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Gartner identifies 25 emerging technologies in its 2022 hype cycle SEE: Keyboard troubleshooting guide (free PDF) (TechRepublic) What's hot at TechRepublic This is especially so for those employees using the likes of Chromebooks or other desktops that might not support TeamViewer or AnyDesk. And with so many people still working remotely, that help can become a challenge. Sometimes we just need help with our computers. When all other remote screen sharing solutions fail, you can always turn to Chrome Remote Desktop to help an end-user solve a problem. However, Chrome Remote Desktop makes it simple for people to share screens cross-platform with very little effort.How to share your desktop for remote support with Chrome Remote Desktop There are also a number of other apps out there. For example, Windows has its own Remote Desktop app, and Macs offer a Screen Sharing feature. Google may finally be getting that message - there is now a beta version available that you may want to try out.Ĭhrome Remote Desktop isn’t the only remote access software available. However, keep in mind that you will not be able to see the entire client screen on your phone you will have to scroll around the display, which may make things a bit difficult.Īdmittedly, the interface for Remote Desktop could be better. The mobile versions of Chrome Remote Desktop also work fairly smoothly once you’ve downloaded the appropriate app. However, there is one major caveat: you must be using the same Google account on both systems. Once that’s done, you can then use Remote Desktop from another computer by simply going to Remote Access, finding the system on the list of My Computers, clicking on it, and entering the PIN. You’ll be asked to enable remote connections and to provide a PIN for security. Remember that “Access your own computer from anywhere link” on the first Remote Desktop window? Click on that “Get started” button. There is a way around that, but it will only work in some cases. This is a safety feature, although it can become irritating if you’re in for a long session. And after a few minutes, there will be a “timeout” warning on the client system, which will have to be clicked on or the connection will be lost. The other person never loses control, but you can do anything they can from your computer, including showing them how to set up Skype or finding the email they accidentally deleted.Īs long as the screen is being shared, there will be a small box reminding both you and the other person of that fact. The other person will get a box that asks “Would you like to allow to see and control your computer?” They have the choice to Share or Cancel.Īssuming they’ve selected Share, you will now have control of their computer. Have your friend or relative call or text you the code, and type it into the pop-up box. That’s your cue to click on the “Access” button. When they click on the green “Share” button, they will get a 12-digit randomly generated numerical code. (If this is the initial time they are using it, they will first be directed to download the Chrome Remote Desktop Host Installer. Assuming you were smart enough to install Chrome Remote Desktop on their system before you gifted it to them, get on the phone and tell them to press the big green “Share” button. If you’re helping a less technically inclined friend or relative, it’s the first two (which appear under the subhead “Remote Assistance”) that you’ll need. Access your own computer from anywhere (accompanied by a button labeled “Get started”).See and control a shared computer (accompanied by a slightly less obvious button labeled “Access”.Share this computer for another user to see and control (accompanied by an easy-to-see green button labeled “Share”).
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To take control of a client computer using another computer, you first need to download the Chrome Remote Desktop app from the Chrome Web Store. It’s available for PCs, Macs, Linux systems, and Chromebooks there are also separate apps for iOS and Android. If both you and your troubled relative use the Chrome browser (or own a Chromebook), you can use the Chrome Remote app to easily gain temporary control of their computer to either fix the issue or show them what to do. “I can’t find the draft of the email I started!” “Why can’t I make a Skype call?” “My speaker / mouse / keyboard isn’t working!” They’re going to want you to come over as soon as possible to fix the problem or to talk them through a fix, and both of those activities are probably going to take several hours out of your day.īut there is a solution. It’s not going to be long before that dreaded call comes in asking for support. But, deep down, you know that this isn’t the end of the story. You’ve gone home, knowing that you’ve made them very happy. You bought your parents / grandparents / other relatives a new computer, set it up, and showed them all of its nifty new features.
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