Chrome Remote Desktop:
Remote Desktop Overview
You’re boarding your plane to get to that important work meeting and the minute it takes off, you realize you left your laptop at home – what a disaster. Every file you need for your presentation that will either promote you, or fire you, is on that laptop… so this would be a great moment to freak out.
However, if you left your PC turned on by any chance, you could access it through an online tool called Remote Desktop Connection.
This was one scenario related to our topic. Here’s another:
You run an IT company with a capable support team that answers thousands of calls every day. 900 of those calls end with the customer fixing their problem on their own by following the support team’s instructions.
But what about customers who are not tech people, those who can only turn their devices on and off and nothing more? They need hands-on support but might live in another city or even country. How can your support staff help them?
Thanks to Remote Desktop Connection, they can perform all the troubleshooting processes in minutes. Now that you’ve got an idea of the remote desktop tool, let’s dive into the details.
1. What Does Chrome Remote Desktop Do?
Chrome Remote Desktop (CRD) is one of the online tools developed by Google that allows you to build a connecting link between two devices. In other words, this tool allows you to access and control any device, PC or mobile, from your own device. With this type of remote connection, you will be able to access any content or application on the other device if both devices are connected to the Internet.
The best thing about Chrome Remote Desktop is that it is secure, and the connection happens through an encrypted channel operating on the HTTPS security protocol that keeps out online snoopers, so you don’t have to worry about someone spying on your personal data. Also, the software requires both devices to input their PIN every time a connection is about to start.
Chrome Remote Desktop is compatible with Linux, Windows, Mac, Chromebook, Android, iPadOS, and iOS operating systems.
However, CRD is not the only player in the remote desktop connection game; in fact, it has a fierce competitor, RDP.
2. Chrome Remote Desktop vs RDP
RDP is short for Remote Desktop Protocol, a software developed by Microsoft that functions the same as Chrome Remote Desktop. RDP technology is built-in in Windows and Mac operating systems by default.
Let’s analyze the two popular remote desktop apps with a comparison table.
| Remote Desktop App | Encryption Technique | Multi-monitor Display | Remote Printing | Mobile Support | File Transfer | Supported OS | Simultaneous Multiple Device Connection |
| Chrome Remote Desktop | AES (Advanced
Encryption Standard) |
✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | Linux, Windows, Mac, Chromebook, Android, iPadOS, and iOS | ❌ |
| Microsoft RDP | RC4/TLS (Transport Layer Security) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS | ❌ |
RDP might seem like the better choice compared to CRD, but there’s another software that is quite popular among users; AnyDesk.
Check out AnyDesk vs Remote Desktop for a detailed comparison guide.
3. Chrome Remote Desktop Pros & Cons
Chrome Remote Desktop is super easy to use, and it works well when you want to access your work computer or a friend’s for normal purposes. But when classified or sensitive information is involved, CRD is not the most reliable option.
Even though the software enacts a secure SSL connection between devices, Chrome Remote Desktop security risks are still a big issue for users.
Check out CRD’s pros and cons and see whether it is the best-suited software for your special needs.
CRD Pros:
- Stable performance via a strong network connection
- Supports SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) connection
- Free remote connection to any device anywhere, anytime
- Beginner-friendly with quick and easy set-up
- Supports screen recording
- Simultaneous multi display function
- Supports screen sharing
- Supports connection between mobile and desktops
- No set-up or license fee
- It doesn’t require VPN or firewall
CRD Cons:
- Requires Google Chrome app to function
- No file/document transfer support
- Poor multi-monitor interface
- Limited desktop sessions
- No copy-paste function
- No built-in chat option between devices
- Requires all devices to be logged into their Google account simultaneously
- Not suitable for commercial-based tech support
- Lacks Command and Control keys
- Doesn’t work on other popular browsers such as Firefox, Opera, etc
- Requires a PIN for accessing remote devices on every session
- No one-on-one support from Google
4. Chrome Remote Desktop Setup
There is nothing easier than installing Chrome Remote Desktop on your PC.
Step 1: Download Chrome Remote Desktop. (If you don’t have the Chrome browser installed on your device, download that first.)
Step 2: You can see the Chrome Remote Desktop in the Chrome web store; click “Add to Chrome.”
Step 3: A notification pops up asking for confirmation; click on “Add Extension.”
Step 4: Launch Chrome Remote Desktop extension and click on “Remote Access.”
Step 5: In the Set Up Remote Access box, click on “Turn On.”
Step 6: Type in your chosen name and click on Next.
Step 7: Type in a strong PIN and click on Start. (You need this PIN to start every remote session; remember it and keep it safe.)
Step 8: Log into your Google Account from Chrome browser.
Step 9: Click on the computer you want to access, enter your PIN, and done.
Conclusion
If you’re a tech beginner and want to avoid dealing with complex set-ups for accessing devices remotely, Chrome Remote Desktop is the best option. CRD is super easy to set up, and since it uses the minimum-security protocols, it’s ideal for personal use.
However, if you want to use this software at your company, we don’t recommend using it to access classified information such as customer information, purchase orders, payment information, etc.
If you don’t mind creating a Google account in fact, chances are you already have on_ and don’t have a problem with the Google Chrome browser; then you won’t have any issues with Chrome Remote Desktop.
The only thing that might keep you hesitant about using CRD is the no-file-sharing issue. But this is fixable. One solution is to access the document you need by emailing it to yourself.
But all in all, Chrome Remote Desktop gets the job done adequately, considering it is free software.
