Google Docs is a powerful and versatile word processing tool that is available for free to anyone with a Google account. However, some people may find it difficult to download and install Google Docs on their Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer. In this article, I will provide clear and concise instructions on how to download and install Google Docs, as well as a brief overview of its benefits and key features. I will also recommend using WPS Office as an assist software to make your work better.
Part 1. What is Google Docs
Google Docs, a dynamic cloud-based word processing software, has revolutionized the way we create and collaborate on documents. Its brilliance lies in its simplicity and power. As a seasoned user, I’ve found two standout features that make it exceptional:
Real-time Collaboration: Google Docs allows multiple users to edit a document simultaneously. The seamless real-time collaboration fosters teamwork, eliminates version confusion, and accelerates project completion.
Cloud Storage and Accessibility: Your documents are securely stored in the cloud, ensuring you can access them from anywhere with an internet connection. This feature empowers flexibility, making work possible anytime, anywhere.
Part 2. Steps to Download Google Docs for PC Windows 10&11
Here’s a straightforward guide to downloading Google Docs on your Windows 10 and 11 PC:
Step 1: Launch the Chrome browser. Visit the Google Docs website (docs.google.com) and sign in to your Google/Gmail account.
Step 2: Once you’re signed in to Google Docs, stay on the Google Docs tab. Click on «More options» (represented by three vertically stacked dots) in the top-right corner of the Chrome window. Then, click on «More tools» in the dropdown menu.
Step 3: In the «More tools» submenu, select the «Create shortcut» option. Please note that this isn’t just creating a desktop shortcut; it’s installing the Google Docs app on your PC.
Step 4: A pop-up window will appear. In this window:
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Type «Google Docs» in the fields provided.
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Ensure that the «Open as window» option is selected.
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Finally, click the «Create» button.
Congratulations! The Google Docs app is now installed on your Windows 10 or 11 PC. You can conveniently launch it via the Start menu or the taskbar search.
Part 3. Tips When You Use Google Docs
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Smart Chips and Building Blocks: Streamline collaboration with smart chips and building blocks. For instance, use «Meeting notes» building block to prepare meeting notes with attendees and agendas. Smart chips provide additional context when you mention a person, file, or location in your document.
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Draft Emails and Calendar Invites: Compose important emails and calendar invites within Docs using «Email draft» and «Calendar event draft» building blocks. Collaborate with colleagues, then export directly to Gmail or Google Calendar when ready.
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Compare Documents: Review document versions efficiently by using the «Compare documents» feature. It highlights differences in red, helping you identify changes and potential errors.
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Personalized Dictionary: Customize your Docs dictionary by adding custom words or abbreviations you frequently use, ensuring they’re not flagged as misspelled.
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Alternative Text: Enhance accessibility by adding alternative text to images, drawings, and graphics. Screen reader users will benefit from audio descriptions of visuals.
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Google Meet Integration: Collaborate seamlessly by joining Google Meet calls directly within Docs. Click the Google Meet icon to start or join a meeting, keeping browser tabs to a minimum.
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Translate Documents: Translate Docs into various languages instantly to improve comprehension. Find this feature under «Tools» and «Translate document.»
Here are the top two recommended tips for maximizing your Google Docs experience:
1. Smart Chips and Building Blocks: Use «@» to access smart chips and building blocks for efficient collaboration and organization. «Meeting notes» streamlines meeting preparation, while smart chips provide context. These tools keep you organized and enhance teamwork.
2. Draft Emails and Calendar Invites in Docs: Save time by drafting emails and calendar invites in Docs. Collaborate with colleagues, then export to Gmail or Google Calendar when ready. It ensures polished communication.
These tips will supercharge your productivity in Google Docs.
Trustpilot
WPS Office- Free All-in-One Office Suite
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Use Word, Excel, and PPT for FREE, No Ads.
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Edit PDF files with the powerful PDF toolkit.
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Microsoft-like interface. Easy to learn. 100% Compatibility.
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Boost your productivity with WPS’s abundant free Word, Excel, PPT, and CV templates.
Algirdas Jasaitis
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Part 4. Try WPS Office Suite for Better Work
WPS Office, a robust productivity suite, offers a wealth of free services, perfect for diverse office tasks. With clear and user-friendly guidance, WPS Office helps you overcome any challenges you may face, making it a valuable tool. Whether you’re working on documents, spreadsheets, or presentations, WPS Office enhances efficiency, helping you meet your professional goals.
