Chrome Remote Desktop: How to install and use Google's remote desktop service
Chrome Remote Desktop

There are many remote access tools on the market, and in general they differ more by their popularity than by their specific functions, but if you prefer, so to speak, “keeping everything under one roof”, you should take a closer look at Chrome Remote Desktop. With this Google platform you can manage your remote computers, and help a friend, relative or colleague in trouble who needs immediate intervention on their system.

Remote access to the rescue

In an era, the idea of remote access was a mix of science fiction and nightmare, courtesy of unstable operating systems and disturbing dial-up connections. Today, the whole process is reduced to getting a compatible program, and one of the most popular is TeamViewer, which has an appropriate profile for casual and fast connections. Now, if you have in mind a more permanent link with remote computers, or help sessions will become more frequent, perhaps you should explore other options. The folks at Mountain View offer Chrome Remote Desktop, and it works directly with your browser.

Chrome Remote Desktop: How to install and configure

Chrome Remote Desktop: How to install and use Google's remote desktop service
If the computer is to receive remote connections, it will need the software installed
  • If the goal is for you or someone else to access the computer you are on, the first step is to visit the official page of Chrome Remote Desktop.
  • Sign in with your Google account, and in the Set up remote access section, click on Accept & Install.
  • That will install an extension in Chrome, and all the relevant software (the file has .msi extension, you must approve its execution).
Chrome Remote Desktop: How to install and use Google's remote desktop service
After installing the software, assigning an identity and configuring a PIN, the computer is ready to receive connections
  • Chrome Remote Desktop will ask you to confirm the identity of the computer, and assign it a PIN number with at least six digits. This way, it will be associated with your profile in Chrome Remote Desktop under the Remote Access section (image above).
  • When you log in from another system, all you will need to do is click on the identifier and enter the PIN. The remote environment will open in the browser.
  • Needless to say, for the process to work correctly, the remote computer must remain turned on and active, that is, no suspension or hibernation.
Chrome Remote Desktop: How to install and use Google's remote desktop service
The Remote Support section allows you to generate temporary codes for someone to access your system...
Chrome Remote Desktop: How to install and use Google's remote desktop service
... or you can use codes from others.

In the Remote Support section, the number of options is reduced to two: The first is Get Support, which will create a special one-time code to share with a trusted contact and thus receive remote assistance. In contrast, the second option is Give Support, and here is where you must enter the aforementioned code, in case you receive it from someone else and you are the one providing help. A final detail: The codes expire after five minutes if not used.

Chrome Remote Desktop: How to install and use Google's remote desktop service
Active remote session on one of our test terminals
Chrome Remote Desktop: How to install and use Google's remote desktop service
Full screen, scale control and clipboard synchronization are some of the secondary features. Generally, you don't need to change anything here.

Conclusion

Chrome Remote Desktop is a relatively quick way to access our remote computers, and most importantly, give a hand to someone who is in trouble. Even so, that doesn't mean it is the most complete tool, but we must highlight its ease of use, and of course, the fact that it is free.

Official site: Click here