TeamViewer Free Alternative: Set Up Chrome Remote Desktop Easily

 

TEAMVIEWER's FREE Alternative - Chrome Remote Desktop

Remote access tools are essential for IT teams, OEM support, and day-to-day device management. While TeamViewer has long been a popular choice, many users face session time limits and connection restrictions on the free version. Because of these limitations, we migrated to Chrome Remote Desktop, a reliable and completely free alternative for accessing remote machines.

This guide explains why Chrome Remote Desktop is a solid TeamViewer alternative and provides step-by-step setup instructions for seamless remote access.

Why Choose Chrome Remote Desktop Over TeamViewer?

TeamViewer’s free version often disconnects sessions after a few minutes, especially when it detects commercial usage. This can disrupt troubleshooting, monitoring, or OEM support activities.

Chrome Remote Desktop offers:

• Completely free remote access

• No session time limits

• Secure Google account authentication

• Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux)

• Simple setup with minimal configuration

For teams that already rely on Google services, Chrome Remote Desktop integrates smoothly without additional licensing costs.

How to Set Up Chrome Remote Desktop (Step-by-Step)

Prerequisites

• A Google account

• Google Chrome browser installed

• Internet access on both machines

Step 1: Configure the Remote Machine (Host Computer)

This is the machine where the device or system is physically connected.

1. Log in to Google Chrome using your Google account.

2. Open the Chrome Web Store.

3. Search for Chrome Remote Desktop, or use the official extension link:
   https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/chrome-remote-desktop/inomeogfingihgjfjlpeplalcfajhgai

4. Install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension.

5. Click the Extensions icon in Chrome and open Chrome Remote Desktop.

6. 

Step 2: Enable Remote Access on the Host Machine

1. Once the extension opens, you’ll be redirected to the Chrome Remote Desktop setup page.

2. Under Remote Access, click Set up remote access.

3. Click Download to install the host software.

4. Chrome will download chromeremotedesktophost.exe (for Windows).

5. Run the installer and complete the installation.

On some systems, Chrome may prompt you to install directly — approve and continue.

 

Step 3: Name the Machine and Create a PIN

1. After installation, assign a unique name to the remote machine.

2. Create a 6-digit PIN (or longer if preferred).

   • This PIN is required every time you connect remotely.

3. Confirm the PIN to complete the setup.

Once completed, the machine will appear as online and available under your Google account.

Step 4: Access the Remote Machine from Another Computer

On the computer you want to use for remote access:

1. Log in to Google Chrome using the same Google account.

2. Install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension (same link as above).

3. Open the extension.

4. You’ll see the previously configured machine listed.

5. Click the machine name and enter the 6-digit PIN.

6. Remote access starts instantly.

    

Security and Performance Notes

• All connections are encrypted and secured through Google’s infrastructure.

• The PIN is never shared or stored publicly.

• Performance is stable for administrative tasks, diagnostics, and general support use.

• Works well even on low-bandwidth connections.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a free, reliable TeamViewer alternative, Chrome Remote Desktop is a practical solution. It removes session limits, avoids licensing concerns, and delivers consistent performance for OEM support, IT troubleshooting, and remote monitoring.

For teams frustrated by TeamViewer’s free version restrictions, switching to Chrome Remote Desktop can save time, reduce interruptions, and simplify remote access workflows.