A better remote desktop connection

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ISSUE 19.05 • 2022-01-31 LANGALIST By Fred Langa Alas, it’s not the one built into Windows. A remote desktop connection (RDC) lets you access and use
[See the full post at: A better remote desktop connection]

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lmacri, Fred, dvhirst865, Norio, oldfry, glnz, abbodi86

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Thanks for the CRD piece – been using it for a few years and it works well for my needs.  That it doesn’t need ports forwarded is a huge advantage over microsoft’s RDP.

Lest folks like me who do not create a microsoft account when installing windows [using a ‘local’ account instead] be scared off by this:  “Both users must be signed in to their own PCs as authorized users (e.g., signed in with a Microsoft account).” — CRD works fine w/out a microsoft account.

Also, the host executable does not auto-update.  In the last 2 years, several bugs have been fixed, but I have to go to to https://dl.google.com/dl/edgedl/chrome-remote-desktop/chromeremotedesktophost.msi manually to get the updates.  It gets updated every few months, altho I have not found where you can get info on the latest version without downloading it.

Finally, for situations where reliable unattended remote access is important, I also install TeamViewer Free on the host, as a “plan B” backup for when CRD won’t connect [sometimes the host CRD service fails to start, or stops].  The occasional use of TV doesn’t trigger their excessive use warning.

 

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Christopher Stone, oldfry, Fred Langa, AlexEiffel

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I won’t argue that “RD” is or is not better than RDP, but I think you are bad mounting RDP more than it may deserve. 99.99% of the time that I cannot connect using RDP (given network connectivity/visibility between machines, etc.), it’s because I did not enable RDP in the receiving PC and make sure the account(s) I want to use to connect are allowed to use it. The next (and really only) other bump is getting the Network Level Authentication setting set right. As for security, I use RDP only on a LAN or over a point-to-point VPN.

As for Remote Assistance, it works just fine. I have yet to have it fail, either locally or 1000 miles away. The only things I don’t like about are (1) I can’t copy-and-paste between the two machines and (2) it does not support dual monitors (switching between two monitors is not “support”). And I do NOT have to put, or coach someone else to put, another piece of software on their computer.

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JohnReam, Fred Langa

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You lost me right here:

Fred Langa wrote:

Identification begins at the PC itself, of course. Both users must be signed in to their own PCs as authorized users (e.g., signed in with a Microsoft account). RD itself also requires its own login using the user’s own Google account (e.g., a free Gmail address).

On the other hand, I don’t do remote outside my LAN, and in all the years I’ve used it, I’ve never had an issue with RDP.  I use it daily with my NAS, which has Windows 10 Pro 21H2 as its OS.

If I’m not at home, I can retrieve a document from OneDrive if necessary, no big deal.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We were all once "Average Users". We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems, we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

Computer Specs

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Fred Langa, Pim

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I’ve found myself using RealVNC more and more these past two years. While the free version is limited to 5 computers, I only have about five computers I really need it on, so it works for me.

Costs about $3 per machine, per month, for more than five, which is not horrible, pricewise. Yea, there are free alternatives. But for me, I want professional grade on my extensive home network. RealVNC is simple to use, plenty of data encryption options and AD integration capabilities.

To each their own they say!

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Fred Langa

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I had the same problem with Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection that you did. Then I learned about Chrome Remote Desktop.
I can affirm that Chrome Remote Desktop works on Windows 7. I use it all the time. The host PC is running Windows 7 with Chrome, and the remote PC (this one) is running Windows 7 with Edge. Chrome Remote Desktop used to caution me about using Edge (but then it ran anyway); it no longer complains about Edge.
I installed Chrome Remote Desktop on the host PC only, but on the remote PC, I access it through the browser (https://remotedesktop.google.com/access). I especially like the fact that the browser (Chrome) does not have to be running on the host PC to use it. It just works; it always works. It works anywhere, as long as I have Internet access.

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T, Fred Langa

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It’s curious why the author fails to mention this or indeed why his articles don’t include Win 7 in the discussion at all. I’ve been noticing this for a while now in the newsletters and whereas once i felt like this place could still be welcoming to Win 7 holdouts it feels like it’s increasingly being pushing to the side. Maybe it’s just me.

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We can’t expect writers to test these things on W7, 8, 10 & 11 – it’s a lot of work maintaining that many systems.
Luckily, others here can do the work – the value of community.

cheers, Paul

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MHCLV941, TechTango

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The installed base for Win 7 has dropped precipitously in the last several years. Win 7 users are still welcome here and will be helped as much as any others. However, the focus of most users here is either Win 10 or Win 11. As such, that is where you’ll find most of the activity, writers included.

--Joe

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MHCLV941, TechTango

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I have used Chrome Remote Desktop for several years. While the service has been mostly trouble free, there were a few trouble spots in its history. When it failed the fix was simple; delete and rebuild all the connections. Simple, unless you are truly remote, like across the country, or in another country.  My advice if you are this kind of user? Have a back up plan. I use the free for personal use (and my use IS personal, not commercial) TeamViewer.

