

These, too, give you an app-like experience but with more features like offline use, the option to pin them to the taskbar, support for push notifications and updates and access to hardware features. Progressive web apps (PWA) are also available for many sites. So many things, especially when it comes to productivity tasks like word processing and spreadsheets, can happen in a browser or with a web app that's essentially a website that looks and behaves more like a mobile app. However, you're not out of options just yet. If your Chromebook is your only computer, then using Chrome Remote Desktop isn't the solution for you. Overall, though, this is an awesome way to get access to Windows software on a Chromebook. That means streaming video or playing games, while possible, might not be the best experience. A fast internet connection for both the PC and Chromebook is needed for the best performance and even still you might run into a slight delay. You can even upload and download files between the two systems. You can then launch and use the software on your PC while working on your Chromebook. Your mouse and keyboard will work as always within the confines of that browser window.

Regardless of what you decide, next, you'll give your computer a name followed by a PIN that's at least six digits that you'll use to remotely connect to your host PC.Īnd that's it! Now you should see the Windows desktop in your browser. It's not necessary but gives you a better out-of-browser experience. You'll be given the option to install a CRD web app. Click Access my computer, then click Turn on under Set up remote access. Once you get to the main setup screen, you'll see two options: Access my computer and Share my screen. To get started, fire up your Windows PC and install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension (hereafter "CRD") in the Chrome browser.

Google's Chrome Remote Desktop is free, easy to set up and effective.

For all intents and purposes, it's like you're sitting in front of your Windows machine - while you're in front of your Chromebook. The Windows PC runs a remote-connectivity app that stays active while you're away the Chromebook connects to that app and accesses the remote Windows desktop inside your browser, where you can run programs, update settings or whatever. If you've never tried this, it may sound odd - but it works quite well. Chrome Remote Desktop lets you use the software on a Windows PC from a Chromebook.
