How to Share Your Screen on Chrome
Screen sharing on Chrome works through Chrome Remote Desktop, a built-in feature that lets you view and control another computer from yours, or let someone else view your screen. You can share your entire screen, a single window, or just a browser tab. The person you're sharing with needs a Google account and access to the same Chrome Remote Desktop tool — they don't need to install anything extra if they're using Chrome.
The setup takes about five minutes the first time. After that, connecting is as fast as clicking a name on a list. Chrome Remote Desktop works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebooks, and Android devices, so you can share from almost any device to almost any other.
Key Takeaways
- Chrome Remote Desktop is free and built into Chrome; you access it by typing chrome://apps in your address bar and clicking the Remote Desktop icon.
- To share your screen, you start a sharing session, give the other person a six-digit code, and they enter it to view your screen in real time.
- You can share your whole screen, one window only, or a single browser tab, depending on what you need the other person to see.
- The person viewing your screen can only see what you allow — they cannot control your computer unless you give them permission to do so.
- If you want someone to control your computer remotely (not just watch), you must set up remote access in advance, which requires both people to have Chrome Remote Desktop installed.
Opening Chrome Remote Desktop for the First Time
Type chrome://apps in your Chrome address bar and press Enter. You'll see a grid of app icons. Look for the Chrome Remote Desktop icon — it looks like a monitor with an arrow. Click it.
The first time you open it, Chrome will ask for permission to access your camera and microphone. You can allow or deny this; it doesn't affect screen sharing itself. Click the button that matches what you want. The app will then load and show you two options: Share this computer and Access a computer. For sharing your screen, click Share this computer.
Starting a Screen Share Session
After you click Share this computer, Chrome will ask you to set a PIN. This PIN protects your computer if someone tries to access it remotely later — it's separate from the one-time code you'll use for this session. Create a PIN of at least six digits and write it down somewhere safe. You only set this once.
Once the PIN is set, you'll see a button that says Share or Start sharing. Click it. Chrome will generate a six-digit code that changes every time you start a new session. Share this code with the person who needs to see your screen — you can read it aloud, text it, email it, or copy and paste it. The code is only good for this session and expires when you stop sharing.
The other person opens Chrome Remote Desktop on their device, clicks Access a computer, enters your six-digit code, and clicks Connect. Their screen will show your desktop in real time. You'll see a notification that someone is viewing your screen and can stop the session at any time by clicking Stop sharing.
Choosing What to Share: Full Screen, Window, or Tab
When you start a sharing session, Chrome asks what you want to share. Your options are Entire screen, Window, or Chrome tab. Choose based on what the other person needs to see.
Entire screen shows everything on your monitor — your desktop, all open windows, and all notifications. Use this if you need to show someone how to navigate your computer or if you're troubleshooting a problem that could be anywhere. Window shows only one open program — for example, just your email or just a spreadsheet. The other person can see that window move around your screen, but they cannot see your desktop or other windows behind it. Chrome tab shows only the current browser tab you're viewing. This is the most private option if you're sharing something from the web but don't want the other person to see your other tabs, desktop, or files.
You can switch what you're sharing during a session. Click the Share button again and select a different option. The change takes effect when ready on the other person's screen.
Letting Someone Control Your Computer Remotely
Screen sharing (where someone only watches) is different from remote access (where someone controls your computer). If you want to let someone take control — move your mouse, type, click buttons — you must set up remote access beforehand. This requires both people to have Chrome Remote Desktop installed and a PIN already created on your computer.
To set up remote access, open Chrome Remote Desktop, click Share this computer, and make sure your PIN is set. Then give the other person your computer name (shown on the same screen) and your PIN. They open Chrome Remote Desktop on their device, click Access a computer, enter your computer name, and then enter your PIN. Once they're connected, they can control your mouse, keyboard, and screen.
Remote access is more powerful than screen sharing but also more risky — the other person can see and change anything on your computer. Only set it up with people you trust completely. You can revoke remote access at any time by changing your PIN.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
If the other person enters your code but the connection fails, the code may have expired. Codes are only good for a few minutes. Start a new sharing session and generate a fresh code. If the problem continues, both of you should close Chrome Remote Desktop completely and open it again.
If you don't see the Chrome Remote Desktop icon in your apps, you may need to install it. Go to the Chrome Web Store, search for "Chrome Remote Desktop," and click Add to Chrome. If you're on a Chromebook, the app is already built in — just open the app drawer and search for it.
If the other person can see your screen but it's very slow or choppy, the problem is usually your internet connection. Close other programs that use bandwidth (streaming, downloads, video calls) and try again. If you're on Wi-Fi, moving closer to your router may help.
Privacy and Security When Screen Sharing
When you share your screen, the other person sees exactly what's on your monitor — including passwords you type, private messages, files on your desktop, and anything else visible. Before you start sharing, close any windows or tabs you don't want them to see. If you're sharing a single window or tab instead of your entire screen, they cannot see anything outside that window or tab.
The six-digit code you generate for each session is temporary and random. It expires when you stop sharing or after a set time if nobody connects. Someone cannot use an old code to access your computer later. Your PIN, by contrast, stays the same and is only needed if you set up remote access in advance.
Chrome Remote Desktop connections are encrypted, meaning the data traveling between your computer and the other person's is scrambled and private. Google cannot see what's on your screen during a session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my screen if the other person doesn't have Chrome?
They need Chrome or Chromium to view your screen through Chrome Remote Desktop. If they're using Safari, Firefox, or Edge, they cannot connect. However, they can use the Chrome Remote Desktop app on Android or iOS if they have a mobile device.
What happens if I close my laptop while someone is viewing my screen?
The session ends when ready. The other person's view goes blank and they're disconnected. Your computer goes to sleep or shuts down as normal. When you open your laptop again, you'll need to start a new sharing session and generate a new code.
Can someone see my screen if I'm not actively sharing?
No. Chrome Remote Desktop only works when you deliberately start a sharing session or set up remote access in advance. straightforward having the app installed does not let anyone see your screen. You must generate a code or give them your PIN and computer name.
Is screen sharing the same as Chromecast?
No. Chromecast sends video and audio to a TV or speaker. Chrome Remote Desktop shares your entire computer screen so someone else can see and control it from another device. They serve different purposes.
Can I share my screen with multiple people at once?
Chrome Remote Desktop only supports one person at a time. If you need multiple people to see your screen simultaneously, you would need to use a different tool like Google Meet, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams.