How to Remotely Share PC Screen with Another Device with Chrome Remote Desktop

For a long time now, people have been able to share their phone screens with PC, Smart TVs and other devices as well, but some people tend to find sharing their PC screen with other devices difficult although the technology has been around since 1987 but most people don’t seem to have a clear idea of it.

Chrome Remote Desktop was first released on 8th October 2011 by Google LLC.
With illustrative terms, I’ll teach you how to pair and share your screen seamlessly from anywhere in the world.

Getting Started

This method requires you to sign in to your Google account on both devices before getting started.
Note: I’ll be using a MacBook for this tutorial, all steps taken here are the same thing on Windows, Linux computers may differ a bit.

1. You have to download Chrome Remote Access setup to your PC.

1. Run the setup to start the process.

1. After running the setup, Remote Desktop automatically detects the device, proceed to turn it ON.

1. Create a name and PIN, you’ll be asked for the PIN when connecting. In most cases, you’ll grant permission access depending on your user settings.

1. Download the Chrome Remote Desktop app from your app store

1. Sign in to your Google account on your device

1. Your device automatically will pop up after signing in

1. Click on your preferred device to connect, A screen will prompt up asking for the PIN created on step 4.

1. You are now connected successfully, you have full access to the PC now.

Pros and Cons of Chrome Remote Desktop

Pros
1. Can be used to perform any activity remotely
2. Works on all platforms(Win, Mac, Android, Linux)
3. Supports external mouse and keyboard
4. Does not require you to be on the same WiFi network

Cons
1. It requires an active internet connection on both devices
2. User experience isn’t so great on smaller screens
3. May lag on low-end devices
4. Mouse and keyboard for needed for a full PC-like experience and functionality

Sharing your PC with someone else

You can also share your PC with someone other than yourself.
Doing this gives full access to that person to details like email, contacts, documents, photos etc… unless it is guarded by another security means.

This method also needs an internet connection active on both devices, it also doesn’t need the same Google account linked as it runs on the web

1. Go to the Remote Access site on your PC, that of the PC requires Google sign-in.
2. On the share screen box, click on “Generate code”, it generates an access code needed for the connection.
3. On your other device, go to the “Remote access” site, here it asks for the generated access code, fill it in and click connect.
4. It sends a prompt dialogue box to the PC requesting access to connect, click connect.
5. This method is simpler and easier as it doesn’t ask for any PIN just the generated access code and it connects.

Summary

Chrome Remote Desktop is a tool created by Google to help users whose devices aren’t close by. However, both devices have to be connected to the internet to be able to.

It requires an active Google account to run on both devices, other competitors may vary like Teamviewer, AnyDesk, Microsoft Remote Desktop.