⚠️ Important: Read Before You Begin
Chrome Remote Desktop gives the participant full mouse and keyboard control of your entire computer — not just a single application or browser tab. Before using this feature, please understand the following:
The participant can see and interact with everything on your screen, including files, notifications, open tabs, and applications.
You retain full control at all times. You can move the mouse, use the keyboard, and stop the session whenever you need to.
Do not leave your computer unattended while a participant has remote access. Always remain present and actively monitor the session.
Close all unnecessary applications, files, browser tabs, and notifications before starting the session. This protects your privacy and prevents the participant from accidentally accessing sensitive information.
Disable desktop notifications (e.g. email, Slack, calendar) to avoid exposing personal or confidential content during the session.
Overview
Askable moderated sessions are web-based and built for simple, secure research, and do not use third-party conferencing solutions that enable sharing mouse control. While it's always best for participants to interact with experiences on their own screen, there are situations where you may need to share your desktop for the participant to use, such as:
A test environment is behind a firewall
Other security restrictions on the moderator or participant's network
In these cases, we recommend Chrome Remote Desktop to share mouse control during moderated sessions.
Before You Set Up Remote Desktop
Before sharing mouse control via Chrome Remote Desktop, consider these simpler workarounds first:
Create temporary credentials for the environment and share them directly with your participant.
Password-protect your prototype and change the password after your session is over.
If neither of these options works for your situation, follow the steps below to set up Chrome Remote Desktop.
Setting Up Chrome Remote Desktop
Both you (the moderator) and the participant will need to install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension before the session.
Installation Steps
In the Chrome browser, go to remotedesktop.google.com/support.
Click the download arrow in the "Share this screen" box.
The Chrome Web Store window will open. Click the Add to Chrome button.
In the "Add Chrome Remote Desktop" pop-up, select Add extension.
Close the Chrome Web Store window.
Click the Accept & Install button in the "Ready to Install" box.
In the "Open download" pop-up, select Yes.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
You are now ready to use Chrome Remote Desktop.
During the Session
When you're in a moderated session with a participant, complete these steps within 5 minutes (the access code expires after 5 minutes):
Moderator Steps (Sharing Your Screen)
On your computer, go to remotedesktop.google.com/support.
In the "Share this screen" box, click + Generate Code.
Copy the generated code.
Paste the code in the Askable session chat and send it to the participant.
Participant Steps (Connecting to Your Screen)
In the "Connect to another computer" box, paste the code in the Access Code field.
Click Connect.
The participant will now share your entire screen and have mouse and keyboard control.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, reach out to the Askable support team.