How to Install Any Website as an App Using Edge or Chrome on Windows

2024/03/30

Frequently, individuals may find themselves needing to access a particular website multiple times, such as when completing a school assignment. In this scenario, a more efficient solution would be to download the website as a desktop application on your computer. If you have a Windows operating system, this can easily be done using either the Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome browser.

Progressive Web Apps (PWA) can be installed on these browsers, making it easier and faster for you to access the website, similar to a typical app. Moreover, these apps have a cleaner interface compared to traditional websites, resulting in a more enjoyable browsing experience. Therefore, let’s explore how you can install websites as apps on your Windows PC.

Installing a Website as an App using Microsoft Edge

To install a website as an app on Windows 11, the most convenient method is using the Edge browser.

Launch the Edge browser and go to the website you want to install as an app, such as Wikipedia.
Click on the three dots appearing in the upper right corner of the browser to access various browser options.

In the drop-down menu, navigate to the ‘Apps’ section where you will find the ‘Install This Site As An App’ option in the sub-menu.

Clicking on the option will show you a pop-up asking you whether you want to install the app. Here you can change the name of the app if you want before installing it.

Click on the ‘Install’ button to start installing it. Once it is installed, you will get a notification regarding the same.

By selecting your preferred options, such as pinning the app to the Start menu and Taskbar, creating a desktop shortcut, or setting it to start automatically upon log in, you can easily access the app. Once you have made your selections, simply click on the ‘Allow’ button.

Depending on your preferences, you have the option to open the Wikipedia app through the desktop icon, Start menu, or taskbar.

Installing Website as an App Using Google Chrome

Although Edge has the ‘Install as an App’ feature, Google Chrome also offers a similar ‘Create Shortcut’ option.

Open Google Chrome and navigate to the desired website to use it as a desktop app.
To access the browser options, simply click on the three dots located in the upper right corner.

Navigate to ‘Save and Share’ and you will come across various supplementary choices.

Click on the ‘Create Shortcut’ option, and a pop-up will appear, asking you to provide a name for the shortcut. Enter a name or go with the default one before clicking on the ‘Create’ button. If you want it to open as an app, also check the option for ‘Open as window’.

The website has been converted into an app and can now be accessed via the Start menu, taskbar, or desktop icon.

Updating the App Icon

Both Edge and Chrome will automatically assign an icon to the PWA app, but you always have the option to change it according to your preferences.

To alter the app icon, simply right-click on it and select the ‘Properties’ option.

In the ‘Properties’ box, click on the ‘Change Icon’ button in the ‘Shortcut’ tab at the bottom.

On the box that opens, click on the ‘Browse’ button to search for various icons.

You have the option to select a personalized icon from your image library on the computer, or you can browse the Windows library located at ‘C:\Windows\System32\imageres.dll’ for available icons.

Click on an icon to select it, and then click on the ‘OK’ button.

In the main ‘Properties’ window, click on the ‘OK’ button again, and you will see that the app now has the icon you selected.

Removing Websites Installed As Apps

You can easily uninstall websites that you have installed as apps on your system once they are no longer needed.

Accessing Settings

Open the Start menu and search for the website you installed as an app, which in this case can be ChatGPT or Wikipedia.

Click on the ‘Uninstall’ button. Doing so will take you to the Settings app.

Search for ChatGPT in the search box on the Settings page.

When the app appears, click on the three dots that appear on the right side.

When you click on the three dots, you will be able to locate the ‘Uninstall’ option. Select it to uninstall the app from your system.

Upon receiving a notification, click on the ‘Uninstall’ button to confirm the app’s removal.

Finally, a pop-up will appear asking you whether you want to delete the app data from Chrome. Click on the ‘Remove’ button to complete the uninstallation.

A more convenient method of uninstalling applications is by accessing the Start menu.

Simply search for the website installed as an app in the menu by typing its name, for example, you can search for Wikipedia if you have installed it.

Right-click on the app when it appears, and you will find several options in the drop-down menu, including the ‘Uninstall’ option.

Select the ‘Uninstall’ option.

This pop-up will inform you that the app will be removed. Click on the ‘Uninstall’ button to complete the process.

By utilizing websites as applications, you can effectively save both time and effort. With the techniques we have provided, you can achieve this without the need for any external tools. You can conveniently install websites as apps on your system using the Edge or Chrome browser.

In addition, since these apps are connected to webpages, any existing browser extensions will also be compatible with these apps. This means you can use your preferred browser features without needing to open the browser every time.