I am having a current issue with CRD. My target Windows PC is a small laptop that runs IP-camera software for monitoring our home in our absence (we are ‘snow birds’). Sometimes I need to remotely adjust a camera through this laptop. My local device is either another Windows laptop, or my Chromebook.  Windows, no problem. Chrome OS? One would think it would work wonderfully. However, instead of displaying the target PC’s screen, all I get is a uniform gray screen on my Chromebook. If I am physically local to my target PC, I can see my remote mouse and keystrokes are working correctly. Not much help when I am physically elsewhere on the planet. That is another instance where having TeamViewer installed works very well.

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I use AnyDesk Free, and it’s very good.  It also runs on one XP computer I still have.

I used to use TeamViewer Free, but it started kicking off many Free users with a note that we were using for commercial purposes, so I then found AnyDesk.

But thanks for reminder about RD – good to know I can use it if AnyDesk changes.

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Fred said regarding setup for both users to get RD working:

“Both users must be signed in to their own PCs as authorized users (e.g., signed in with a Microsoft account)”.

I don’t sign in to Win 10 on any of my computers “with a Microsoft Account”.  I just sign in.  I don’t understand what he means by this.

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I have used TeamViewer (free) for years and it works very well.It has end to end encryption already, though using a VPN would have improved that further.

I was fixing and maintaining multiple computers in AZ from WA with no problem, even when the AZ connection was via satellite internet. I could save the connection identification there with a different access code each time the app is started. Control by a remote computer can be instantly stopped if the end user feels something isn’t right.

 

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I use Microsoft’s Quick Assist app for adhoc remote support connections.  It is pre-installed on Windows 10 computers, it is totally free, and it works perfectly every time.  It is also very easy for a novice user (who I’m trying to help) to get running.  Of course it is limited to connecting two Windows 10 computers.  Here is a short tutorial…  https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/solve-pc-problems-over-a-remote-connection-b077e31a-16f4-2529-1a47-21f6a9040bf3

 

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frankbh, MHCLV941, Taliaferro

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There is one feature that I like in Windows Remote Desktop Connection that I wish Chrome Remote Desktop had. With Windows RDC, when you connect to the remote system, the remote system’s lock screen activates. This prevents anyone who might be in the room with the remote PC from seeing what you’re doing on there (and even accessing the system themselves!). But I agree that Chrome RD is way easier to set up and use, especially when the host and remote systems are on different networks.

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As far as I know, Chrome remote desktop also has this feature. This mode prevents a person from observing a remote session on a computer. To enable this feature, users must update Windows registry keys or make changes to macOS configuration. This can be done through the command line or through Regedit. All step-by-step instructions are here https://www.helpwire.app/blog/chrome-remote-desktop-security-risks/

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Just want to say thank you for this article. Have been using “RD” for years – typically on vacation – to check in on a home windows setup. Works, as they say, like a charm. My only worry has been security, and the article covers that sufficiently for my use. Thanks again . . . .

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anonymous wrote:

I use Microsoft’s Quick Assist app for adhoc remote support connections.  It is pre-installed on Windows 10 computers, it is totally free, and it works perfectly every time.  It is also very easy for a novice user (who I’m trying to help) to get running.  Of course it is limited to connecting two Windows 10 computers.

I agree that QuickAssist works perfectly well for everything I’ve ever tried to do with it. Two Win10 machines is not a limitation – unless you try to help more than one person simultaneously, which I don’t – nor do I have reason to interact with Apples, Linuxi or older Windows. For those, I would indeed need a different tool, but I don’t, so I don’t.

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anonymous wrote:

There is one feature that I like in Windows Remote Desktop Connection that I wish Chrome Remote Desktop had. With Windows RDC, when you connect to the remote system, the remote system’s lock screen activates.

I’ve had just the opposite feeling about RDP: I wish I had the option NOT to engage the remote machine’s lock screen. Ideally, both programs would make this an option. It’s surprising when you think about it that they don’t.

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I occasionally do remote support for family and friends and have been using the free version of TeamViewer for several years – with great success. A couple of times it ceased to work because their algorithm thought it sensed “commercial use”. A quick email to TeamViewer explaining my use scenario was all it took to get reinstated.  I still have AnyDesk as a backup which also works great, though it’s UI isn’t as ‘pretty’ as TeamViewer.

I have Remote Desktop disabled on my computer. I also avoid anything Google when I can….

Win10 Pro x64 22H2, Win10 Home 22H2, Linux Mint + a cat with 'tortitude'.

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Marcus Weldby

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Nicely done; your comments mirror my experience closely.  I also have a “free” TeamViewer license, that I use occasionally; my preference is RD, which almost always, just works.  DVH

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I’m another Anydesk user. Before that, Teamviewer. I like Anydesk better AND, compared to Teamviewer the Anydesk installation footprint much smaller than Teamviewer’s.