Pros:
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Compatibility with Microsoft Office: One of its major strengths is its compatibility with Microsoft Office file formats like DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX. This ensures that you can seamlessly work with files created in Microsoft Office without formatting issues.
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Free Version: WPS Office provides a free version with robust features, making it accessible to users who don’t want to pay for office software.
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User-Friendly Interface: It boasts an intuitive and user-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate, making it suitable for users of all levels of expertise.
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Wide Range of Features: It includes a comprehensive set of features for word processing, spreadsheet management, and presentation creation, rivaling many paid office suites.
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Cloud Integration: WPS Office offers cloud integration with services like Google Drive and Dropbox, allowing you to access your files from anywhere.
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Templates: WPS Office provides a variety of templates for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, saving you time and effort in creating professional-looking content.
FAQs
1. What are some simple Google Doc formatting tips?
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Add a signature: You can insert your signature image into a document by going to «Insert» > «Image» and uploading your signature image.
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Use subscript or superscript: Highlight the text you want to format, then click on «Format» > «Text» and select either «Subscript» or «Superscript.»
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Create a border: You can create borders for tables or specific text by selecting the content, right-clicking, and choosing «Borders and shading.»
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Strike through text: Highlight the text, then click the «Format» menu, and select «Text» > «Strikethrough.»
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Generate a table of contents: Use «Insert» > «Table of contents» to create an auto-updating table of contents based on your document’s headings.
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Change the background color: Go to «File» > «Page setup» and click on the «Page color» option to change the background color.
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Add an image border: Click on the image, then choose «Format» > «Image options» and adjust the border settings.
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Add new fonts: You can access more fonts by clicking on the font dropdown menu and selecting «More fonts.»
2. How do I collaborate with others on a Google Docs document?
Click the «Share» button in the top-right corner of your document, enter the email addresses of collaborators, and choose their permission levels (view, comment, or edit). They will receive a link to access and collaborate on the document.
3. Can I access Google Docs offline on Windows 10 and 11?
Yes, you can access Google Docs offline by enabling offline mode in the Google Docs settings. This allows you to work on your documents even without an internet connection.
4. What is the maximum storage capacity for Google Docs on Windows PC?
Google Docs does not consume storage on your Windows PC, as it operates in the cloud. You can store an unlimited number of documents in Google Docs within your Google Drive storage limit.
5. Is it possible to recover a deleted document on Google Docs for PC?
Yes, you can recover deleted documents in Google Docs. Go to Google Drive, click on «Trash» in the left sidebar, right-click on the document you want to recover, and select «Restore.»
Summary
In this comprehensive guide on how to download Google Docs for PC running Windows 10 and 11, we’ve covered a wide range of topics to help you harness the full potential of this powerful word processing tool. We began by introducing Google Docs and its benefits, highlighting its real-time collaboration and cloud accessibility.
To further empower your productivity, we recommended exploring WPS Office, a feature-rich office suite compatible with Microsoft Office, which offers an array of free services to simplify your work. Give it a try and elevate your work today.
Google apps are cloud-based and run straight from Google’s data centers. You will not find a linear way to download Google Docs for desktop or windows 10. But you will find many workarounds to make use of Google Docs offline. It is possible to access all of your Google Docs documents from your PC or Windows 10 by downloading Google Drive. Moving forward, we will discuss how to download Google Docs for desktop or for Windows 10 and we will also discuss how to use Google Docs offline.
How to download Google Docs Latest Version Free? follow the below quick steps for Google Docs free download.
- Navigate to https://www.google.com/drive/download/.
- Click on the “Download Drive for desktop” button.
- Select the location where you want to download, click on Save button to download Google Docs for PC or Windows.
We will discuss the steps in detail in the latter part of the article.
Table Of Contents
- Google Docs free download
- How to download Google Docs for desktop or for Windows 10?
- Google Docs Desktop App
- Google Docs Download For PC (Windows 10)
- Can you work offline with Google Docs?
