Manage your remote machines or provide tech support

Chrome Remote Desktop is a remote access application that allows users to share or take control of a remote machine.

Managing multiple machines can be a hassle. Provide technical support can be even more of a headache. Chrome Remote Desktop solves both of these problems by allowing users to remotely connect to their friends or their own computers.

Chrome Remote Desktop is basic but solid. You have to install the extension from the Chrome store. You’ll need to set up your computer for remote access so you’ll have to install a couple pieces of software. Don’t worry as Chrome Remote Desktop will walk you through all of that.

After the software has been installed, there will be an item added to your System Preferences pane. To connect to a remote machine, you can set up a device specific pin for secure access. Alternatively, you can generate a randomized code to give to someone to provide tech support for your machine. This is a bit cumbersome but it requires the host to give access to a guest, making things more secure.

In use, Chrome Remote Desktop worked well but lacked many features of its competitors like LogMeIn. The top tool bar only allows screen adjustment and two basic key commands to send to the remote computer. Chrome Remote Desktop has no options to lock out the keyboard and mouse on the other end. There’s also no way to switch between multiple monitors. You must view them all at once.

Still, Chrome Remote Desktop offers a solid remote desktop experience but needs more features to catch up to its competitors.