You can access and control a remote computer from your computer using a remote control application. The application will need to be installed on both machines and, once done, you can set one of them as the host so that it can be controlled remotely. The main thing is that you are connected to the Internet, the computers are on, and the right software is installed. Programs like Team Viewer and Chrome Remote Desktop can be installed on PCs and Macs while Windows Remote Desktop can be configured on a Windows host computer (Windows 10 Professional). The host machine will be accessible by other Windows computers or other Macs.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use Chrome Remote Desktop
Step 1. Install Chrome Remote Desktop on both computers
Remote Desktop Chrome is a free tool provided by Google that allows you to control one computer from another remotely. For it to work, you must use Google Chrome as your web browser. If you haven't installed it yet, you can do so from this site. On both computers, do the following:
- open Google Chrome;
- go to this page;
- click on the blue and white arrow icon to open a new window to the Chrome Remote Desktop page on the Chrome web store;
- select Add to Chrome on the Chrome web store then Add extension to confirm;
- close the Chrome web store window to return to the original page;
- click on the blue and white button Accept and install then accept all required permissions to continue;
- enter a name for your computer then click FOLLOWING;
- enter and confirm a 6-digit code. Remote Desktop will start once the code is confirmed.
Step 2. Generate an access code
Now that Chrome Remote Desktop is installed on both computers, you will need to generate a code that the first computer can use to access the second. The code will only be valid for 5 minutes, so you will need to generate it right before establishing the connection. Here's how to generate the code on the computer that receives the connection:
- go to the tab Remote Support at the top of the page;
- Click on the button Generate a code.
Step 3. Open this page on the computer that will establish the connection
Remember that this step must be performed using the Google Chrome web browser.
Step 4. Type the passcode under the Provide Help field
This is the second empty field on the page. Click on To log in to send an invitation to the computer you are trying to access.
Step 5. Click Share on the computer receiving the connection
After a few seconds, the desktop of the second computer will appear in Chrome on the connecting computer.
Step 6. Select Stop Sharing to end the connection
This option is on the computer that shares its information and allows you to stop sharing at any time.
Method 2/3: Use TeamViewer
Step 1. Go to TeamViewer in a web browser
You can use TeamViewer to remotely control a PC or Mac from your computer. The app is free for private or non-commercial use.
If TeamViewer has not correctly identified your operating system, click on the corresponding icon in the row of options in the middle of the page
Step 2. Scroll down to the Download TeamViewer option
This is the green button that downloads the TeamViewer installation file to your computer.
Depending on your browser settings, you may need to save the file or select a destination folder before you can start the download
Step 3. Double-click on the TeamViewer file
On Windows this is a configuration file called "TeamViewer_Setup", while on Mac you will have a "TeamViewer.dmg" file.
Step 4. Install TeamViewer
- On windows: tick the boxes Install to later control this computer remotely and Personally / not commercially then click on I accept - finish.
- On Mac: double click on the installation package, click on OK open the Apple menu then select System Preferences, Security and confidentiality, Open anyway next to the TeamViewer message, finally click on To open at the command prompt. Follow the instructions on the screen.
Step 5. Display your computer ID
To the left of the TeamViewer window you will see a section Your id under the header Allow remote control. You will need this ID to access the host computer.
Step 6. Create a custom password
- Hover your mouse over the displayed password.
- Click the circular arrow next to the password.
- Select Set a personal password from the drop-down menu.
- Enter the password you want to use in the Password and Confirm password fields.
- Click on OK.
Step 7. Download and install TeamViewer on the second computer
The second computer is the one you will use to access the host computer.
You can also download TeamViewer on your iPhone or Android
Step 8. Enter the ID of the first computer
Locate the Partner ID field on the right side of the TeamViewer window (under the Control remote computer heading), and enter the ID of the computer to which you want to connect there.
Step 9. Make sure Remote Control is checked
Otherwise, click on the circle next to this option in the window.
Step 10. Click Connect to Partner
This button is located at the bottom of the TeamViewer window.
Step 11. Enter the password
This is the password you defined in the section Allow remote control of TeamViewer on the host computer.
Step 12. Select Connect
The Connect button is located at the bottom of the TeamViewer authentication window.
Step 13. Display your connected computer screen
After a few seconds you will see the screen of the first computer appear in the TeamViewer window on the second computer.
- Once done, you will be able to interact with it as if it were your own computer.
- To log out, simply click on the X at the top of the TeamViewer window.
Method 3 of 3: Use Windows Remote Desktop
Step 1. Open the Start menu
on the host computer.
Click on Windows logo at the bottom left of the screen or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
Remote Desktop can only be used to connect computers running Windows 10 Professional. If the remote computer is running another version of Windows 10 (eg Windows 10 Home), you will need to use another method
Step 2. Click Settings
This option is located at the bottom left of the Start menu.
Step 3. Select System
This is the computer-shaped icon at the top of the settings page.
Step 4. Scroll down to the System Information tab
This tab is located at the bottom of the options column on the left of the window.
You will need to scroll your cursor over this column
Step 5. Write down your computer name
Your computer name is at the top of the page, next to the Device Name heading. You will need this to allow the second computer to connect.
Step 6. Click System Information
This option can be found under the Associated Parameters heading at the top right of the page.
If you haven't installed the Windows 10 Creator version update, this option should be at the bottom of the page
Step 7. Select the Advanced System Settings option
You'll find it at the top left of the System Information window.
Step 8. Go to the Remote Use tab
This tab is located at the top right of the System Properties window.
Step 9. Check Allow Support Connections
The Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer check box is located under the Remote Assistance heading in the middle of the page.
If it is checked, leave it alone
Step 10. Click OK and then close the window
Your settings will be saved.
Step 11. Go to the Power and Sleep tab
This tab is at the top of the options column on the left of the settings window.
Step 12. Click the drop-down menus and then select Never
This will prevent the host computer from going to sleep or shutting down when you log in remotely.
Step 13. Open Remote Desktop on the second computer
- On windows: open Start
, type remote desktop connection then click Remote Desktop connection.
- On Mac: download Remote Desktop Connection from the App Store open the Launchpad then click on the orange application Remote Desktop connection.
Step 14. Enter the name of the host computer
Insert it in the Computer: field at the top of the Remote Desktop window.
- On Mac, first click + New in the upper left corner of the application window and then enter the computer name in the PC name field.
- You can also type the host computer's IP address in the computer name field.
Step 15. Click Connect
This button is located at the bottom of the Remote Desktop window. Once the connection is established, the host computer's display will appear in a window on your computer.
On Mac, double-click the login name you just created in the My Desktops drop-down list
Advice
- Remember to turn off sleep or hibernation mode on the host computer, as you will not be able to connect to a sleeping or hibernating machine.
- If you don't have a password on your Windows computer when you try to use Remote Desktop, you'll need to create one before you can do anything.