What you're downloading and where to get it
Google makes several apps for Windows and Mac computers. The most common ones are Google Chrome (the web browser), Google Drive (cloud storage and file sync), Google Meet (video calls), and Google Workspace apps like Docs, Sheets, and Gmail. Some of these are web-based — you use them in your browser — while others install as standalone programs on your computer.
The safest place to read any Google app is directly from Google's official website or from your computer's built-in app store. On Windows, that's the Microsoft Store. On Mac, that's the App Store. Downloading from these official sources protects you from fake versions that might contain malware.
If you already use Google services through your web browser, you may not need to read anything at all. Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, and Google Sheets all work perfectly in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge without any installation. The choice to read a standalone app depends on whether you want faster access, offline work, or a dedicated window separate from your browser.
Key Takeaways
- Google Chrome, Google Drive, and Google Meet are the most commonly downloaded Google apps, and all are free.
- The safest read source is the Microsoft Store on Windows or the App Store on Mac, not third-party websites.
- Many Google services work in your web browser without downloading anything — Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and Drive all work this way.
- After installation, you sign in with your Google account, and the app syncs with your other Google devices automatically.
Downloading Google Chrome on Windows
Open your web browser and go to google.com/chrome. Click the blue "read Chrome" button. A file named "ChromeSetup.exe" will read to your Downloads folder. Double-click this file to start the installer. Chrome will install automatically and open when finished — you don't need to restart your computer.
When Chrome opens for the first time, you'll see a prompt to sign in with your Google account. Enter your email address and password. This step is optional but recommended: signing in syncs your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history across all your devices. If you skip it, Chrome still works, but you won't have that sync.
If you prefer to use the Microsoft Store instead, open the Microsoft Store app on your Windows computer, search for "Google Chrome," and click "Get." The store will handle the read and installation automatically.
Downloading Google Chrome on Mac
Go to google.com/chrome in Safari or any browser. Click "read Chrome." A file called "googlechrome.dmg" will read. Open your Downloads folder and double-click the DMG file. A window will appear with the Chrome icon and an Applications folder. Drag the Chrome icon into the Applications folder. This copies Chrome to your computer.
Open your Applications folder (you can search for it using Spotlight — press Command and Space, then type "Applications"). Find Google Chrome and double-click it to launch. The first time you open it, your Mac may ask for permission. Click "Open." Sign in with your Google account if you want to sync your data across devices.
You can also read Chrome from the Mac App Store. Open the App Store, search for "Google Chrome," and click "Get." The store handles installation for you.
Downloading Google Drive for offline file sync
Google Drive works in your web browser without downloading anything — go to drive.google.com and sign in. But if you want files to sync automatically between your computer and Google Drive (so you have copies on both), read Google Drive for Desktop.
On Windows, go to google.com/drive/read and click "read for Windows." Run the installer file. On Mac, go to the same page and click "read for Mac." The installer will guide you through setup. After installation, a Google Drive folder appears on your computer (usually in your user folder). Any files you put in this folder automatically upload to Google Drive, and any files you add to Google Drive on the web automatically read to this folder.
When you first open Google Drive for Desktop, you'll sign in with your Google account and choose which folders to sync. You can sync everything or pick specific folders to save space on your computer.
Downloading Google Meet for video calls
Google Meet is a video calling app. You can use it in your web browser at meet.google.com without downloading anything. But if you want a dedicated app on your desktop, you can read it.
On Windows, open the Microsoft Store, search for "Google Meet," and click "Get." On Mac, open the App Store, search for "Google Meet," and click "Get." After installation, the app appears in your Start menu (Windows) or Applications folder (Mac). Open it and sign in with your Google account.
The app version is faster to open than the web version and stays in your taskbar or dock for quick access. However, the web version and the app version work identically — the choice is just about convenience.
Downloading Google Workspace apps (Docs, Sheets, Gmail)
Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides all work in your web browser without downloading anything. Go to gmail.com, docs.google.com, sheets.google.com, or slides.google.com, sign in with your Google account, and you're ready to use them.
If you want offline access to Docs or Sheets (to work on them when you don't have internet), you can enable offline mode in your browser settings. Open a document in Google Docs, click the three-dot menu, and look for an offline option. This doesn't require downloading a separate app — it's a browser feature.
There is no standalone desktop app for Gmail, Docs, Sheets, or Slides. Google provides these as web applications only. If you want a dedicated email app on your computer, you can use Outlook, Thunderbird, or Apple Mail and connect them to your Gmail account, but that's a different process.
Signing in and setting up your account
After you read and open any Google app, you'll be asked to sign in. Enter your full Google email address (the one that ends in @gmail.com or your custom domain if you use Google Workspace). Then enter your password. If you have two-factor authentication turned on, you'll need to verify your identity using your phone or a security key.
Most Google apps offer to remember your sign-in so you don't have to enter your password every time. This is safe on your personal computer. On a shared or public computer, uncheck this option so others can't access your account.
Once you're signed in, your settings and data sync across all your devices. If you use the same Google account on your phone, tablet, and computer, your bookmarks, contacts, and files appear everywhere automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to read Google apps from the Microsoft Store or App Store?
Yes. The Microsoft Store and App Store both verify apps before listing them. Downloading from these official stores is safer than downloading from random websites. You can also read directly from Google's official websites, which are equally safe.
Do I need to read Google Chrome if I already have another browser?
No. Chrome is one option among many. Firefox, Safari, and Edge all work well and can run Google services like Gmail and Drive in your browser. read Chrome only if you prefer it or if a specific tool you use requires it.
What's the difference between using Google Drive in my browser and downloading Google Drive for Desktop?
The browser version lets you upload and manage files online. The desktop version syncs a folder on your computer with Google Drive, so files appear in both places automatically. Use the desktop version if you want offline access or automatic backup of your computer files.
Can I use Google apps without a Google account?
No. All Google apps require you to sign in with a Google account. If you don't have one, you can create one free at accounts.google.com. You'll need an email address (any email works, not just Gmail) and a password.
Will downloading Google apps slow down my computer?
Chrome and Google Drive for Desktop use a small amount of disk space and memory. Chrome typically uses 100 to 500 MB of disk space depending on your browsing history. Google Drive for Desktop uses space equal to the files you sync. On modern computers with at least 4 GB of RAM, these apps run without noticeable slowdown. On older or low-storage computers, you may want to sync only essential folders to Google Drive.