Chrome Remote Desktop no sound?

You’re connected through Chrome Remote Desktop, but something feels off; there’s no audio at all. Silence where there should be sound can quickly derail your workflow or entertainment. This Chrome Remote Desktop no sound issue is one of the most common glitches users face, whether on Windows or Mac sessions.

Audio failures usually come down to a few culprits: unstable networks, outdated versions of Chrome or the Remote Desktop app, misconfigured settings, or faulty system drivers. This guide walks you through the most effective ways to bring your audio back.

And if you’d rather avoid troubleshooting altogether, you can skip straight to AnyViewer, a free and reliable alternative that sidesteps these issues entirely.

Why does Chrome Remote Desktop audio stop working?

Before fixing the problem, it helps to pinpoint the cause. These are the most frequent reasons remote audio fails:

• Unstable Network: Poor connection quality disrupts audio transmission or causes sound to drop entirely.
• Outdated Software: Running an old Chrome or Chrome Remote Desktop version can break audio features and create lag in remote sessions.
• Incorrect Audio Settings: Wrong playback devices or muted volumes can cause Google Remote Desktop no sound problems.
• Driver Conflicts: Missing or corrupted audio drivers on the host system often block sound output.
• Firewall or Antivirus Interference: Overprotective security tools may stop Chrome Remote Desktop from sending audio.

How to fix Chrome Remote Desktop audio problems

Now that you know what causes the problem, here’s how to get your audio working again. These steps apply whether you're on Windows or encountering Chrome Remote Desktop no sound Mac issues.

Solution 1. Verify Your Audio Settings

On the host computer, turn on audio sharing in Chrome Remote Desktop settings and select the correct output device. Confirm that nothing is muted on either the host or viewer device.

Try playing a local video or song to test the audio. If you’re using Chrome in the browser, ensure site permissions allow sound and that the browser outputs audio to the proper device. This simple fix resolves most Google Remote Desktop no sound complaints.

Solution 2. Update Chrome and Chrome Remote Desktop

Make sure you’re using the latest versions of both Google Chrome and the Chrome Remote Desktop extension or app. Begin by opening Chrome, going to Menu > Help > About Google Chrome, and letting the browser automatically check for updates. Restart Chrome once the update is complete.

Then, update the Chrome Remote Desktop extension or reinstall it to refresh all related system files. A fresh installation clears out corrupted data, resets outdated settings, and often restores missing audio functions. After reinstalling, restart your device and try launching a new remote session to see if the sound returns.

Solution 3. Check Your Network Stability

A weak or inconsistent network can easily interrupt audio transmission. Network dropouts are a very common trigger behind Chrome Remote Desktop no sound Mac and Windows-based cases alike.

Start by checking your current download and upload speeds using any reliable speed-testing tool. If the results are below your usual bandwidth, consider switching to a wired Ethernet connection for better stability. You can also reboot your router to refresh the connection or temporarily disconnect other devices that may be consuming excessive bandwidth. Improving your network quality often leads to an immediate improvement in audio performance.

Solution 4. Switch to the Web Version

If the desktop application continues to have issues, try using the web-based version of Chrome Remote Desktop instead. The browser version is occasionally more stable and can bypass problems tied to the installed app. Before launching a new session, clear your browser’s cache and cookies to remove any corrupted or outdated data that might interfere with audio playback. Once cleaned, open a fresh session through the web interface and check if the sound works properly.

Solution 5. Update Audio Drivers on the Host

Keeping your audio drivers up to date is essential for proper sound transmission during Chrome Remote Desktop sessions. Outdated or corrupted drivers can disrupt audio output entirely, so checking and updating them is a crucial troubleshooting step.

Step 1. Inspect Audio Drivers

• Open Device Manager and navigate to Sound, video, and game controllers.
• Look for your audio device and check for warning indicators. If the driver status doesn’t say the device is working properly, update it.

Step 2. Update or Reinstall

• Right-click the audio device > Update driver > Search automatically.
• After installation, restart your PC and test the audio again.
• If the issue persists, uninstall the driver and reboot to reinstall it automatically.

Solution 6. Temporarily Disable Security Programs

Firewalls and antivirus tools sometimes block remote audio.

Step 1. Open your firewall settings.

Step 2. Go to allowed apps/exceptions.

Step 3. Add Chrome or Chrome Remote Desktop if they’re not already listed.

Step 4. Allow access on both private and public networks.

Step 5. Test your remote session once more.

Solution 7. Restart Both Devices

Sometimes, lingering processes or temporary files can interfere with Chrome Remote Desktop’s audio performance. On Windows, open Task Manager and close any unnecessary background tasks that may be consuming system resources. Additionally, clear temporary files by deleting the contents of C:\Windows\Temp and %temp% to free up space and remove potentially corrupted data.

Mac users should clear cached data from ~/Library/Caches to achieve the same effect. After cleaning up, restart both the host and client devices to refresh system operations. Once rebooted, launch a new Chrome Remote Desktop session and test the audio, this simple step often resolves lingering sound issues.

Bonus tip: Use AnyViewer as an alternative

If you’ve tried every fix and Chrome Remote Desktop still refuses to transmit audio, there’s no need to keep struggling. AnyViewer offers a smoother, more reliable remote experience, without the audio headaches.

Why Choose AnyViewer?

• Powerful Client Management: With built-in client logs, users can review previous technical sessions and revisit solutions for recurring issues, perfect for troubleshooting audio problems efficiently.
• Real-Time Messaging: Chat instantly with a support technician and receive guided steps to resolve sound issues without confusion or delay.
• Team Collaboration Tools: AnyViewer is designed to support teams. Multiple experts can coordinate on complex issues and work together to resolve user problems.
• Advanced Security: All remote operations are protected with strong encryption, ensuring your data stays safe from start to finish.

Final Thoughts

Audio issues in Chrome Remote Desktop aren’t unusual, and most stem from misconfigured settings or basic system conflicts. Whether you're dealing with Chrome Remote Desktop no sound Mac or Windows-related sound failures, the fixes above should help.

But if troubleshooting isn’t your thing, AnyViewer, one of the best Chrome Remote Desktop alternatives, offers a clean, dependable alternative that gets you back to work without hassle.