Forcing Chrome to Install Desktop Apps (Non-PWAs) Like Slack and Jira
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) have gained popularity in recent years due to their ability to provide a native app-like experience in a web browser. However, some popular apps like Slack and Jira are not PWAs and require a desktop installation. This article will cover how to force Chrome to install these types of apps as if they were in "tabbed" PWA mode using Chrome flags.
What are PWAs and why are they important?
PWAs are web applications that use modern web technologies to provide a native app-like experience in a web browser. They can be installed on a user's device, allowing them to be accessed from the device's home screen or application menu. PWAs can also work offline, send push notifications, and access device hardware such as cameras and microphones.
PWAs have several advantages over traditional web applications. They can be installed with a single click, do not require a trip to the app store, and can be updated automatically. They also provide a consistent user experience across different devices and platforms.
Why force Chrome to install non-PWA desktop apps?
While PWAs offer many advantages, some popular apps like Slack and Jira are not PWAs and require a desktop installation. Installing these apps as PWAs can provide a more seamless user experience, allowing users to access the apps from the device's home screen or application menu and providing offline functionality.
By forcing Chrome to install non-PWA desktop apps as if they were PWAs, users can take advantage of these benefits without the need for a separate desktop installation.
How to force Chrome to install non-PWA desktop apps as PWAs
To force Chrome to install non-PWA desktop apps as PWAs, follow these steps:
- Open Chrome and navigate to chrome://flags.
- Search for the "Enable force-installable" flag.
- Set the flag to "Enabled" and restart Chrome.
- Navigate to the website of the non-PWA desktop app you want to install as a PWA.
- Click the "Install" button in the address bar.
- Follow the prompts to install the app.
Once the app is installed, it will appear in the device's application menu or home screen, just like a PWA. Users can then access the app with a single click and take advantage of offline functionality.
Forcing Chrome to install non-PWA desktop apps as PWAs can provide a more seamless user experience, allowing users to access the apps from the device's home screen or application menu and providing offline functionality. By enabling the "Enable force-installable" flag in Chrome and installing the app from the website, users can take advantage of these benefits without the need for a separate desktop installation.
References
// Example code block
function installApp() {
chrome.runtime.install({
url: 'https://example.com/app.crx',
});
}