How to Enable Chrome Remote Desktop on a Windows VPS

Chrome Remote Desktop (CRD) is a free tool by Google that lets you access and control a Windows VPS (Virtual Private Server) from anywhere in the world.

Whether you're a beginner setting up remote access via CRD for the first time or a seasoned professional looking for a quick reference, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have the following squared away:

• A Windows-based VPS with administrative access.
• Google Chrome browser installed on the VPS.
• A Google account to sign into Chrome Remote Desktop.

Step 1: Install Google Chrome (If Not Installed)

If your VPS doesn't have Google Chrome installed, follow these steps:

1. Log into your Windows VPS using Remote Desktop (RDP).
2. Open your default web browser and go to Google Chrome's official download page.
3. Download and install Google Chrome.
4. Once installed, launch Chrome and sign in with your Google account.

Step 2: Install Chrome Remote Desktop Extension

1. Open Google Chrome on your VPS.
2. Visit the Chrome Remote Desktop Webpage.
3. Click "Set up remote access".
4. Click the Download button under "Set up remote access" to install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to add the extension to Chrome.

Step 3: Enable Remote Connections

1. Open the Chrome Remote Desktop extension from Chrome.
2. Click "Turn On" under "Set up remote access".
3. Choose a name for your VPS (e.g., "My Windows VPS") and click Next.
4. Set a strong 6-digit PIN that will be required to access the VPS remotely.
5. Confirm the PIN and click Start.
6. Grant the necessary permissions when prompted to allow remote access.

At this stage, your Windows VPS is set up for remote access using Chrome Remote Desktop.

Step 4: Access Your VPS Remotely

Once CRD is set up, you can access your VPS from any device with Chrome installed:

1. Open Google Chrome on your local device.
2. Go to the Chrome Remote Desktop Webpage.
3. Sign in with the same Google account used on your VPS.
4. Under "Remote devices", find your VPS name and click on it.
5. Enter your PIN and click Connect.

You should now have full remote control over your VPS.

Step 5: Adjusting Settings for Better Access and Performance

Once Chrome Remote Desktop is set up on your VPS, fine-tuning a few settings can improve accessibility, speed, and ease of use.

Enable Unattended Access

If you need to connect to your VPS regularly, setting up unattended access allows you to log in without manually launching a remote session each time. Here's how to do it:

1. Open Chrome Remote Desktop on your VPS.
2. Go to the Remote Access section and select Set up remote access if you haven't already.
3. Choose a recognizable name for your VPS and create a secure PIN.
4. Make sure Chrome Remote Desktop runs in the background so it stays available even after a reboot.

Now you can connect whenever needed without going through extra steps.

Performance Improvement

Since a VPS may have limited resources, adjusting a few settings can help create smoother performance:

• Lower the Display Resolution – Reducing the resolution in Chrome Remote Desktop settings can help improve responsiveness.
• Close Unnecessary Applications – Any programs running in the background can slow things down. Close anything that isn't essential.
• Adjust Power Settings – Configure your VPS to prioritize performance, especially if you're running demanding tasks.
• Reduce Visual Effects – If using a graphical interface, turning off animations and transparency effects can make interactions feel more responsive.

These small adjustments can help create a more efficient remote desktop experience.

Enable Clipboard Sync

Clipboard sync in Chrome Remote Desktop lets you copy and paste text and files between your local computer and the remote device. This is a handy feature for improving workflow efficiency when working remotely.

To enable clipboard sync:

1. Open Chrome Remote Desktop during a session.
2. Click on the settings icon.
3. Enable the clipboard sync option.

Once activated, you can quickly copy text, commands, or URLs between devices without extra steps.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you're running into any issues with Chrome Remote Desktop, here are some common problems and ways to fix them.

Unable to Connect to the VPS

If you can't establish a connection, check the following:

• Make Sure the VPS is On – If the server is shut down or in a suspended state, you won't be able to access it. Log into your hosting control panel to confirm that it's running.
• Verify the Internet Connection – The VPS needs an active network connection for remote access. If possible, restart the network service or check for any firewall settings that might be blocking the connection.
• Restart Chrome Remote Desktop – On your VPS, open the Task Manager, find Chrome Remote Desktop in the list of services, and restart it.

Loading or Response Issues

If the extension isn't responding or fails to load, try these steps:

• Reinstall Chrome Remote Desktop – Open Chrome, remove the extension, then reinstall it from the Chrome Web Store.
• Restart Your VPS – A reboot can resolve temporary issues with the remote desktop service.
• Check for Chrome Updates – Using an outdated browser version can cause compatibility issues. Update Chrome to the latest version.

Slow Performance or Lag

If your remote session feels sluggish, try these adjustments:

• Lower the Display Resolution – A higher resolution requires more bandwidth and processing power. Reducing it in Chrome Remote Desktop settings can help improve responsiveness.
• Close Unnecessary Applications – Running too many programs at once can slow down the VPS. Close anything you don't need.
• Disable Animations and Effects – If using a graphical interface, turning off extra visual effects can improve speed.

If you found this guide helpful, consider bookmarking it for future reference. Happy remote computing!

Related Tutorials:

• How to Remote Access Linux with Windows
• Enable Multiple RDP Sessions on Windows