Follow these steps to log into the desktop from another computer or a mobile device. A tutorial for connecting via Google’s Remote Desktop can be found here.
Remote computer access in the past required a wide range of pricey, challenging software in addition to technicalities in a not-so-distant world.
Today’s story differs from the past. Thanks to Google’s free Chrome Remote Desktop service, it is very simple to connect to any computer running Windows, Mac, Linux, or Chrome OS from almost any other desktop or mobile device. You can engage with the distant system as if it were in front of you by browsing its whole contents.
Chrome Remote Desktop can be used to look into someone else’s computer, such as your mother’s or your coworker’s, to provide direct assistance without having to be present in person. It can also be used to remotely access your own personal or professional computer.
The best thing, though? It’s quite easy to set up and use the service. In actuality, setting up a remote connection just requires a few easy steps and the selection of the type of connection you choose.
Use Chrome Remote Desktop to connect to your own computer.
Step 1: Connect the PC in a ready state
If you wish to be able to access your own computer from another desktop or mobile device, start by running Google on the host computer (by installing Chrome, if you’re using a Windows, Mac, or Linux system that weirdly doesn’t already have it). Click the circular blue arrow button in the Google Chrome Remote Desktop web app’s “Set up remote access” section. If you notice a blue button with the word “Turn On” rather of a blue arrow, you are in the lead. If you skip the next clause, you can continue reading.)
It will then prompt you to download the Google Remote Access extension. Click the blue “Add to Chromium” button to indicate that you want to continue on the page that loads. A dialogue will show when you return to your original tab requesting you to give your computer a name so that it can carry on.
Once you’ve given the machine a name and clicked “Next,” you must generate a PIN with at least six numbers. To remotely access the device, you must have that PIN and be logged into your Google account for security reasons. (Google claims that for added protection, each Remote Desktop session is encrypted.)
And that’s basically it. Your operating system will prompt you to confirm that you want to give the software access before starting a remote connection. When you select the Google Remote Access tab, the device will be connected and ready (and some versions of macOS may also require you to grant Chrome Remote Desktop a few permissions in System Preferences).
It will be accessible each time the computer is turned on and Chrome is open (which means it will probably always be accessible, as Chrome normally starts automatically and operates in the background)
If you want connections to stay active for a long time, keep in mind to check your computer’s power management settings to make sure the system won’t go into hibernation mode (even if the display shuts off).
If you ever want to end remote connections, go back to remotedesktop.google.com/access or click the Chrome Remote Desktop icon located to the right of your browser’s address bar. Click the trash can icon next to the name of your machine in the app to remove it from the app.
If you right-click the app’s icon, you may also choose to just uninstall it from Chrome by doing so from the context menu.
Step 2: Connect to the computer using a different desktop or mobile device.
The easy thing is that once your host machine is set up for connections, all you have to do is open Chrome and go to remotedesktop.google.com/access. Your computer’s name will be displayed, and clicking it will initiate the connection; no further programmes or extensions are required. Chrome requires you to sign in with the Google account you used on the host computer.
After entering your PIN, you are free to go across your screen, click anything, and execute any commands you like. To put it another way, you may use the computer exactly as if you were sitting in front of it. On a panel to the side of the screen, there will be options for changing the display and sending complex commands like Ctrl-Alt-Del. You can synchronise the clipboards between your current computer and the host computer if you want to ensure that text can be copied and pasted between the two computers without any issues.
If you want mobile access, you need download the Chrome Remote Desktop app for iOS or Android. The software will quickly display the computer and allow you to log in with a single tap and the entry of your PIN if your phone is signed into the same Google account that you used on your PC.
Following that, you can navigate your desktop with your fingers. By pinching in any direction, you may scroll, zoom in and out.
By swiping down from the top of the screen in the Android app, you may change the device’s input method between keyboard and trackpad. In keyboard mode, you may type text and rapidly conduct a left- and right-click using the on-screen keyboard of your smartphone. To access the same options on iOS, hit the menu button in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
If you want mobile access, you need download the Chrome Remote Desktop app for iOS or Android. The software will quickly display the computer and allow you to log in with a single tap and the entry of your PIN if your phone is signed into the same Google account that you used on your PC.
Following that, you can navigate your desktop with your fingers. By pinching in any direction, you may scroll, zoom in and out.
By swiping down from the top of the screen in the Android app, you may change the device’s input method between keyboard and trackpad. In keyboard mode, you may type text and rapidly conduct a left- and right-click using the on-screen keyboard of your smartphone. To access the same options on iOS, hit the menu button in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
It’s not the most aesthetically pleasing way to use a computer, and you shouldn’t normally use it for any type of hard chores, but it can be useful for last-minute activities like remotely restarting your system or obtaining a file you forgot to save to the cloud.
Chrome Remote Desktop enables you to access a another user’s PC.
