You can establish a remote desktop connection with the help of Google's Chrome browser. This allows you to access your computer from virtually anywhere via another computer's Chrome browser or a mobile device's Chrome Remote Desktop app.
What you need:
- A target device (computer)
- Google Chrome
- A Google account
- Your Gmail account is your Google account
A. Remote Access vs. Remote Support
Google's Chrome Remote Desktop offers two different functions: Remote Access and Remote Support.
Remote Access establishes permanent access to a target device. So long as the target device is powered on and connected to the internet, it can be accessed remotely by another device where the same user is signed in.
Remote Support generates a one-time access code. The target device generating and sharing the code grants access to any other device provided with the code. The code expires upon its single use. This function is ideal for one-time IT support sessions.
B. Setting up remote access (permanent usage)
- Open Google Chrome and sign in to your Google account on your target device
- Navigate to https://remotedesktop.google.com/access
- In the pop-up window at the bottom right corner of the screen, click the Install button
- Open the downloaded file and follow its provided instructions to install the remote desktop software
- Return to https://remotedesktop.google.com/access and create a name and PIN for your target computer
- Now your device is configured for access from a Chrome browser or Chrome Remote Desktop app for iOS and Android
C. Setting up remote support (one-time usage)
- Open Google Chrome and sign in to your Google account on your target device
- Navigate to https://remotedesktop.google.com/support
- If there is a pop-up window at the bottom right corner of the screen, click the Install button
- Share your screen by generating a code under Share this screen, or access another device by inputting a shared code under Connect to another computer
- The target device is also accessible via the Chrome Remote Desktop app for iOS and Android
I prefer Google's free* Chrome Remote Desktop for remote desktop connections over other paid software such as Splashtop or TeamViewer.
*Nothing in life is free
