How To Play Valorant on Chromebook: Step-by-Step Guide

Valorant is one of the most popular competitive shooters out there, known for its tight gunplay, tactical depth, and constant updates from Riot Games. Since launch, it’s been built specifically for Windows PCs, which puts Chromebook users in a tricky spot right away. Chrome OS doesn’t support native Windows apps, and Valorant’s Vanguard anti-cheat only works at the system level on Windows, so you can’t just download and install the game like you would on a regular laptop.

That doesn’t mean Chromebooks are completely out of options, though. While you can’t run Valorant directly on Chrome OS, there are a few alternative methods that let you play without owning a full gaming PC. In this guide, we’ll break down the realistic ways to play Valorant on a Chromebook, walk through each option step by step, and explain the limitations so you know exactly what to expect before getting started.

Can You Play Valorant on Chromebooks?

The short answer is no — Valorant can’t run directly on a Chromebook. The game is built specifically for Windows and relies on Riot’s Vanguard anti-cheat, which operates at a deep system level that Chrome OS simply doesn’t support. Because of that, there’s no way to install or launch Valorant natively on a Chromebook.

That said, there is a workaround if you already own a Windows PC. You can play Valorant on a Chromebook by remotely connecting to a Windows computer that has the game installed. Using remote desktop tools, your Chromebook essentially becomes a screen and input device while the game runs on your PC elsewhere. Popular options for this include Chrome Remote Desktop and Parsec, both of which let you stream your PC to your Chromebook with keyboard and mouse support.

Cloud gaming isn’t an option here. Valorant isn’t available on services like GeForce NOW or Xbox Cloud Gaming, and that’s again because of Vanguard. The anti-cheat doesn’t work in virtual or cloud-based environments, so streaming Valorant from a data center just isn’t possible right now. If you want to play on a Chromebook, remote access to your own Windows PC is the only realistic path.

1. Chrome Remote Desktop

Chrome Remote Desktop is one of the easiest ways to play Valorant on a Chromebook, as long as you already have a Windows PC that can run the game. Instead of installing anything on Chrome OS, you simply stream your PC to your Chromebook and control it remotely.

What you’ll need
• A Windows PC with Valorant already installed
• Google Chrome on both the PC and the Chromebook
• The same Google account signed in on both devices
• A solid, stable internet connection

How to set it up
1. On your Windows PC, open remotedesktop.google.com and enable Remote Access.
2. Download the required extension, give your PC a name, and set a secure six-digit PIN.
3. On your Chromebook, visit remotedesktop.google.com while logged into the same Google account.
4. Click on your Windows PC from the list and enter your PIN to connect.
5. Once connected, open Valorant on your PC and start playing through the remote session.

With this setup, Valorant runs fully on your Windows computer. Your Chromebook simply shows the screen and sends your keyboard and mouse inputs back to the PC. Performance depends heavily on your internet speed and latency, but with a good connection, it’s a reliable way to play without buying new hardware.

2. Parsec

Parsec is a popular choice for players who want a smoother remote gaming experience on a Chromebook. It’s built specifically for game streaming, which usually means lower input delay and better overall responsiveness compared to basic remote desktop tools. If you already own a Windows PC that can run Valorant, Parsec is often the better-performing option.

What you’ll need
• A Windows PC with Valorant installed
• A free Parsec account
• Parsec installed on both your Windows PC and your Chromebook
• A fast, stable internet connection (upload speed on the PC matters most)

How to use Parsec
1. Download and install Parsec on both your Windows PC and your Chromebook from the official Parsec website.
2. Create a Parsec account and sign in on both devices using the same credentials.
3. Once logged in, your Windows PC should automatically appear in the list of available machines.
4. Select your PC and connect to it.
5. After the connection is established, open Valorant on your Windows PC and start playing.

Parsec is optimized for gaming and uses hardware encoding when possible, which helps reduce lag and keeps performance stable. While your experience will still depend on network quality, Parsec generally feels more responsive than standard remote desktop solutions, making it the preferred method for competitive play on a Chromebook.

FAQs

Can I play Valorant on a Chromebook without a PC?

No. Valorant cannot run on Chrome OS by itself, and there is currently no cloud gaming service that supports it. You need access to a Windows PC to play, even if you’re connecting remotely from a Chromebook.

Is playing Valorant on a Chromebook using remote desktop competitive?

It depends on your internet connection. While casual play is possible, competitive ranked matches can feel difficult due to input delay, especially compared to playing directly on a PC.

Which is better for Valorant on Chromebook: Chrome Remote Desktop or Parsec?

Parsec is generally the better option for gaming because it offers lower latency and smoother input response. Chrome Remote Desktop works, but it’s better suited for basic remote access than fast-paced shooters.

Can Riot ban me for playing Valorant through remote desktop?

No. Using remote desktop software like Parsec or Chrome Remote Desktop is allowed, as long as the game is running on a legitimate Windows PC and you are not using third-party cheats or automation tools.

Conclusion

Playing Valorant on a Chromebook isn’t straightforward, but it is possible if you understand the limits and use the right setup. Since Valorant only runs on Windows and relies on Vanguard, Chromebooks can’t run the game natively or through cloud gaming services. Remote desktop solutions like Chrome Remote Desktop and Parsec are currently the only real options, allowing you to stream the game from a Windows PC to your Chromebook. While this approach works best for casual play due to latency and input delay, it’s a solid workaround if you don’t want to invest in a full gaming laptop. As long as you have a stable internet connection and access to a capable Windows PC, you can still experience Valorant on a Chromebook and decide whether upgrading your hardware is worth it in the long run.