How to Set Up Chrome Remote Desktop via SSH (headless)

Introduction

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to set up Chrome Remote Desktop via SSH on a Windows or Debian computer. This method allows you to access the remote desktop GUI without needing to install Google Chrome on the remote machine. We'll walk through the steps to configure this setup effectively.

Step 1: Prepare Your Remote Computer

1. Download the Chrome Remote Desktop MSI file:

   • Go to remotedesktop.google.com.
   • Choose the appropriate MSI file for Windows or Debian.

2. Establish an SSH Connection:

   • Open a terminal window on your local machine.
   • Use the IP address of your remote computer to initiate an SSH session:

     ssh your_username@remote_ip_address
     

   • Replace your_username with your username and remote_ip_address with the actual IP address (e.g., 100.17.131.183).
   • Enter your password when prompted.

Step 2: Download the MSI File

1. Use Curl to Download:

   • Once logged into the remote machine, navigate to the desktop:

     cd Desktop
     

   • Use the curl command to download the MSI file:

     curl -O link_to_the_msi_file
     

   • Replace link_to_the_msi_file with the actual URL of the MSI file.

2. Check Download Completion:

   • Ensure the file appears on your remote machine's desktop.

Step 3: Execute the MSI File

1. Run the Installer:

   • If you prefer SSH, you can execute the installer from the command line. Otherwise, double-click the MSI file on the remote desktop to run it.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions until installation is completed.

2. Authorize the Setup:

   • After installation, click on the authorize button as prompted.

Step 4: Prepare the Command for Remote Access

1. Copy the Command:

   • You will be provided with a command to execute on the remote computer. Copy this command.

2. Create a Text File for the Command:

   • On your local machine, create a new text file named command.txt and paste the command into it.

3. Transfer the Command Using SCP:

   • Use the scp command to copy the text file to the remote machine:

     scp command.txt your_username@remote_ip_address:~/Desktop
     

   • Enter your password if prompted.

4. Execute the Command on the Remote Machine:

   • Log back into the remote machine via SSH if necessary.
   • Navigate to the desktop and execute the command from the command line.
   • Enter a PIN of at least six digits when prompted.

Step 5: Access Your Remote Desktop

1. Check Remote Access:

   • Go back to your host computer and refresh the remote access page on Chrome Remote Desktop.
   • You should see the newly configured remote desktop listed.

2. Connect to the Remote Desktop:

   • Click on the remote desktop entry and enter the PIN you set up earlier to gain access.

Conclusion

You've now successfully set up Chrome Remote Desktop via SSH, enabling you to access a remote desktop without requiring Google Chrome on that machine. This setup is useful for managing remote servers or desktops efficiently. For further exploration, consider familiarizing yourself with SSH commands and security practices. If you encounter any issues, revisiting each step or consulting additional resources may help. Happy remote accessing!