How to Download Gimkit for PC in 2024? (step-by-step-guide)
How to Download Gimkit for PC in 2024? (step-by-step-guide) Gimkit is a popular free game-based learning platform that allows teachers and students to create and play educational games. The platform promotes active learning through competition and makes studying more fun and engaging. While Gimkit is available as a web app that works on all browsers, many users wish to download the Gimkit app onto their PC for easier accessibility and usage.
An Overview of Gimkit
Gimkit was launched in 2017 by Josh Feinswog when he was just 15 years old. He created the platform as a fun way for his classmates to study. Since then, Gimkit has grown tremendously in popularity and is now used by over 4 million teachers and students around the world.
Some key things to know about Gimkit:
- Freemium web app for game-based learning
- Used to create engaging quizzes, flashcards, activities to study any academic subject
- Promotes active recall through competition games
- Students progress on gameboards to earn prizes redeemable for gift cards
- Available on web browsers, iOS and Android apps
So if you’re a student looking for an entertaining study aid or a teacher wanting to make your lessons more interactive, Gimkit is an excellent choice. Many users prefer accessing Gimkit on their desktop and laptop versus just their mobile device. Read on to learn the different methods to download Gimkit onto a Windows or Mac PC.
Downloading Gimkit on Windows PCs
Gimkit does not have a desktop app for Windows currently available. However, there are a couple easy workarounds to be able to access Gimkit conveniently on a Windows laptop or computer. The options include:
Using the Web Browser
The easiest way to use Gimkit on a Windows PC is simply using the web browser version available at play.gimkit.com. Here are the steps:
- Open any web browser on your Windows computer – Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge.
- Navigate to play.gimkit.com which is the web app version. Log into your account if you already have one or sign up for new account.
- Bookmark this page on your browser for quick and easy access every time. Make sure to enable Flash if you face any issues playing games.
The major benefit of using the browser version is that there is no separate app to install or update. It works universally across different Windows versions. However, it may not provide best performance compared to a native app.
Install Android Emulator
Another way is to install an Android emulator like BlueStacks that allow you to use Android apps on Windows. Here is how:
- Download and install BlueStacks Android emulator on your Windows PC from bluestacks.com. Go through account creation and configuration.
- Once BlueStacks interface opens, use the search bar to look for “Gimkit”. Alternatively visit Google Play store in the emulator to search & install Gimkit.
- Tap on the Gimkit icon when installed successfully to start using the Android app on your Windows machine. Log into your account to access your content.
The main benefit of using an Android emulator is that it provides an app-like experience and access to all features. Performance is also much better compared to web version in most cases. The only drawback is the complex setup.
Install Chrome Extension
There is a Gimkit Chrome extension available that allows you to launch the web version conveniently from the Chrome toolbar itself. Follow these instructions:
- Open the Chrome Web Store on your Windows PC and search for “Gimkit”. Click “Add to Chrome” button below the GimKit – Play Learn Game! extension listing.
- The extension icon will now be visible on the toolbar. Click it anytime to instantly access the Gimkit web app in a tab and start playing!
The major perk of using the Chrome extension is quick 1-click access every time you open Chrome without needing to bookmark the page separately. However, the experience remains of web version only.
How to Get Gimkit on Mac
Much like Windows, there currently is no dedicated desktop app by Gimkit for macOS. But Mac users can also easily use Gimkit by either relying on the browser-based web version or installing additional software solutions covered below:
Use the Web Version on Safari or Other Browsers
The simplest approach is to access play.gimkit.com on any macOS browser like Safari, Chrome, Firefox etc. Follow the same steps outlined for Windows browser version above:
- Launch a browser on your Mac device
- Go to play.gimkit.com
- Login or sign up for account and bookmark the page for later quick access
- Make sure Flash is enabled if necessary
While convenient across all macOS versions, performance is not as smooth generally compared to a native app. But the platform compatibility outweighs that limitation for many users.
Download Gimkit iPhone/iPad App
If you own an iPhone or iPad and same Apple ID account is configured on your Mac, then you can easily download the Gimkit iOS app on your Mac computer itself using App Store:
- Open App Store on your Mac
- Search for “Gimkit” and select the Gimkit – Play Learn Game! iOS app
- Tap “Get” button visible on the listing to download and install the iPhone/iPad app
- You can now launch and use the iOS app directly on macOS through this method
The major advantage of accessing the specialized iOS application of Gimkit is enjoying all native features and seamless performance similar to mobile device. But you would need an existing iOS device associated for this.
