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This wikiHow will teach how to use the Remote Desktop app in Windows 8 to connect to other Windows computers.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using Windows Remote Desktop

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  1. While you can start a remote connection from any Windows 8 computer, you can only connect to computers running specific versions of Windows.
    • Be aware that this will only work on local networks. It will not work over the internet. If you need to connect to your computer over the internet, you can use Chrome Remote Desktop instead .
  2. Typing while on the Start screen will automatically start searching.
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  3. You'll see the name of your Windows version written out underneath the Microsoft copyright information. Only the following versions of Windows 8 can be connected to:
    • Windows 8.1 Pro
    • Windows 8.1 Enterprise
    • Windows 8 Enterprise
    • Windows 8 Pro
  4. If you've determined that the computer will support a remote connection, you'll need to enabled incoming connections for it.
  5. Click the "Allow connections from computers running any version of Remote Desktop" option.
  6. For example, if you want to be able to remotely access this computer yourself, enter your Windows username.
  7. The user you've specified will now be able to connect remotely to the computer.
  8. You'll need the full computer name to connect to it remotely:
    • Click the Start button.
    • Type system and press Enter .
    • Find the computer name in the "Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings" section.
  9. If you don't have this app, you can download it for free from the Windows Store.
    • To quickly open the Remote Desktop app (if it's installed), click the Windows button, type remote desktop , and press Enter .
  10. Make sure to enter in the complete full name you found earlier.
  11. Once you're connected, you'll see the remote computer's desktop in the Remote Desktop window. You can control the remote computer just like your own local computer.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using Chrome Remote Desktop

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  1. If you can't use the Windows Remote Desktop app because of incompatible versions, you can use Chrome Remote Desktop instead. This requires Google Chrome be installed on both computers.
    • You can install Chrome from google.com/chrome . Click the Download button and follow the prompts to install it.
  2. You'll find it on your desktop after installing it.
  3. Go to chrome.google.com/webstore in your Chrome browser.
  4. You'll see this result in the Apps section of the search results.
  5. This will display your Chrome apps.
  6. This PIN will be used to connect to the computer.
  7. This will install the remote service.
  8. You'll need to be signed in with a Google account in order to enable remote access.
  9. Remote access is now enabled for that computer.
  10. You'll need Chrome on the client computer as well as the host computer.
  11. Go to the web store in Chrome and install the app as detailed earlier in this section.
  12. This display the list of apps you have installed.
  13. You'll see this in the My Computers section.
  14. You'll see the computer that you set Chrome Remote Desktop up on earlier.
  15. You'll have full control over the remote computer inside your Chrome browser window.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can multiple users have access to the remote desktop extension on a single machine, based on which account is signed into Chrome on that machine?
    Community Answer
    Yes, this is possible.
  • Question
    How do I know my IP?
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      Tips

      • You can use Chrome Remote Desktop to access computers using different operating systems. For example, you could set it up on your Mac and Windows computers, and access your Mac from your Windows computer, and vice versa.
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