- Let’s Explore Google Docs For Windows Offline
- Google Docs files download for Desktop for Windows10
- How to download Google Docs Offline for Windows 10 free
- Make Sure, you are meeting the below criteria to turn on Google Docs offline access
- Shortcut to Save multiple files available offline
- To preview Google Docs Offline files
- Create Shortcut on for Google Docs Offline Desktop or Windows 10
- Google Apps
- Can you download Google Docs on Windows 10?
- Can I download Google Docs on my PC?
You can download Google Docs for desktop or Windows 10 if you wish to use your Google Docs files when you are offline. Google Docs is an online word processor, where your Google Docs documents or files are stored on Google Drive. Once, you will sign in to your Google Drive, you can able to download, create or save your Google Docs documents. If you want you can also able to edit your documents.
In fact, you can get Google Docs as part of your Google Drive for your Desktop or Windows 10. So, If you want the Google Docs desktop version, you can download Google Drive for Windows 10 or desktop.
- Popular Google Docs add ons
How to download Google Docs for desktop or for Windows 10?
If you are having a question “Can I install Google Docs on my PC”, then you are at the right place and this section is for you.
Google Docs Desktop App
Simply follow the below quick information to learn how to download and install Google Drive and thus how to download Google Docs on your Windows 10 or desktop.
Google Docs Download For PC (Windows 10)
- The first step is to navigate to the Google Drive Download site.
- Then, Click on the Download Drive for desktop button to download the Google Drive desktop version.
- Now, it will ask you to browse the location from your local Pc where you want to save the GoogleDriveSetup file.
- Choose the location on your PC and click on the Save button. Now, it will download the GoogleDriveSetup file on your selected path.
- To install it, go to the selected location on your computer and double click on the GoogleDriveSetup file for the installation of Google Drive.
- Click on the Yes button to allow the installation on the Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device? pop up.
Now Google Drive for Desktop will be installed where you can check the My Drive folder to access Google Docs documents, Google Sheet, etc will get saved. This is the way you can download google docs for windows 10.
Now, you might be thinking Does Google Docs work offline?.
Can you work offline with Google Docs?
Yes, you can able to use Google Docs when you are offline or when you don’t have internet, You can able to create or even edit your Google Docs documents.
- Google docs line spacing
- How to add Google Docs Image Caption
Let’s Explore Google Docs For Windows Offline
Since there is no proper website available that allows you for downloading the Google Docs application If you will enable offline use of Google Docs through your Chrome browser that can do wonders for you.
Google Docs files download for Desktop for Windows10
You can directly download your Google Docs file to your computer. by clicking on “File menu> choose Download option” and selecting the format types that you want to be.
How to download Google Docs Offline for Windows 10 free
You can install the Google Chrome extension official version.
Make Sure, you are meeting the below criteria to turn on Google Docs offline access
- Your computer or PC should be connected to the internet.
- You need to use the Google Chrome browser and better not to use any private browsers. Only the Chrome browser can able to access Google Drive offline on your desktop that is available for Windows, Linux, and Mac and also works in the same way on each of the platforms.
- Make sure that the Drive Chrome web app is installed in your Chrome or not. It usually comes as a default option with Chrome browser. You will be prompted to install it before you continue to Google Docs offline version, if you have not yet installed.
- You have to make sure your device has enough space available to save your Google Docs files.
Once you are ready with all the conditions, you are ready to install and turn on Google Docs Offline Chrome extension.
- You need to sign in to your chrome browser and then download the “Google Docs Offline” Chrome extension. For that Naigate to Google Docs Offline –> Click on Add to Chrome button.
- Click on the Add extension button to add the Google Docs Offline chrome extension.
- Now, to open the Google Docs document, Google Sheet, etc offline, you need to navigate to drive.google.com/drive/settings
- Or you can navigate to drive.google.com. then click on the Gear icon i.e the Settings option that is present on right top corner of the screen –> click on the Settings option.
- Now, you can able to see a pop-up that will help you to change the settings.
- select or check the check box “offline” to edit offline and finally, click on “done” button.
You can now edit your Google Docs recent documents and you can work with your Google Docs document, even though you are offline or you don’t have an internet connection.
- Google docs QR code
- How to recover a file from Google Docs
Shortcut to Save multiple files available offline
A simple shortcut you can use :
- Press Shift or Command for (Mac)/Ctrl for (Windows) while you click other files in order to save multiple files offline.
