{"slug":"chromebook-vs-windows-laptop)","title":"Chromebook vs Windows Laptop","url":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/chromebook-vs-windows-laptop)","faqCount":5,"faqs":[{"question":"Can I run Microsoft Office on a Chromebook?","answer":"No, you cannot run Microsoft Office desktop versions on Chromebook. However, you can access Microsoft Office 365 online through a web browser, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. These cloud versions have 90% of desktop features but lack some advanced functionality. You can also use free alternatives like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides which sync across devices."},{"question":"Do Chromebooks work offline?","answer":"Chromebooks have very limited offline functionality. You can use Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides offline if you've enabled offline mode, and can read emails previously synced. However, most web-based apps, streaming services, and advanced features require an internet connection. Windows laptops work fully offline with all installed software."},{"question":"Which is more secure: Chromebook or Windows laptop?","answer":"Chromebooks are generally more secure due to Chrome OS architecture: automatic sandboxing isolates each app, verified boot prevents malware at startup, and automatic updates deploy in the background without user intervention. Windows requires active security management including antivirus software and manual updates. However, both are secure when properly maintained—Chromebooks have fewer vulnerabilities simply because they're less targeted by malware creators."},{"question":"Can I upgrade hardware on a Chromebook like a Windows laptop?","answer":"No. Chromebooks have soldered components with no upgrade paths for RAM or storage. Windows laptops typically allow upgrades of SSD and RAM (varies by model). This is another reason Chromebooks have lower maintenance costs—you cannot customize them but also cannot damage them with upgrades."},{"question":"Which is better for gaming?","answer":"Windows laptops are far superior for gaming. They support Steam, Epic Games, and dedicated gaming software with DirectX support. Gaming Chromebooks with Android app support can play casual mobile games via Google Play, but cannot run traditional PC games. Windows offers thousands of gaming titles; Chromebooks offer hundreds of casual mobile games."}],"faqPageSchema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/chromebook-vs-windows-laptop)#faq","url":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/chromebook-vs-windows-laptop)","inLanguage":"en-US","name":"Chromebook vs Windows Laptop — FAQ","description":"Frequently asked questions about Chromebook vs Windows Laptop","dateModified":"2026-07-08T04:11:20.179Z","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/#organization","name":"A Versus B"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/#organization","name":"A Versus B"},"isPartOf":{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/chromebook-vs-windows-laptop)#article"},"license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","speakable":{"@type":"SpeakableSpecification","cssSelector":["#faq",".faq-item"]},"mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"Can I run Microsoft Office on a Chromebook?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No, you cannot run Microsoft Office desktop versions on Chromebook. However, you can access Microsoft Office 365 online through a web browser, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. These cloud versions have 90% of desktop features but lack some advanced functionality. You can also use free alternatives like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides which sync across devices.","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/chromebook-vs-windows-laptop)"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Do Chromebooks work offline?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Chromebooks have very limited offline functionality. You can use Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides offline if you've enabled offline mode, and can read emails previously synced. However, most web-based apps, streaming services, and advanced features require an internet connection. Windows laptops work fully offline with all installed software.","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/chromebook-vs-windows-laptop)"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Which is more secure: Chromebook or Windows laptop?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Chromebooks are generally more secure due to Chrome OS architecture: automatic sandboxing isolates each app, verified boot prevents malware at startup, and automatic updates deploy in the background without user intervention. Windows requires active security management including antivirus software and manual updates. However, both are secure when properly maintained—Chromebooks have fewer vulnerabilities simply because they're less targeted by malware creators.","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/chromebook-vs-windows-laptop)"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can I upgrade hardware on a Chromebook like a Windows laptop?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No. Chromebooks have soldered components with no upgrade paths for RAM or storage. Windows laptops typically allow upgrades of SSD and RAM (varies by model). This is another reason Chromebooks have lower maintenance costs—you cannot customize them but also cannot damage them with upgrades.","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/chromebook-vs-windows-laptop)"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Which is better for gaming?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Windows laptops are far superior for gaming. They support Steam, Epic Games, and dedicated gaming software with DirectX support. Gaming Chromebooks with Android app support can play casual mobile games via Google Play, but cannot run traditional PC games. Windows offers thousands of gaming titles; Chromebooks offer hundreds of casual mobile games.","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/chromebook-vs-windows-laptop)"}}]}}