You can use it to set up any computer running the Chrome browser to be a host computer that you can connect to at any time, whether the user is logged in or not, for full unattended access. It’s also useful for temporary, on-demand, one-time access/support.
More About Chrome Remote Desktop
Windows, Mac, and Linux computers can install it. Works from Android devices that install the app through Google Play iOS users can install the mobile app from iTunes Both spontaneous support and unattended access are supported Clipboard syncing can be enabled Key mapping is supported You can upload and download files between your computer and the remote one Ctrl+Alt+Del, PrtScr, and F11 can be sent to the remote computer with the press of a menu button Lets you pick between full-screen, scale to fit, and resize to fit display options when connected to the remote computer
Chrome Remote Desktop: Pros & Cons
A number of other free remote access tools are more robust but Chrome Remote Desktop is certainly easy to get going with: Pros:
Quick install Works between operating systems Supports multiple monitors Updates often Works even when the host user is logged off
Cons:
Unable to print remote files to a local printerNo chat capability
How to Use Chrome Remote Desktop
Like all remote access programs, Chrome Remote Desktop works where there’s a client and host that are paired together. The client connects to the host to control the computer. Here’s what the host needs to do (the computer that will be connected to and controlled remotely):
Connect to the Host
Here’s what the client should do to connect to the host to remotely control it: You’ll know it’s done when the web page no longer shows the “Cancel” button. When the client connects to the host computer, a message displays on the host that says “Your desktop is currently shared with,” so Chrome Remote Desktop doesn’t log in discreetly like some remote access programs.
Set Up Permanent Access
Don’t want to use random codes to connect? Chrome Remote Desktop can also act as a permanent way to access another computer, ideal if it’s your computer.
Thoughts on Chrome Remote Desktop
We really like how easy it is to use Chrome Remote Desktop. Once installed, the menu is easily accessible with all the important actions you can take, but otherwise it’s hidden from view to make room for the screen. Because Chrome Remote Desktop is run entirely from the browser, it’s great that basically all operating systems can use it. This means you’re hardly limited to who you can provide support to. Given that the program is installed in the background, the remote computer doesn’t even need to be running Chrome when you want to connect to it, nor does the user have to be logged in. You’ll have permanent access if you know the computer password (which is likely if it’s your own PC). In fact, the client can reboot the remote computer and then log back in once it’s fully powered back on, all from Chrome Remote Desktop. While it’s too bad that there isn’t a chat function built-in, you can always use a third-party tool to communicate while you’re connected to the other computer. Lots of mobile messaging apps can be used from computers, too.
