Google Docs is an online word processor. With a Google (Gmail) account, anyone can start creating a document right from their web browsers for free.
Does Google Docs have an app for Windows 10/11 and Mac?
Because Google Docs is a web-based word processor, Google does not offer Google Docs software for Windows or Mac. As of now, the Google Docs app is officially available for iOS and Android only.
This means that computer users need to sign in to Google Docs in a web browser to use it. Although using Google Docs in a web browser is easy, an app would have made it even handier.
Can I install Google Docs in Windows and macOS?
A feature in Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge browsers allows you to install Google Docs as an app in Windows 10/11. Once you install Google Docs as an app, you can start using Docs by just launching the Google Docs app. No need to open the browser. We have already told you about this feature in our how to install Gmail as an app in Windows 10/11 guide.
However, remember that your PC needs to be connected to the internet in order to use Google Docs. The Google Docs app does not let you create documents offline.
This guide will show you how to install Google Docs as an app in Windows 10/11 and Mac.
Method 1 of 2
Install Google Docs as an app using Chrome in Windows 10/11 & Mac
NOTE: If you are using Edge, check the directions in Method 2.
Step 1: Launch the Chrome browser. Visit the Google Docs website and sign-in to your Google/Gmail account.
Step 2: Once you sign-in to Google Docs, stay in the Google Docs tab, click on More options (three vertically stacked dots), click More tools, and then click Create shortcut option. Note that we are not creating just a desktop shortcut!
Step 3: Next, you will get the following pop-up. Here, type Google Docs in the fields, ensure that the Open as window is selected, and then click the Create button.
That’s it! The Google Docs app is now installed. You can launch it via the Start/taskbar search.
Method 2 of 2
Install Google Docs as an app using Edge browser in Windows 10/11 & Mac
Step 1: Visit the Google Docs website in the Edge browser and sign in to your Gmail/Google account.
Step 2: Keep the Google Docs tab open, click on the three dots, click Apps and then click Install this site as an app.
Step 3: In the Install app pop-up dialog, type Google Docs and then click the Install button to install Google Docs as an app in Windows 10/11.
Step 4: Next, you will see the following dialog. If you wish to pin it to the taskbar or Start menu, select the respective option and click the Allow button.
You may now launch the Google Docs app using the Start/taskbar search.
Uninstall the Google Docs app from Windows 10/11
Step 1: If you are on Windows 10, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features page. And if on Windows 11, navigate to Settings > Apps > Installed apps page.
Step 2: Look for the Google Docs entry. In Windows 10, you need to click on the Google Docs entry and then click the Uninstall option to remove it. If you are on a Windows 11 PC, click on the three dots next to the Google Docs entry and then click the Uninstall option.
Social Stephen says
Very informative! Thank you very much! I admit that the check box for “open as window” is slightly misleading. It makes me think they are talking about a browser window. I am happy that I saw your blog post in Google Search and came here to read your instructions on how to open Google Docs as an app. ?
Darshana says
Thank you so much it worked very well. I installed it as a PC APP.
katarado says
Wow thank you so much! I’m so happy I can have it on my taskbar and not drown in all my working tabs.
Take care
Victoria Aiyegbusi says
I need to commend this website. It worked perfectly. Thank you. I have been able to install google docs on my pc