Fixing Audio Issues in Chrome Remote Desktop: Solutions for No Sound

Though Chrome Remote Desktop provides an easy setup and allows for smooth remote device access, users often encounter audio-related issues that can disrupt their workflows. These sound problems are not uncommon whether you’re connecting Windows to macOS, Windows to Chromebook, or linking a PC with Android/iOS devices!

Issues with audio output in Chrome Remote Desktop typically arise from various factors such as wrongly configured permissions, inappropriate default audio settings, essential services not being active, or complications with the installation of Chrome Remote Desktop Host.

Before diving into detailed troubleshooting methods, try restarting the host machine, ensuring the volume is up on the host device, and unplugging any connected speakers. For many users, these straightforward steps may resolve the issue!

How can I enable audio on Chrome Remote Desktop?

1. Allow audio for remotedesktop.google.com in Chrome

1. Launch Google Chrome, click on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner, and select Settings.
2. Navigate to the Privacy and security section, then click on Site settings.
   

   

3. Click on View permissions and data stored across sites.
4. Expand the options for google.com and choose remotedesktop.google.com from the list.
   

   

5. Lastly, select Allow from the dropdown next to Sound.
   

   

In a majority of cases, enabling sound for Chrome Remote Desktop within the Chrome browser resolved audio issues for users!

2. Adjust the default audio format

1. Press Windows + S to launch the search bar, type Control Panel, and select the correct option.
2. Click on Hardware and Sound.
   

   

3. Select Sound.
4. In the Playback tab, right-click on your active speakers, then choose Properties.
   

   

5. Navigate to the Advanced tab and select either 16 bit, 44100 Hz or 24 bit, 44100 Hz from the Default format dropdown menu.
   

   

6. Click Apply and then OK to confirm the changes; afterward, restart your device to see if it helps.

User feedback indicates that audio might not work well with higher frequencies on Chrome Remote Desktop. Thus, selecting a lower frequency can enhance your audio experience!

3. Remove and re-add the host device in Chrome Remote Desktop

1. Visit the Chrome Remote Desktop web interface and click the Delete icon next to the problematic host device.
   

   

2. Confirm your action by clicking Yes in the prompt.
3. After deletion, select Turn on.
   

   

4. Provide a name for your computer and set a pin as required.
5. Finally, connect remotely to check if sound issues persist.

4. Activate the Chrome Remote Desktop Service

1. Press Windows + S to open the search function, type Services, and select the corresponding option.
2. Scroll down, right-click on Chrome Remote Desktop Service, and access Properties.
   

   

3. Set the Startup type to Automatic, and if the service isn’t running, click on Start under Service status.
   

   

4. Apply the changes and click OK, then restart your computer.

The Chrome Remote Desktop Service is essential for creating a connection and enabling audio transfer between devices, so it’s recommended to set it to automatic startup for smoother operation!

5. Reinstall the Chrome Remote Desktop Host on the affected device

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, enter appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
2. Locate Chrome Remote Desktop Host in the list, select it, and click Uninstall.
   

   

3. Follow the prompts to finish the uninstallation process, then restart your PC.
4. Next, return to the Chrome Remote Desktop web interface and click Install as prompted.
   

   

5. After reinstallation, reboot your PC again to ensure all changes take effect.

If other methods fail, reinstalling the Chrome Remote Desktop Host may be required. If a regular uninstall does not work, consider using a reliable software uninstaller to remove any residual files and Registry entries that could interfere with the new installation!

Even though audio issues with Chrome Remote Desktop on both Windows and macOS devices are common, resolution steps are straightforward. Should the situation persist, reaching out to Google’s official support for further assistance is advisable.

For any questions or to share your successful fixes, feel free to leave a comment below.

Author: Egor Kostenko

My goal is to make complex technical topics simple and accessible. On this site, I gather unique and useful content that not only solves users’ problems but also helps them better understand the capabilities of Windows.