To preview Google Docs Offline files
- Open your Google Drive account.
- Turn on offline access by clicking “Ready for offline” at the top right of your Google Docs document.
- Click Offline preview.
Create Shortcut on for Google Docs Offline Desktop or Windows 10
If you want to access your Google Docs files faster from your desktop, you just need to create a shortcut to your desktop, and you are done. once you will click on the desktop shortcut, you can able to access your Google Docs App.
To do this,
- Open your favorite browser Google Chrome.
- Open your Google Docs document that you wish to create a shortcut to your desktop.
- Click on the “three vertical dots” that is present at the top right of your document and, then select the “More tools” option.
- Click on the “ Create shortcut” option, now provide a name for the shortcut and then finally, click on the “Create” button.
- Once you click Create, the shortcut will get created on your desktop and you can click on that to open it. This is how do I add Google Docs to my desktop?.
Activate Offline Mode in Google Docs
- Open Google Docs or navigate to https://docs.google.com/. Click on the three bar menu (Main Menu) icon that is present on the top left of the screen and click on “Settings” option.
- You can see below the “Offline” option and just turn on the offline option.
- You will find a new tab that will provide you with the information on the installation of Chrome Web app then you ca confirm if you want to access offline.
What if you want to edit the file
You will get the downloaded version of the copy of your Docs App along with your Google Docs files within some time. Make sure to be online during those times.
Now, you can open Google Docs in your chrome browser and use it even if you are offline. You will find the Google Docs files that are grayed out which are not actually available offline.
- When you will double-click for opening the Google Docs file that is offline. You will find a gray “Offline” icon that is present next to your Google Docs filename.
- You can edit now and all the changes you made are saved automatically. When again you will be online, the changes that you have made will be syncing back to your own account.
- If any files you edited offline is not yet synced, then you will see or fin them in bold type in the list of your Google Docs
- Even, it is possible to create brand new Google Docs documents when you are not connected to internet or you are offline. Once you will be online the newly created Google Docs documents will get uploaded automatically to your Google Docs account.
In the case of a Chromebook
You can check out Google Docs Offline Chromebook for more details.
Google Apps
If you are having a Google business account, then working on Google Docs offline will become easier which is not usually easily available to individual users.
- All you have to do is simply log into the Google Admin console.
- Click on the Apps > select the Google Apps option > Choose Drive option > Then Select the Data Access option.
- Now you need to select or check the “Allow users to enable offline docs” check box and then finally, you need to click on the Save button.
- And now your institution can able to work offline with Google Docs.
Can you download Google Docs on Windows 10?
Yes, you can install the Google Docs Offline Chrome extension on Windows 10 using the above steps.
Can I download Google Docs on my PC?
Yes, you can easily download your Google Docs document. For that, open the Google Docs document –> Click on the Files menu –> Choose Download option.
You may also like following the below articles
- How to shorten Google docs URL
- How to download images from Google Docs?
- How to Make a Brochure on Google docs- 2 Popular Methods
- How to backup Google docs- Using 4 different Methods
- How to get deleted Google docs files back
And that’s it! Simply follow the above instructions to create, edit, and comment on Google Docs in offline mode with no internet by downloading Google Docs for desktop or for Windows 10.
to continue to Docs
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Download Windows Speedup Tool to fix errors and make PC run faster
In this post, we will show you how to download the Google Docs Desktop app for Windows 11/10. Google Docs is a web-based word processor app. However, you can install Google Docs in Windows to quickly access the app with a click of a button. There’s a feature in Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge browsers that lets you install Google Docs as an app on your Windows 11/10 PC.
We have previously covered how to easily create desktop shortcuts to open websites using different browsers (Chrome, Edge, and Firefox). This is a similar feature where you’ll create a Google Docs app shortcut that eventually allows you to run the app in its own browser window.
Before we take you through the detailed steps of installing Google Docs on Windows, it is worth noticing that the process won’t change the default behavior of the software. That means you can’t work with the Google Docs app in offline mode. You will require an active internet connection to run this online word processor.