Use Android Emulator
For best app-like experience, Mac users can install an Android emulator like BlueStacks to then access Gimkit Android app. Steps are mostly similar to above Windows instructions:
- Get BlueStacks Android emulator from official website and complete setup
- Open Play Store in it to search “Gimkit” and install latest version
- Launch the app from BlueStacks interface on Mac to log into your account and play games
This does require more initial configuration but provides best-in-class access minus limitations of web version across Mac machines. Requires decent hardware specs though for smooth functioning.
The only catch is that Android emulator software entails more complex installation and setup compared to other options. But most active Gimkit gamers on Mac do select this for the fully-functional app experience bringing all native features.
Tips for Using Gimkit on PC
Once you have successfully installed Gimkit on Windows or Mac PC through any above method, keep these additional tips in mind for best experience:
- Install Flash and allow permissions when using browser version for uninterrupted access to all game features
- Increase allocated RAM and processors to Android emulator software if facing lag or crashes
- Disable power saver settings on your computer that restrict performance and background activity
- Bookmark the Gimkit web page on browser or create desktop shortcut for quick access
- Log into your Gimkit account to sync progress across devices and access all gameboards
- Leverage keyboard shortcuts displayed onscreen while playing games for faster answers
- Plug-in headsets for a more immersive gameplay feel without disturbing others
And those are all the possible options for PC users to download Gimkit along with some handy usage suggestions! Concluding key takeaways would be:
- Web version works universally across Windows and macOS but has performance limitations
- Android emulators provide best app-like experience on both platforms minus complex setup
- iOS app feasible for Gimkit access on Mac provided you have linked iPhone/iPad
- Multiple browser extensions available for added convenience to launch web app
With digital learning adoption growing exponentially, intuitive platforms like Gimkit that blend education and entertainment are becoming essential for students. Do try out the various methods highlighted to enjoy using Gimkit to the fullest on your personal computer. The game-based study platform serves as a fun and engaging alternative to traditional lectures and self-study.
Conclusion
Gimkit has proven to be an invaluable platform for making learning enjoyable with its game-based quizzes and friendly competition. While mainly designed for mobile devices, Gimkit offers plenty of options for desktop access as well.
Windows and Mac users can simply utilize the web browser version available online at play.gimkit.com. For an app-like experience, Android emulators like BlueStacks allow installing the mobile apps on PC. Mac users also have the ability to download the iOS app if they have an iPhone/iPad connected to the same Apple ID.
Each approach comes with its own pros and cons. But at the end, all options effectively enable using the full range of Gimkit’s features on a laptop or computer. With digital classrooms gaining steam, students and teachers stand to benefit tremendously from Gimkit’s novel gamified learning approach by incorporating it in their study routines through desktop access.
FAQs
Does Gimkit have a dedicated desktop app?
No, currently Gimkit does not have official desktop apps for Windows or macOS. You have to rely on the web version or mobile app emulators.
What are the ways to get Gimkit on Windows PC?
Use the browser-based web app at play.gimkit.com, install Android emulator like BlueStacks or use the Gimkit Chrome extension for quick access.
What is the best way to use Gimkit on Mac?
The Android emulator method provides the closest experience to a native desktop app for Mac. Alternatively, web version or iOS mobile app also work.
Why is Gimkit not working on my PC?
Check for Flash blockers on your browser, expired sessions or disabled permissions. Also ensure your computer meets minimum system requirements.
Can I earn prizes for the PC versions of Gimkit?
Yes, web and app versions allow you to redeem prizes towards gift cards by progressing on gameboards same as mobile.
Are Gimkit games free to play on PC?
Core games are always free. Some premium game modes are paid but majority features are accessible without spending.
How much storage does Gimkit take on PC?
A few GBs for Android emulator installation. Negligible storage for web apps. iOS app size depends on iPhone model.
Is the Gimkit experience same on mobile and PC?
Very similar overall but mobile apps tend to have some additional features and faster performance owing to platform specialty.
What are some technical issues faced with Gimkit for PC?
Performance lags, game glitches, login errors, display problems etc. Mostly caused by outdated systems, extensions conflicts and spec limitations.
Can I use Gimkit on a Chromebook?
Yes, Chromebooks support installing Android apps so you can download Gimkit using Google Play Store or use the web version.
Is BlueStacks safe for downloading Gimkit?
Yes, BlueStacks is secure to use for accessing Android apps on desktop provided you download from official site and avoid third-party installers.
How do I troubleshoot problems with Gimkit PC app?
Consult FAQs on Gimkit website, clear app cache/data, check for software conflicts, update graphics drivers, close background processes or contact customer support.
What are the best Gimkit alternatives for desktop?
Quizizz, Quizlet, Kahoot, Brainscape, AnkiApp are some of the top game-based classroom learning platforms with desktop support.