Chrome Remote Desktop

To reset the PIN log in to Chrome Remote Desktop on the machine you want to connect with, go to https://remotedesktop.google.com/access and reset the PIN. You cannot reset the PIN remotely, you need to be logged in to the machine to reset the PIN.

https://www.itpro.com/mobile/remote-access/368056/what-is-chrome-remote-desktop/

Chrome Remote Desktop is a simple-to-use remote desktop tool that offers a quick set-up and multiple advantages. These include:

Simple desktop connections: it’s easy for other users to connect to your desktop from any location in the world without any complex setup
Sharing screens: users can share their screen and collaborate in real time on the same device, regardless of location
It’s simple to set up: you simply need to have the Chrome browser installed to use Chrome Remote Desktop, and there’s no need for advanced training to understand it
It’s entirely free: unlike other remote desktop tools, Chrome Remote Desktop is entirely free to use
It works across multiple devices: support for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS operating systems is included, so no specialist devices are needed to use it

Chrome Remote Desktop’s greatest benefit is that it is entirely free-to-use. All users need to do is install Google’s Chrome browser to each system that they wish to connect to. There’s no need to sign up for any subscription services, or to buy one-time installs either. Because of that, it’s particularly well suited to small businesses that have limited budgets for software but still need the benefits.

Chrome Remote Desktop is very simple to use. Providing the system has Chrome installed, anyone can start using it within a matter of seconds. Because it’s so easy to use, there’s little need to train staff extensively on how to use it. It’s the kind of tool that can be picked up as needed.

That lends itself well to limited training budgets, as well as businesses where staff generally know how to use computers on a basic level.

Works across different operating systems

Chrome Remote Desktop works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chrome OS. It also works via Android and iOS, so it’s easy to use across multiple different systems. There’s no need to use a dedicated operating system, or worry about incompatibility issues.

It’s fairly flexible, and merely requires the use of Chrome for the most part. Because of that, there’s no need to update work devices to specific operating systems, saving money and training time.

Works even when host user is logged off

Even if the host user is logged off and not currently running Chrome, a remote user can connect to it. That means permanent access to the system, providing one knows the password: something that’s likely to be useful for employees who work across their home system and work computer, logging in remotely as and when needed.

This means that setup is even simpler and less complex than anticipated, proving very convenient.

Reliable service

Chrome Remote Desktop is highly reliable because it’s powered by Google. It uses the latest open web technologies like WebRTC, so it’s very secure; plus, the way computers connect to each other means there’s not much that can go wrong. Only if the system is switched off are there any issues.

Otherwise, it’s always consistently simple to connect to a system remotely using the software.

How much does Chrome Remote Desktop cost?

Chrome Remote Desktop is entirely free-to-use. One of its greatest strengths is that there’s no need to pay anything to use it; all you need to do is have an existing Google account. From there, you simply sign in to Chrome Remote Desktop to start using it.

For most users, it takes mere seconds to get started. Smartphone users will need to download an app to use it, so be wary of any potential data usage charges; however, these should not be substantial.

It’s also important to be aware of any nefarious apps referred to as Chrome Remote Desktop that attempt to charge users for the privilege. Only access the official one to ensure it’s entirely free. The only downside to Chrome Remote Desktop being free is that it lacks a few features such as built-in chat, drag-and-drop file transfers, and multi-monitor support.

Chrome Remote Desktop FAQs

How do I use Chrome Remote Desktop?

Using Chrome Remote Desktop is very simple. Go to its website to sign in and start. From there, you can follow onscreen instructions to get started. It has some limitations, such as certain button commands that won’t work, so you may need to use some workarounds.

Is Google Chrome Remote Desktop safe?

Yes, Chrome Remote Desktop is very secure. It is built on Google’s secure infrastructure, using the latest open web technologies like WebRTC. Also, it requires a PIN every time someone tries to access a device remotely. PINs must be at least six characters long.

The Remote Support feature provides users with a one-time access code that expires after the first connection. Also, users are asked if they wish to keep sharing their screen every 30 minutes for added peace of mind.

Can you use Chrome Remote Desktop without signing in?

Yes. By going to https://remotedesktop.google.com/headless on a device you don’t mind using, you can set up access to the remote machine, so there is no need to sign in with your Google account.

Most users won’t need to worry about this, but it’s convenient for someone unsure about using their Google details.

Is Remote Desktop better than TeamViewer?

That depends on what you need from your remote desktop software. Both are similar in nature, but TeamViewer is more designed for online collaboration, which means it’s better for sharing files and communicating within the app.

However, it’s not free, which can be off-putting for businesses on a budget. It also requires a faster internet connection to work reliably: take a look at TeamViewer alternatives to get a sense of competitor platforms.

Conversely, Chrome Remote Desktop lacks file sharing functionality, which could be a deal-breaker for some. Also, there’s no chat function built-in, no remote printing, and no ability to reboot the remote machine and automatically reconnect. However, it’s ideal for most other tasks.

Can Chrome Remote Desktop wake from sleep?

No, it can’t. That’s one of its main disadvantages compared to other remote desktop software. It’s not possible to wake a sleeping computer using Chrome Remote Desktop, so you need to make sure all computers you wish to connect to are awake.

This can generally be adjusted in the power savings settings on your system, but you’ll need to do this before using it remotely.