Google Meet for PC Windows 10/11 — download and install guide (2026)

Google Meet works on Windows 10 and 11 without a traditional installer. The two ways to use it are the browser at meet.google.com (no setup) or the Progressive Web App (PWA) installed from Chrome, which puts Meet on your taskbar like a desktop app. Both give you the same features.

What is Google Meet?

Google Meet is a video conferencing app from Google, originally part of the paid G Suite now rebranded as Google Workspace. A free personal tier is available. It supports one-on-one calls and group meetings with up to 100 participants on the free plan, and up to 500 on paid Workspace plans.

Meet runs in the browser on desktop and as a native app on Android and iOS. On Windows, it works through Chrome as a PWA or directly in any modern browser. Features include screen sharing, live captions, noise cancellation, breakout rooms, in-meeting polls, and recordings (Workspace plans only).

Is there a native Windows app?

Google does not offer a traditional .exe installer for Google Meet on Windows. The official recommendation from Google is the Progressive Web App installed from Chrome — this installs as an app-like shortcut that opens in its own window, separate from your browser tabs.

The PWA is the closest thing to a native app on Windows. It launches from the Start menu, appears in the taskbar, and can receive notifications.

Method 1: Use Google Meet in the browser

The quickest option. No installation required.

1. Open Chrome, Edge, or Firefox
2. Go to meet.google.com
3. Sign in with a Google account (or join as a guest with a meeting code)
4. Click “New meeting” to start one, or enter a meeting code to join
5. Allow camera and microphone permissions when prompted

This works without any download or account for guests — the meeting host just shares the meeting link.

Method 2: Install the Google Meet PWA (recommended)

The PWA gives you a dedicated window for Meet, desktop notifications, and Start menu integration.

1. Open Google Chrome and go to meet.google.com
2. In the Chrome address bar, look for the install icon (a computer screen with a down arrow) on the right side
3. Click it, then click “Install” in the popup
4. Google Meet opens as a separate app window
5. A shortcut appears in your Start menu and optionally on the desktop

To pin it to the taskbar: right-click the app in the taskbar while it’s running and choose “Pin to taskbar.”

The PWA is updated automatically whenever Google updates Meet on the web.

System requirements

How to join a meeting without a Google account

Meeting guests don’t need a Google account. The host shares a meeting link (format: meet.google.com/abc-defg-hij) and you open it in a browser. You’re prompted to enter your name, then the host admits you. No sign-in needed.

If the host has set the meeting to require sign-in, you’ll need a Google account. Personal Gmail accounts work fine.

Common problems and fixes

Camera or microphone not detected

Open Chrome settings, go to Privacy and Security > Site settings > Camera (or Microphone), and make sure meet.google.com is in the “Allowed” list. Also check Windows Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera and Microphone — both should show Chrome as allowed.

If your mic shows as available but no sound comes through, check that Windows has the correct default input device selected. Open Sound settings, click the Input dropdown, and select your actual microphone.

Video is blurry or keeps dropping

Meet adjusts video quality based on your connection. On a slow network it drops to lower resolution automatically. If quality is poor, close other browser tabs and applications using the network. For calls with many participants, disable your outgoing video if you don’t need it shown — this significantly reduces bandwidth usage.

Echo during calls

Echo happens when your mic picks up audio from your speakers. Use headphones or enable the noise cancellation option in Meet settings (click the three dots during a call, go to Settings > Audio > Noise cancellation on). Noise cancellation is available on the free plan.

Meeting expired or code invalid

Google Meet codes expire when the meeting owner deletes the event or the meeting ends. Ask the host to create a new meeting link. Instant meetings (created from meet.google.com) expire after 60 days of inactivity.

Google Meet vs alternatives for Windows

Zoom for PC — More features for large group calls, webinars, and recordings on free plan. The free tier caps at 40-minute group meetings.

Microsoft Teams — Built into Windows 11, free for personal use. Tighter integration with Office apps. Better for business teams already using Microsoft 365.

Skype — Works well for direct calls to other Skype users. Less commonly used now for business.

Zoom — Has a native Windows installer. Slightly heavier resource usage than Meet’s PWA. Better for large events and webinars.

For most individual users or small teams, Google Meet’s free tier covers everything needed. The PWA installation makes it feel like a proper desktop app.

For other tools that work similarly through browser or emulator on Windows, see Zoom for Windows PC and CapCut for PC.

FAQ

Does Google Meet have a Windows app download?
Not a traditional installer. Google offers a Progressive Web App (PWA) installed from Chrome, which works like a desktop app but doesn’t require an .exe installer.

Is Google Meet free on PC?
Yes. The free plan supports up to 100 participants for up to 60 minutes per meeting. Longer meetings and additional features require a Google Workspace subscription.

Can I use Google Meet without a Google account?
Yes for joining calls — you can join as a guest with just a name. You need a Google account to host meetings.

Does Google Meet work on Windows 11?
Yes, same as Windows 10. Use the browser at meet.google.com or install the PWA from Chrome.

How do I share my screen in Google Meet on PC?
During a call, click the “Present now” button at the bottom of the screen. You can share your entire screen, a specific window, or a browser tab.

Summary

Google Meet on Windows runs through the browser or as a PWA installed from Chrome. Both methods work on Windows 10 and 11 and give you the same features. The PWA option adds a Start menu shortcut and standalone window if you want it to feel more like a traditional app. For guests joining a meeting, the browser version requires no setup at all.