Until a few years ago, working through remote access to a computer required a rather complex set of software. Often, the programs in question cost a lot and were therefore not for everyone.
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Fortunately, in the last few years, almost everything has changed. Among the software available for this kind of operations, Google’s Chrome Remote Desktop stands out. This app allows you to access any type of operating system is mounted on a computer (Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, Linux or Android), being able to manage easily remotely.
The practical uses are not lacking- remote assistance to a friend or a member of his family, for example, allows you to remedy problems on the device in question even if you are hundreds of miles away. Likewise, by accessing a computer remotely, you can work in your office even if you are at home.
Chrome Remote Desktop is a little known but very powerful tool
Although there are other software that performs similar actions, Chrome Remote Desktop is one of the best solutions. In this short guide, we will explain how to use this app in the best possible way.
First step- how to prepare the computer for the connection
If you want to be able to access your computer remotely, via desktop or mobile, start by opening Chrome on the host computer (the browser in question is essential). Within Chrome, search for and install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension. So, go back to your original card and you will find a message asking you to rename your computer.
You can give your device the name you like, as long as it’s hard to forget. After naming your computer and clicking the Next button, you will be prompted to create a PIN with at least six digits. For security reasons, in addition to being connected to your Google account, you will need the PIN to be able to access the computer remotely.
And that’s all- your operating system may show you a warning asking you to allow the app to access a remote connection but, after confirming, the Chrome tab will confirm that it is ready for action. The computer “contactable” via PIN, will be available for each type of action remotely. The device will remain available whenever it is turned on and Chrome is running.
How to disable Chrome Remote Desktop
If you want to disable remote connections, look for the remotedesktop card. via browser, as if it were a common web address. Alternatively, you can click on the Chrome Remote Desktop icon to the right of the browser’s address bar. You can then click on the trash can icon next to your computer name to remove it from the app. Alternatively, you can simply uninstall the app completely by right-clicking on the icon and selecting Remove from Chrome…
Second step- connect to the computer from another desktop or mobile device
The host computer is therefore ready to receive your commands. Now it’s time to connect. To do this you need to go to the web address remotedesktop.google.com/access within the Chrome browser. Of course, you’ll need to sign in to Chrome, using the same Google account you used on the host system, but you will not need to install special apps or extensions- you’ll only see the name of your computer and you can click on it to start the connection.
After a few seconds, you will be fully active and you can move around the screen, click and perform any kind of action as if you were on the spot. A panel on the right side of the screen will provide options for adjusting the display and sending complex commands such as pressing the Ctrl – Alt – Del keys (which would create a conflict between the two systems involved). It will also allow you to synchronize the notes between your current computer and the host computer so that you can copy and paste the text without interruption between the two.
Connect via iOS and Android
For mobile access, we recommend downloading the Chrome Remote Desktop app for iOS or Android. Provided that your phone is connected to the same Google account you used on your computer, the app will automatically show the computer and allow you to connect to it with a simple touch and a typing of your PIN.
You can then move to your desktop using your fingers, being able to scroll in any direction. In the Android app, scrolling down from the top of the screen, you’ll see a control bar that lets you switch to trackpad mode, where you can left-click with a finger or right-click mouse tapping with two. In iOS, you have to tap the menu button in the lower right corner of the screen to access the same options.
Of course, it is not the most comfortable and elegant way to manage a computer and, most likely, you will use mobile control only for emergencies. Despite this, however, it is a rather intriguing possibility.
Use Chrome Remote Desktop to access someone else’s computer
So far we have seen how to use this app to manage a computer with your Google account. But if I had to intervene on someone else’s device to fix some problems? In this case, the procedure for configuring Chrome Remote Desktop is slightly different. Since you will presumably not be physically present where the host computer is active, you will need to provide these instructions to the person who controls that device.
On the computer you want to access remotely, you need to install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension. Return to the original tab and you will find a message asking you to click on the Generate Code button to allow access to someone else. When you do so, the site will create a one-time access code that will remain valid for only five minutes from the time of creation. Share that code with the person you want to access.
Connect to the host computer
On the other hand, once you’ve got the generated code, go to remotedesktop.google.com/support and enter the access code under Assign Support, then select the Connect button to start.
The person at the other end will have to manually click on a button to approve the connection, then you will be officially connected to the computer and you can click and control it in the same way as described in the first part of this guide.
That’s wonderful. In addition to chrome remote desktop, one can also use tools like R-HUB remote support servers, logmein etc. for remotely accessing computers. They work on all platforms.