2024 Full Review: Chrome Remote Desktop Limitations

What is Chrome Remote Desktop? 

Chrome Remote Desktop ranks among the most widely used remote desktop software today. It's completely free, with no hidden perks, subscriptions, or premium features. To set up remote access, all you need is to log into your Google account.

This program is accessible as a Chrome extension, making it usable on any device that supports the Chrome browser. You can connect the target computer to another computer or a mobile device running either iOS or Android.

Chrome Remote Desktop limitations

Most users agree that Chrome Remote Desktop is a swift and straightforward remote desktop service. Despite its popularity, Google remains a newcomer in the remote desktop market, which is evident in some aspects of its development.

This post introduces the Chrome Remote Desktop limitations from two perspectives that people concerns most: features and security risks.

Feature limitations of Chrome Remote Desktop

Chrome Remote Desktop is perfectly suitable for occasional connections to your own devices or for helping a family member or friend with a quick computer issue. However, if you require more advanced features for remote access and support, Chrome Remote Desktop may fall short. Let's delve into these feature limitations.

• No built-in instant chat. One of the essential features of a great remote desktop application is built-in text chat, as you'll need to exchange messages with the remote user in real time to avoid miscommunication. However, Chrome Remote Desktop does not support instant messaging.
• Won’t work without the Google Chrome web browser. Chrome Remote Desktop is a Google Chrome extension. It doesn’t work with any other browsers. Besides, you’ll need a Google account to use the application.
• No drag-and-drop file transfer. Chrome Remote Desktop doesn’t provide an intuitive file transfer way to allow you to drag and drop files or folders. You can only upload files on one side and then download files from the other.
• No multi-session handling. Chrome Remote Desktop doesn't allow you to have multiple simultaneous connections, which makes it unsuitable for viewing/controlling multiple devices.
• Session permission has to be renewed every 30 minutes. The Chrome Remote Desktop time limit is 30 minutes. If you're connecting with the one-time code instead of the PIN, the user on the remote side will experience Chrome Remote Desktop timeout and be asked to confirm that they want to continue to share their computer every 30 minutes.
• No monitor resolution scaling. Chrome Remote Desktop only allows you to change to full screen, scale to fit, resize to fit, or smooth scaling, but it doesn’t provide options to adjust screen resolutions.

Security risks of Chrome Remote Desktop

Chrome Remote Desktop faces security challenges categorized into two primary areas. On one hand, it shares the inherent vulnerabilities common to many remote desktop services. On the other hand, Chrome Remote Desktop lacks of compatibility with firewalls in general.

Means of attack and inherent weakness

Chrome Remote Desktop uses SSL/TLS for data encryption, which is the standard security protocol. Despite this, some users feel uneasy about potential vulnerabilities, especially since Google services are often targeted by cyberattacks.

Besides, the tool relies on Google accounts for authentication, which is convenient but also poses a risk. If someone gains access to your Google account, they can potentially access your remote desktop sessions.

Chrome Remote Desktop issues behind a firewall

Third-party firewalls are a primary means of online protection for many users worldwide. Despite improvements in OS security, firewalls remain widely used. However, if you rely on a firewall to secure your remote desktop connections, you might run into problems. Chrome Remote Desktop is known to have compatibility issues with many different firewalls. In contrast, Microsoft’s RDP service automatically adjusts to firewall limitations, preventing connection problems.

To work around this with Chrome Remote Desktop, you need to create exceptions for its ports in your firewall settings. By default, HTTPS traffic uses TCP port 443, which requires an exception. While this workaround allows you to use Chrome Remote Desktop with a firewall, it adds extra hassle for what should be a basic functionality.

Bonus tip: Try a Chrome Remote Desktop alternative

Google Remote Desktop time limit, the absence of built-in chat, the inability to handle multiple sessions, and firewall compatibility issues, etc., can reduce its effectiveness for professional use. Therefore, it is recommended to consider a Chrome Remote Desktop alternative.

AnyViewer is one of the best free remote desktop software. It provides more advanced features and better performance, making them suitable for both personal use and professional environments that require robust remote access capabilities.

• Drag and drop file transfer: Easily transfer files by simply dragging and dropping them.
• Multi-sessions: Supports two remote sessions simultaneously.
• Instant chat: Allows users to communicate in real time during remote sessions.
• Changeable resolution: Adjust the screen resolution based on your network speed for optimal performance.
• Monitoring multiple devices via screen walls: Keep an eye on multiple device screens at once with the screen wall feature, making it easy to spot any unusual activity.
• User role permissions management: Let your team create their own AnyViewer accounts and assign them roles and permissions to ensure everyone has the right level of access.

Besides, it prioritizes security with robust measures, including:

• Industry-leading end-to-end encryption: AnyViewer employs state-of-the-art asymmetric ECC 256-bit end-to-end encryption to ensure top-notch security.
• Two-factor authentication (TFA) for accounts: Add an extra layer of security to your accounts with TFA. If enabled, you'll need to confirm logins from new devices via email.
• Constant updates: AnyViewer releases new versions regularly to stay ahead of potential threats and keep your security up-to-date.

Step 1. Install and run AnyViewer on both of your computers. Navigate to Log in and then Sign up on the Controller computer. Fill out the sign-up form. If you have already registered on the official website, you can log in directly.

Step 2. You should now see that you have successfully logged into AnyViewer. Your device will be assigned to the account to which you have logged in automatically.

Step 3. Log in to the same AnyViewer account on the two devices; then, you can click One-click control to achieve unattended remote access, click View screen to see another’s screen, or click File transfer to share files between computers.

Notes:✎...

Additionally, you can change your account's plan to a Professional or Enterprise one. What a business or professional plan can provide for you is:

More devices will be allowed to assign to the same account for unattended remote access.

More connection channels for more devices to be able to start remote connection at the same time.

One device can connect to more devices simultaneously.

Black the remote PC screen and disable the remote keyboard & mouse click to protect privacy.

Transfer 1TB files at 10 MB/s. 

The bottom line

In conclusion, while Chrome Remote Desktop offers a free, user-friendly solution for basic remote access needs, it falls short in several areas including advanced features and security. Chrome Remote Desktop limitations, such as the lack of built-in chat, multi-session handling, and firewall compatibility issues, may hinder its effectiveness for professional use.

For those seeking a more robust and secure remote desktop experience, alternatives like AnyViewer provide advanced features such as drag-and-drop file transfer, instant chat, and multi-session support, alongside enhanced security measures. Exploring these alternatives can offer more comprehensive solutions for both personal and professional remote access requirements.