Chrome Remote Desktop (CRD)
UPDATE:Google killed Chrome Apps since end of 2018. This guide is no longer valid since you can't use Chrome Apps anymore. Don't waste your time reading it. Forget about it.Sometimes, you'll need to ask for help and your expert friend will need to remote into your computer. At the moment, there are technologies like Windows Remote Connections, Teamviewer, and TigerVNC. These solutions aren't unified across operating systems. Some are cumbersome to install; some are proprietary and operating system specific; some of them has commercial use limitation (you need to buy its license); and some are hard to guide.
Google Chrome Remote Desktop
Fear no more, Google introduced Chrome Remote Desktop as an universal alternatives. It uses open-source VNC plugin so it removes all the issues above. It's easy to guide and easy to use. Let's begin.
1. Install Chrome Remote Desktop
Let's proceed by installing the Chrome Remote Desktop as the chrome extension: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/chrome-remote-desktop/gbchcmhmhahfdphkhkmpfmihenigjmpp?hl=en.
2. Install the Chrome Remote Desktop Host
Now CRD needs its host installer in the local system. The download is available at:
- Windows - https://dl.google.com/dl/edgedl/chrome-remote-desktop/chromeremotedesktophost.msi
- Mac - https://dl.google.com/dl/chrome-remote-desktop/chromeremotedesktophost-47.0.2526.18.dmg
- Linux (DEB) - https://dl.google.com/linux/direct/google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb
- Linux (RPM) - Not from official Google mirror. Alternative - https://www.rpmfind.net/linux/rpm2html/search.php?query=chrome-remote-desktop
3. Launch Chrome Remote Desktop
Let's launch the CRD now. Type chrome://apps in your URL address bar. Then select the Chrome Remote Desktop. You should get a new windows out.
If it prompts for email login, please proceed to login (your Google Chrome is not login).
Select SHARE (top) then pass the number (below) to your friend
4 (a) - Share Your Computer
If you're looking for help from your friend, select the SHARE button.
You will have a series of numbers for authentication and identification. Send these numbers to your friend so that he/she can login into your machine.
That's all.
Important Note
Keep in mind for security purposes, you'll still need to be in front of the computer.
In every 15 minutes, Chome Remote Desktop will prompt a "to continue" challenge only to you. If you do not respond to the challenge in-time, the connection will be terminated automatically.
This is for security reason where it prevents long remote session and creating a security loophole.
4 (b) - Access Remote Computer
Now if you're helping your friend, select Access button. Your friend should send you a series of identification numbers. Type in the numbers and select "connect".
That's all about it.