Answered: Can You Enable Chrome Remote Desktop Multiple Users?
This post mainly uncovers the answer to the question “Is it possible to allow Chrome Remote Desktop multiple users simultaneously”. Read the post carefully to find the answer.
By Ellie / Updated on December 13, 2024
Can multiple users use Chrome Remote Desktop?
In our office, we mainly use Chrome laptops for most things, but sometimes we need a Windows computer for a few tasks. I want to get one so people using Chromebooks can connect to it remotely and do some simple stuff. Can we use Chrome Remote Desktop to let multiple accounts log in to that Windows machine?"
- Question from Reddit
Can you enable Chrome Remote Desktop multiple users? The answer depends.
By default, Chrome Remote Desktop allows for the creation of many identities on a single computer. Users can set up Chrome Remote Desktop with several accounts that can be used to access remote workstations.
However, although configuring Chrome Remote Desktop for distinct accounts on a single computer is feasible, concurrent access to the remote machine by multiple sessions is not supported. This is because the Chrome Remote Desktop tracks connectivity based on the computer requesting the connection, not the individual Google account. You cannot run Chrome Remote Desktop in multiple sessions at the same time on a remote computer.
How to enable Chrome Remote Desktop multiple users
Let’s see how to set up Google Remote Desktop multiple users that can be used to access remote machines.
Step 1. Open Google Chrome on your computer and sign in to your first Google account.
Step 2. Download Chrome Remote Desktop, and set up the first user with a computer PIN.
Step 3. Click Add to create your second Google account.
Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions to create your second Google account. Then download Chrome Remote Desktop to this account. Launch Chrome Remote Desktop and you will notice there are now two distinct instances of the tool.
Step 5. You can repeat the preceding steps as many times as necessary to create Chrome Remote Desktop different accounts for all users who need access to the remote machine.
Alternative to Chrome Remote Desktop multiple users - AnyViewer
Numerous alternatives exist that enable multiple concurrent remote connections to a single computer. One such solution is AnyViewer. It is a remote access and support software that allows you to connect to computers or mobile devices from anywhere in the world. It's great for troubleshooting tech issues, collaborating on projects, or accessing files remotely. Most importantly, it supports multiple sessions easily.
Besides, AnyViewer has many advantages compared to Chrome Remote Desktop:
- Instant chat. AnyViewer allows the local user to communicate with the remote user through an instant chat box, while users are not allowed to chat using Chrome Remote Desktop.
- Remote file transfer. AnyViewer allows users to transfer files by dragging and dropping. Chrome Remote Desktop doesn’t support drag and drop. You can only upload files on one side and then download files from the other.
- No time limit during remote control. AnyViewer maintains a stable connection without imposing a time limit, ensuring uninterrupted usage. However, when connecting via a one-time code rather than a PIN using Chrome Remote Desktop, the user at the remote end will be prompted to confirm their ongoing computer sharing every 30 minutes.
Step 1. Download, install, and launch AnyViewer on all computers. Go to Log in, and then click Sign up. (If you already have signed up on its official website, you can log in directly.)
Step 2. Then you can see you successfully logged in to AnyViewer. Your device will automatically be assigned to the account you’ve logged in to.
Step 3. Access the same AnyViewer account on multiple devices. You will then see a list of all the devices that have been logged into the same account. By selecting the One-click control, any two of the three devices can start a remote connection to a third device at the same time.
- Notes: You can upgrade your account to an Enterprise plan to initiate Unlimited concurrent connections. Aside from this, you can enjoy more rights:
- Transfer 1TB files at 10 MB/s.
- 100 devices can be assigned to the same account for unattended remote access.
- Connect in privacy mode to protect privacy.
- Add unlimited screen walls for real-time monitoring of multiple devices on a single screen.
- Create groups for enterprise devices to manage large numbers of devices conveniently.
Bonus tip: Manage multiple users' access to remote desktop
Except for the above features that you can get from the AnyViewer Enterprise plan, AnyViewer Enterprise also offers the Role Permission Management features to help you manage multiple access to the same computer. You can create different roles with different permissions. These permissions include view, edit, and delete rights of user and device management, and controllable device groups. By setting roles on every user of your team, only permitted users can remotely access different groups of devices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Chrome Remote Desktop facilitates multiple users through distinct accounts on a single computer, simultaneous access to the remote machine remains unsupported. This limitation stems from Chrome Remote Desktop's tracking mechanism, which operates based on the requesting computer rather than individual Google accounts.
However, Chrome Remote Desktop alternative solutions like AnyViewer offer the flexibility of multiple concurrent connections, along with additional features such as instant chat and drag-and-drop file transfer. AnyViewer presents a viable option for those seeking simultaneous remote access capabilities beyond the constraints of Chrome Remote Desktop.
