While it will only connect to Windows machines (and even then, only “Professional” versions of Windows or better), it’s available on Android, iOS, and other platforms. Long-time Windows users will be familiar with Microsoft’s first-party remote desktop solution. Google Play iOS App Store Microsoft Remote Desktop Installing the extension into your desktop’s Chrome browser also lets you access it from other laptop or desktop operating systems. Google’s interface makes it easy to connect to your computers, even on mobile networks. Once you install this Chrome extension on your computer (Windows or OS X), you’ll have easy access to it from the corresponding official app on Android or the iPhone.ĭespite “Chrome” in the name, the app can, in fact, access anything on your computer as if you were sitting in front of it - file browsers, administrator tools, whatever you want. If you’re a regular user of Google’s Chrome browser on your desktop, this is probably the best bet for remote controlling your PC. Here are five of the best options on Android, iOS, and Windows Phone. Most remote desktop clients offer control over the Internet as well. For all of them, you’ll need an active connection on the local network (preferably Wi-Fi, but you can connect your computer to the router via Ethernet). This option is generally more powerful, but it’s also a bit more complicated and is preferred by more advanced users.Ī standard “mouse and keyboard” app doesn’t transmit video or sound and works more or less like a TV remote control for your computer. You can use a full remote desktop client, which will transmit images from your monitor (and sometimes even speaker sound) to your phone or tablet. There are two general ways to achieve remote control.

Using laptop as a phone