I tried out my friend’s HP Chromebook and I liked it. I already have an HP with Windows 11, a Dell with Windows 10, and a 2014 MacBook Pro.
I mainly use the HP for development work and the Dell for media stuff like audio, video, and music.
Now, I’m looking for a laptop to use for Remote Desktop when I travel. Thinking of getting a Chromebook, budget around $1500.
Anyone tried using a Chromebook to remote into Windows 11? Does it work well?
I’ve used mine for Remote Desktop and it worked fine, but using a Windows laptop with Parsec is a lot smoother.
Jamie said:
I’ve used mine for Remote Desktop and it worked fine, but using a Windows laptop with Parsec is a lot smoother.
You could try spacedesk with a USB cable for less lag and almost no delay.
@Barrett
Oh wait, I see you’re planning to travel. In that case, spacedesk probably won’t work for you.
Jamie said:
I’ve used mine for Remote Desktop and it worked fine, but using a Windows laptop with Parsec is a lot smoother.
You can also use Parsec with the Linux app on a Chromebook. It works just like on Windows.
Google Chrome Remote Desktop works really well for me.
Microsoft has a Windows Remote Desktop app for Chromebooks if you have Windows Pro. It’s basically the same as the built-in one on Windows.
I just got a Chromebook to test out for this. Microsoft Remote Desktop looked pretty bad. The colors weren’t right, and the text was a bit blurry.
I switched to Remote Desktop Manager by Devolutions. It’s responsive, colors are great, but it doesn’t work well in full screen since I can’t see my mouse.
I haven’t tried Chrome Remote Desktop yet.
It should work. You can also try Chrome Remote Desktop with your 2014 MacBook. You might not even need to buy a new device.
Chrome Remote Desktop is pretty easy to use. I run a server at home for media and files, and whenever I’m away, I use it to access my server remotely.
I’ve done it and also used TeamViewer. TeamViewer had issues with resizing windows, but I could still access everything.
One small issue is that Chromebooks have a different keyboard layout than Windows. You can set the ChromeOS keys to act like F1-F10, but it can be annoying to figure out where they are.
It works for short-term use, but a Windows laptop will be smoother for connecting to another Windows machine.
Here’s a link that might help: https://learn-microsoft-com.translate.goog/en-us/azure/lab-services/connect-virtual-machine-chromebook-remote-desktop?_x_tr_sl=en&_x_tr_tl=fr&_x_tr_hl=fr&_x_tr_pto=rq
I use my Chromebook with Remote Desktop to connect to my work laptop on the same network. You can get Skype for Business and Teams working, but it can cause glitches. I haven’t tried it outside my home network, but it should work.
I prefer using Remmina or KRDC instead of the Play Store app because it handles language settings better.
Maybe try it out with your friend’s Chromebook first to see if it works. I’ve only tried remoting into Chromebooks from Windows, and in those cases, you need someone on the Chromebook to accept the connection.
Chrome Remote Desktop is good, but it doesn’t have certain security features like locking the remote screen or keyboard and mouse, or turning off the remote screen when you disconnect.
It does require the app to be installed on both devices.
There are also paid options if you need more professional features.
Vesper said:
@True
Wait, paid version? Of Chrome Remote Desktop?
Sorry, I meant a paid version of Splashtop.
Vesper said:
@True
Wait, paid version? Of Chrome Remote Desktop?
Sorry, I meant a paid version of Splashtop.
Gotcha, thought I was getting away with something for free for a second! 
