Google Chrome
Learn more about Chrome!
Google Chrome is an internet web browser, used to access websites and web-based applications. Although state computers are equipped with
Even if you've been using Chrome for years, there are more tips and tricks to be discovered. Check out the various topics and associated resources for learning basic and advanced application features.
Start with the basics
Chrome Profiles
Use the Chrome profile feature to simply and manage between multiple Google accounts (work and personal).
For instructions on how to sign into Chrome, click here.
Chrome Tabs
Use the Chrome "pinning" and tab groups features to manage and organize multiple tabs.
For guidance on how to manage tabs in Chrome, click here.
Chrome Bookmarks
Use the Chrome bookmarks to save, edit and organize your most visited websites and web-apps.
For guidance on how to manage bookmarks in Chrome, click here.
Ready for the next step? Check out these resources.
Chrome Tips & Shortcuts
This resource provides walkthrough instructions on how to better leverage the features of Chrome to save time and add convenience.
Chrome Videos
This YouTube Channel provides a collection of short video instructions describing the key features of Chrome.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Tip: To search faster, use Ctrl +F to search this page for keywords related to the topic you're interested in.
Using Google Chrome and Chrome Profiles
1. How do I create a Chrome profile?
Creating a Chrome profile will be the first step when logging into your State of West Virginia Google Workspace account. Access instructions here.
2. How to import favorites from another browser?
Setting up your Internet Explorer favorites/bookmarks in Chrome is a 2 step process. First, export your favorites in IE. Follow the IE instructions listed here. Be sure to remember where you’ve saved the export file. Then, import the file to Chrome with these instructions. (When accessing a Support page, please note that it opens in a new tab. To return to the Going Google Site, return to this tab.)
3. What browsers can I use to access the Google apps on Windows or macOS?
Google apps support Chrome, Safari, FireFox, Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer. However they run best in Chrome and some features will not work in the other browsers. That is why the State of West Virginia is moving over to Chrome as our browser standard.
4. With Microsoft Office, I have an older version (2010, 2013, 2016…), will this happen with Google as well?
No. For most of us, Microsoft Office was locally installed on our PCs or Macs and required distribution and re-installation of the software to upgrade to new versions. Google is an internet-based cloud service, and as upgrades and new products are introduced, we can make them available to everyone in the State of West Virginia quickly and uniformly.
5. What happens if I use an application that is not supported by chrome?
Google Chrome currently has a 62% market share, and Internet Explorer our prior default browser only 11%. As a result, most of our application vendors, and those external sites that we use support Chrome. There are a few exceptions.
In most cases, parts of the application may still function, but certain features may fail or not work at all. For our internal applications, like RMS that are on the list, we are working to make them Chrome compatible.
When you go to access one of these incompatible applications, the application will be loaded in Microsoft Internet Explorer.
6. Do you need to do anything in the chrome browser settings to allow desktop notifications?
No. However, if on your first set up you click block instead of allow, you may need to change your settings back to allow. You can do this by clicking on the lock icon next to the word Secure on the far left corner of the url box.
7. How do I change my profile picture?
Open Gmail and click on settings. Click on general and scroll down to pictures. Click on “change picture” and upload picture.
8. If you already have a personal Gmail account, do you have a chrome account automatically?
All State of West Virginia users have been granted access to Chrome. A Google Workspace account will be granted based on job role.
9. If I work between both a desktop and a laptop, do I need to set up both devices?
Yes, you will need to log into Chrome on each device and follow the setup instructions.
Chrome Extensions
1. Will Chrome extensions follow your profile?
When you log into your Chrome profile from a new computer, you'll see an option to Link data. Select this option to pull over Chrome Extensions and other saved items.
2. How can I add additional Chrome extensions?
At this time, you are unable to add extensions to customize your Chrome experience. Since most of the Chrome extensions are from third parties, some extensions may poses a risk to our business.
OR
At this time, you are able to add extensions to customize your Chrome experience. However, keep in mind that the IT administrators have the ability to block any extensions if they feel it poses a risk to our business.
To add extensions, go to the Chrome Web Store, https://chrome.google.com/webstore, in the upper left corner is a search field where you can enter the extension name or key word. If you want to know more about popular Chrome extensions, try Googling it!
Working Offline
1. What if I need to work and I don’t have internet access?
You can enable off-line mode for mail, files, docs, sheets and slides. Once enabled, Google will “cache” the files on our PC/Mac, where you can work on them using the Chrome browser and the appropriate app. Google will re-sync the mail and files once you reconnect to the internet.
Still looking for answers? Our support team is here to help! Click here to access the Support page.