Step 1: Connect the computer when it is ready.
The configuration for Chrome Remote Desktop is a little different if you want to watch someone else’s screen. You’ll need to give these instructions to someone who will be at the host computer and able to finish this stage of setup because you’re probably not going to be there in person.
Go to the “Support” area of the Google Remote Desktop web app on the PC you want to have remote access to. To instal the Chrome Remote Desktop companion extension, click “Add to Chrome” in the pop-up window that opens after clicking the blue circle in the “Get Support” box.
If the blue arrow isn’t visible because the extension has already been configured, just keep going.
A prompt requesting you to click a “Generate Code” button in order to give access to someone else will appear when you go back to the initial tab. When you do that, the website will produce a one-time access code for you, and it will only be valid for five minutes. Send that code to the person you want to give access to through phone, email, text message, or any other method that works for you, and then watch as they connect.
Step 2: Connect to the computer using a separate desktop.
Once you have the access code, just launch Chrome on any additional machine and go to remotedesktop.google.com/support. Give the access code in the “Give Support” box and click “Connect” to get going.
(To connect from a phone, open a new tab in Chrome, choose the option to access a website’s desktop version from the browser’s main menu, and then navigate to the same link from there. The Chrome Remote Desktop mobile app only enables connections related to your own Google account, so you won’t be able to use it in this circumstance.)
Launch Chrome on any extra computer as soon as you get the access code, then navigate to remotedesktop.google.com/support. To begin, enter the access code in the “Give Support” box and select “Connect.”
(Open a new tab in Chrome, select the option to view a website’s desktop version from the browser’s main menu, and then go to the same link from there to connect from a phone. You won’t be able to use the Chrome Remote Desktop mobile app in this situation because it only supports connections involving your own Google account.)
What functions does Chrome Remote Desktop offer?
Chrome Remote Desktop is remote desktop software that enables computers running Windows, macOS, and Linux to control each other’s computers via the internet. Additionally, you can use an iOS or Android mobile device to remotely access a computer.
To use Chrome Remote Desktop, you must first instal the web application on the “host” computer, such as your work PC. To access to the host computer from a different computer, such as your personal laptop or a secure business laptop, you will use Chrome Remote Desktop. Use the iOS or Android versions of the Chrome Remote Desktop app as an alternative to connect to the host machine.
Is Chrome Remote Desktop secure?
In contrast to other remote desktop programmes, which have inherent risks, Chrome Remote Desktop is safe and secure. Your data is protected by the remote sessions’ use of AES computer encryption via a secure SSL connection when you remotely access your computer.
In addition, while granting the other user access to Chrome Remote Desktop, you will generate a one-time access code and deliver it to them.
Even though Chrome Remote Desktop is secure, your cybersecurity practises will determine how secure your data is. If you don’t use data security software, weak passwords, or repeat PINs, your data will be accessible to scammers.
Pros and Cons of Using Chrome Remote Desktop
Here are some of the most significant advantages and disadvantages of utilising Chrome Remote Desktop for your business to help you make your choice.
Pros
Chrome Remote Desktop is free to download and use. You’ll need a Google account, which is also free, in order to access the application.
It’s easy to set up. Even if you’ve never used remote software before, Chrome Remote Desktop is easy to set up and use. If you have Chrome already installed on your computer, you can use your remote software right away.
It is easy to operate and control. Chrome Remote Desktop is also a fantastic tool for managing remote workers and allocating data and rights among many websites. It is also very easy to control which users are allowed to access your screen.
The programme is secure. Data encryption is already present in Chrome Remote Desktop, making it incredibly secure. The software is routinely updated to keep it user-friendly and to keep its security features up to date.
Cons
Chrome Remote Desktop requires the Chrome browser. Chrome Remote Desktop is only supported by the Chrome browser. If you prefer a different browser, you must switch to Chrome in order to use Chrome Remote Desktop.
The use of multiple sessions is not permitted. The processing capacity required to manage several connections across various network settings is not there in Chrome Remote Desktop. This makes managing several devices at once difficult.
Drag and drop transfers are not supported. With numerous remote desktop solutions, you can securely exchange data by dragging and dropping them in the desired location. Chrome Remote Desktop doesn’t support this feature. Instead, you must copy the items and transfer them between drives.
There is no built-in chat feature. Without an integrated chat component, users cannot communicate through the software; instead, you must utilise another programme.
Access and transfer your files securely
When working remotely or providing IT support to colleagues, Chrome Remote Desktop might be useful for logging into your company computer. To further protect your data, make sure to end your session and close the application after you’ve finished using the programme. By doing this, you prevent unauthorised users from accessing the files on your other device.
Conclusion:
In order to improve Chrome Remote Desktop, Google collects and stores certain anonymised data about network latency and the length of your session..
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