The Chrome solution is easier to install and set up than Microsoft’s, as it works through your Google account. It’s installed as a Chrome extension from the Chrome Web Store, and also exists as an Android or iOS app, so you can control the target computer from a mobile device. Once you’ve got CRD installed on your PC, you’ll need to be signed into a Google account to use Chrome Remote Desktop. Google’s version of the Remote Desktop runs through its Chrome web browser, so it can be installed on any version of Windows that supports that app-Pro or Home edition, it doesn’t matter.Īs it’s totally free, you might expect there to be some fatal flaw that makes the software unusable except for emergencies, but while it might be light on features, Chrome Remote Desktop is completely functional as a remote access app. Using a non-Windows client can cut down the options somewhat, but there’s enough to take control of the PC and fix issues, even from an Android phone, though you’ll have to do a lot of scrolling around on the smaller screen.īoth Microsoft Remote Desktop and Chrome allow you to decide whether the host machine’s output resolution is changed to match the client device, or whether it’s scaled, and whether touchscreen inputs act as if the touchscreen is a trackpad or not. There’s no direct chat client built into the app, however.įile transfer is possible too, with both computers’ drives, including network shares (and multiple displays) accessible if you allow it. If you’re using a Windows PC to administer a Windows client, you get great performance and integration with Teams. Once you’ve got it working, however, there’s a lot to be said for using Microsoft’s built-in method. You might also need to forward this port on your router-something that’s not difficult, but varies by brand and even model number. You can support the site directly via Paypal donations ☕. TNR earns Amazon affiliate commissions from qualifying purchases.You’ll also need to know the public IP address of the target PC if connecting across the internet, and as the default port RDP uses is well known, you’ll also need to know how to set a strong password, just in case somebody else decides to slip inside with less helpful intentions. Microsoft’s RDP might not be the best choice if you’re trying to help out a relative, as aside from the need for a Pro version of the OS, you’ll need to do a bit of setup before it can be used. For Linux, there are open-source RDP clients available, such as Remmina, and a web app that’ll work on a Chromebook. This can be found in the various app stores, usually called RD Client-it’s available for both kinds of mobile device, and Mac computers, too. You’ll also need an app on the client device-the one you’ll use to connect and take control with. Any computer with the correct app and login details can now connect to your PC and take control, but you can only set a Pro version of Windows up to be the controlled one. It’s included in the OS, so you’ll find an option in Settings > System > Remote Desktop to switch it on. You’ll need a Pro or Enterprise version of Windows 10 or 11 if you want RDP users to connect to your PC. You can use them to take control of a virtual machine that’s running on a server PC with a much less powerful computer, providing a sort of thin client functionality across a network, or just dip in and out to provide tech support to a less computer literate relative over the internet-as long as you set it up properly to begin with. You’ll need to have that particular web access software installed to use it, which means Edge will probably whine at you, but can be safely ignored in this instance.īoth allow you to remotely control a Windows computer via another PC, a Mac, or even a mobile device. Two of the most easily acquired are Microsoft Remote Desktop, or RDP, which comes bundled with some versions of Windows, and Chrome Remote Desktop (we’ll call it CRD), which can easily be installed as an extension to the Chrome browser. Read our Chrome Remote Desktop vs Microsoft Remote Desktop.Īdministrators of large numbers of commercial PCs will have networks set up specifically with this in mind, using commercial software packages such as TeamViewer, but there are also free options that are ideal for anyone who just wants to remote-control one Windows PC at a time. This is where Remote Desktop applications come in. However, there are times when you need to help someone out, or administer one of your computers while you’re not physically sitting in front of it.

WE SPEND MUCH of our time with firewalls and other security apps trying to prevent other people from connecting to our PCs and taking control of them over the internet.

Google remote desktop review