Chrome Remote Desktop — The Complete Guide: Remote Access from the Browser, Free with No Paid Tiers
Chrome Remote Desktop is a free Google service for remote access. You install a small component on the host computer and connect to it from the browser or a mobile app. It works with Windows, macOS and Linux, connections are encrypted, and there are no paid tiers or session time limits.
Chrome Remote Desktop
Remote access to your own computers and one-off support for a colleague from the browser, free with no paid tiers.
Get it from the vendorWhat you get
- Permanent access with a PIN — leave the office computer ready and work on it from home.
- Support with a one-time code — a colleague generates a code, shares it, and you help them.
- Browser connection — no client program on the connecting side.
- Mobile app — a quick look at a calculation running in the office.
- Simple setup — a few minutes with a Google account.
Limitations, and security
A Google account is required, there is no team management and no advanced file transfer. In managed work accounts the administrator can restrict the service, and some networks block it. The one-time support code gives full control of the computer, so share it only with someone you know and contacted yourself — never with someone who called you. Choose a long PIN and turn on two-factor authentication for your Google account.
Related tools
For an open-source alternative with a self-hosted relay — RustDesk. For remote support with unattended computers — Zoho Assist. For a browser gateway on the office server — Apache Guacamole.
RustDesk
RustDesk (Purslane Ltd. and community)
Open-source remote desktop tool, an alternative to TeamViewer and AnyDesk, with the option to run your own relay server.
Get it from the vendorZoho Assist
Zoho Corporation
Remote support and unattended access from the browser, with a free plan for one technician and five unattended computers.
Get it from the vendorApache Guacamole
Apache Software Foundation
A remote desktop gateway installed on a server that gives RDP, VNC and SSH access from any browser, with no client install.
Get it from the vendor
AnyDesk
AnyDesk Software GmbH
Fast, lightweight remote control between computers and mobile devices, free for personal use only.
Get it from the vendorThe bottom line
The simplest way to reach your office computer from home or help a colleague, completely free, as long as you do not need team management.