Here’s how you may download and install the Google Docs desktop app on your Windows 11/10 PC:
1] Install the Google Docs desktop app using Google Chrome
Visit the Google Docs website in the Chrome browser. Sign in to Google Docs using your Google account. Click on the three vertical dots icon in the top-right corner of the page (If you’ve multiple tabs open in Chrome, do not switch to a different tab; stay on the Google Docs tab only).
Select More tools > Create shortcut.
A ‘Create shortcut?’ popup will appear. Enter a suitable name for the Google Docs app shortcut in the available field and click on the Create button. Chrome will install Google Docs as an app on your Windows 11/10 PC. Once installed, the app will get pinned to your taskbar. You may now launch the app using the taskbar icon or using the Start menu/Windows Search option. The app will run in a new browser tab in Google Chrome.
2] Install the Google Docs desktop app using Microsoft Edge
Launch Microsoft Edge and visit the Google Docs website. Sign in with your Google account. You will see the Google Docs page. Stay on the page and click on the three horizontal dots in the top-right corner next to your profile icon. A menu will appear.
Select Apps > Install this site as an app. A popup will appear. Enter a suitable name for the Google Docs desktop app and click on the Install button.
A few seconds later, Google Docs will get installed on your Windows 11/10 PC and open in a new browser window. A notification popup will also appear, seeking your permission to allow the app pin to the taskbar and the Start menu. You can also choose to create a desktop shortcut for Google Docs or set it to auto-start on device login. Select/de-select desired options and click on the Allow button to submit your preferences.
The next time you launch the Google Docs app, it will run in its own focused window in Edge.
3] Uninstall the Google Docs desktop app
You may uninstall Google Docs just like any other Windows app from your system.
Click on the Start button icon and select Settings.
Click on Apps in the left panel. Then click on Installed apps in the right panel. Type ‘docs’ in the Search bar on top. Google Docs will appear in the search results. Click on the three-dots icon on the extreme right of the app’s name. Select Uninstall from the dropdown options. Again, click on Uninstall to confirm your action.
This is how you may install Google Docs as an app in Windows. I hope you find this useful. Keep reading this space for more interesting tips and tricks.
Read: Google Docs Voice Typing not working.
How do I install Google Docs on Windows 11?
You can use Microsoft Edge to install Google Docs in Windows 11. The browser allows installing the Google Docs website as a Progressive Web App (PWA) for faster access. Once installed, the app will run in a standalone Edge window that won’t have any typical browser interface, giving you a similar experience to a traditional Windows app.
Can I download Google Docs to my desktop?
Google hasn’t released a desktop version of the Google Docs software, but Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome browsers allow you to install Google Docs as an app on Windows. Once installed, you can use Google Docs simply by launching the app – no need to open the browser in order to run the app.
Read Next: Can’t launch Google Drive for Desktop in Windows.
Sangeeta holds a Bachelor’s in Computer Science, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications. She has been associated with the Information Technology industry for over 10 years, and enjoys reading and sharing Windows & technology-related tips.
v2022.12.1
v2022.6.1
What’s New ✨
- Update Dependencies
- Bug Fixes
v2022.3.10
What’s New ✨
- Publishing First Release to Snap Store!
- Modified Release Assets 📦
Google Docs v1.0.0 ✨ 🎉
Introduction
This is the first release of Google Docs ✨ 🎉. You can use this app as a free alternative to Microsoft Office. Please use it and if you like it, Please Donate to us here.
Features (Compared to Microsoft Office)
- Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides included.
- Powerful and filled with features such as Microsoft Office
- Compatible with Linux! (MS Office is not compatible with Linux.)
Caution ⚠️
Make sure you are connected to the Internet During Editing Documents to avoid any loss of data. But Changes will be saved automatically in your Google Drive if you disconnect from the Internet for some reason so you do not lose changes.
Download Instructions 📦
These are the Download Instructions to Download the correct package for your Operating System.
- The files with the extension
snap,AppImage, anddebare the packages for the GNU/Linux GUI Operating System. - The file with the extension
exeis the packages for the Microsoft Windows Operating System. - The files with the extension
dmg, and the file namedGoogle-Docs.zipare the packages for the Apple macOS Operating System. - The Files with the extension
ymlare for no use. It helps only the app developers that create or modify the app. You do not have to download or install the file with theymlextension.
Final Words ✨
Please Use it and Donate us to keep us creating products like this!