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Marcus Weldby, glnz

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I have to agree with Steve S here, I don’t like the idea of replacing a Microsoft product with a Google product.

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Marcus Weldby, MHCLV941

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steeviebops wrote:

I have to agree with Steve S here, I don’t like the idea of replacing a Microsoft product with a Google product.

I always replace any Microsoft software/utility I can with 3rd party software/utility (they are in 100% better).

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Alex5723 wrote:

steeviebops wrote:

I have to agree with Steve S here, I don’t like the idea of replacing a Microsoft product with a Google product.

I always replace any Microsoft software/utility I can with 3rd party software/utility (they are in 100% better).

But going to Google feels like a “from the frying pan into the fire” situation. I don’t like the idea of letting a known data miner get more access to my systems!

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MHCLV941

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MHCLV941 wrote:

I wish I had the option NOT to engage the remote machine’s lock screen

You have. Look at the command line switches for RDP: MSTSC – RDP / Terminal Server Connection – Windows CMD – SS64.com
The option you need is Shadow

It’s a bit tricky – you need to know the ID number. To retrieve that, use qwinsta /server:<pc_name>

Then execute Mstsc /shadow:<id> /control /noConsentPrompt

Now you see the screen on the other end.

 

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wavy

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Working from home due to the corona pandemic, I use RDP to connect to my pc at the office. Most of the times, this works pretty well, I must say. There are days the connection is lost several times a day. Difficult to pinpoint the cause of that. So maybe Chrome Remote Desktop, I thought, is more forgiving and gave it a try. And was let down immediately – no multi-screen option. That’s a real show-stopper for me, as I simply need two screens to do a decent job…

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TechTango wrote:

… the Anydesk installation footprint much smaller than Teamviewer’s.

In fact, Anydesk doesn’t need to be installed to work.

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Marcus Weldby, Alex5723

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In fact, Anydesk doesn’t need to be installed to work.

My experience has been when I run Anydesk as a portable app it works but after a time I have go back to the Anydesk web site to retrieve the exe file.  I found it more expedient to trace the install so I can run the app with one click consistently.

BTW, while I like and use other portable apps, some do add registry entries.  I’ve done registry searches and found them.

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Here’s the money quote from Fred’s article — “If RDC works, you’re golden; if it fails, you’re toast.” Really hilarious way to put it!

If you don’t mind Google watching everything you do and then monetizing the information they gather, RD is probably an excellent product. You see, they aren’t giving it away for free out of the goodness of their heart; they are giving it away for free to entice you to use it, so that they can gather all sorts of information from you, your computer, and the remote computer you connect to, and then monetize that information. You see, with Google, YOU are the product, and whatever candy they give you is merely the bait. That makes it “toast” for me.

Microsoft does put out a decent remote desktop program – Skype for Business. We use it on my job to do remote support, and it works excellently for that purpose. The only thing I have found that limits me is that someone has to be on the other end of the connection to approve your taking control of their computer. Also, I haven’t found any way to transfer files from one computer to the other via Skype, so I just use email to do it. For me, Skype for Business is “golden”, because it does exactly what I need it to do and does it very well – remote tech support via remote control of the user’s computer.

Group "L" (Linux Mint)
with Windows 8.1 running in a VM

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MHCLV941

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MrJimPhelps wrote:

Here’s the money quote from Fred’s article — “If RDC works, you’re golden; if it fails, you’re toast.” Really hilarious way to put it!

Is this not true of all programs, no matter who publishes them or what they do?

RDP works just fine for me because I don’t need – or want – to use it over an unsecured or partially secured internet connection. I do use QuickAssist, which is essentially the same Google product but without Google’s nose under my tent and without having to install a program on the client’s computer.

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Thanks for the article. I could have saved some money and not renewed my subscription. I use Remote PC. https://www.remotepc.com/ Installed in haste when New Zealand went into Covid related lockdown  It works OK and currently allows three staff members to access up to 10 PCs. I can use it on an Android phone in an emergency.

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Isn’t that expensive, especially after the first two years?

https://www.remotepc.com/pricing

Windows 11 Pro version 22H2 build 22621.2361 + Microsoft 365 + Edge

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Well, Microsoft has gone WAY of its way to make Quick Assist a real PITA. At the end of April (2022), it released an updated version of the program. The updated program itself does seem an improved version but getting the update is a case study on how to screw up distribution.

1. The update is available ONLY from the Microsoft Store; there is no offline installer.
2. The updated program installs per user, not per machine. If the machine has multiple users, it has to be installed for each one individually.
3. Despite the update being installed per user, it still requires administrative rights to do so. Thus a regular user cannot update the program without outside assistance.
4. Even after the new program is installed, the old version shows up when searching for “quick assist”. It’s necessary to manually uninstall the old version to get search to find the new one.

Way to go, Redmond!!!

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