entire desktop. To do this, after clicking the Sources button; choose the Stream File option in the“Transmit an audio or video file”section. That is, you should not select the Stream Desktop above option.

Alternative method to install Google Home App on a PC

Even though we’ve been saying that there’s no desktop version, there’s an alternative method to install Google Home App on a PC or Laptop. In fact, it’s quite simple; although it has implications that can be an inconvenience for low-income computers.

install google home for PC with emulator

This method consists of installing an Android emulator for PC. After which you’ll be able to download and install Google Home App just as you would on a mobile. The main problem with this method is that emulators consume a lotof resources, after all; they play one operating system within another, which usually slows down most low-medium-range computers.

One of the Android emulators for PC that we usually recommend, is Bluestacks; although its main focus is video games. But if you’re not one of those who like games, then you might be interested in MEmu,an emulator where apps like Google Home work very well.

In any case do not forget that, to be able to install Google Home App on a PC; your computer must have an antenna for Wi-Fi connectivity.