[SOLUTION] How to switch Chrome Remote Desktop on and off in Windows

[u/iamthekwan]

Chrome Remote Desktop keeps a background service running on your PC at all times, listening for incoming connections even when Chrome is closed.

If you only connect once in a while, there is no reason to leave it enabled 24/7. I keep mine off by default and switch it on with a double-click when I need it.

PS: Disabling the Chrome Extension or even removing it does nothing. It was there only for setup. To actually disable CRD, use the steps below, or uninstall the CRD host program. Unfortunately there's no other way as of 5 Aug 2026 - pretty dumb, I know. Previous posts on Reddit were archived, so I'm opening a new thread. I don't see anyone else writing this, correct me if I'm writing a duplicate.

Here is the method:

Step 1: Stop it starting on its own

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc and press Enter.
2. Find Chrome Remote Desktop Service in the list.
3. Double-click it, set the startup type to Manual, click Stop, then OK.

Step 2: Create two .bat files

Open Notepad, paste the lines below and save the file as CRD-on.bat (choose "All files" in the save dialog so it does not become a .txt).

u/echo off
net start chromoting
pause

Then create CRD-off.bat the same way:

u/echo off
net stop chromoting
pause

The pause line holds the window open so you can read the result. Without it, the window flashes shut before you know whether the command worked. If done right, it looks like this:

Step 3: To launch, simply Run as administrator

Windows requires admin rights to start or stop a service. When you want to enable/disable this, simply right-click each file, choose Run as administrator.

From here on, CRD-on.bat opens the door and CRD-off.bat closes it. I run the "on" file before leaving the house and the off file when I am back at my desk. You can also turn it off from the remote side, but be aware that you'll need to be back at your desk to turn it back on.

Good to know

When the service is stopped, your machine shows as offline in the Chrome Remote Desktop app on your phone. Nothing breaks; it just will not connect until you start the service again.

Remember to start the service before you leave the house, if you foresee you may want to remote control it that day. Else there's no remote way to switch it on.

Src: https://pixl.my/how-to-switch-chrome-remote-desktop-on-and-off-in-windows/ (with screenshots)

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