Windows Insiders gain options for installing progressive web apps
Progressive web apps (PWAs) continue to improve on Windows 10. In addition to large organizations such as Instagram and Google adopting PWAs, Microsoft regularly improves what they can do on PCs. A recent update that’s in testing for Windows Insiders adds several new options for installing PWAs.
Following the update, Windows Insiders now see options for pinning to the taskbar, pinning to Start, creating a desktop shortcut, and auto-starting on device login. These options make PWAs feel a bit more like normal apps, which is Microsoft’s goal.
Twitter user Florian B spotted the functionality and shared a screenshot of the options on Twitter.
Earlier this month, we reported that developers will soon be able to customize the title bars of PWAs. The feature, called Windows Controls Overlay, will be available for testing in Chrome 92, which should come out soon. With the feature, developers will be able to add controls and features, such as a search bar or navigation options within the title bars of PWAs.
Between the new installation options and the ability to add controls to title bars, PWAs should feel much more native within the next few months.
Last year, Microsoft also outlined other ways that it’s making PWAs feel more native, including options to set PWAs as default file types, adding native system access, and setting PWAs as a share target.