Are you experiencing issues with remote desktop sharing after updating your Chrome browser? You're likely encountering the impact of Google's decision to remove NPAPI (Netscape Plugin API) support from Chrome version 42 onwards. This change can affect applications like Desktop Central's Remote Control feature, which rely on this technology.
This article provides a detailed explanation of NPAPI, why it was removed, and how you can temporarily re-enable it in Chrome to ensure smooth remote desktop sharing.
NPAPI was a long-standing technology that allowed browsers to run plugins for various functionalities, from multimedia playback (like Flash) to remote access tools. However, NPAPI's aging architecture presented several security vulnerabilities and performance issues. Modern web standards offer safer and more efficient alternatives, prompting Google and other browser developers to phase out NPAPI support.
Many remote desktop applications, including older versions of Desktop Central, depended on NPAPI plugins to establish connections and control remote machines. With NPAPI disabled by default in newer Chrome versions, users may encounter difficulties initiating or maintaining remote desktop sessions.
Important Note: Keep in mind that re-enabling NPAPI is a temporary workaround. Google eventually removed the functionality entirely from Chrome. This solution is for users who are unable to upgrade their remote desktop software immediately. We strongly recommend upgrading to a solution that doesn't rely on NPAPI as soon as possible.
Here's how to re-enable NPAPI:
Open Chrome and Type chrome://flags/#enable-npapi in the Address Bar: This will take you directly to the NPAPI settings page.
Enable NPAPI: Find the "Enable NPAPI" option and click "Enable."
Restart Chrome: At the bottom of the page, you'll see a prompt to relaunch Chrome. Click "Relaunch Now" to apply the changes.
After restarting Chrome, try using your remote desktop application again. The NPAPI plugin should now be enabled, allowing you to connect to remote machines.
While re-enabling NPAPI can provide a temporary fix, it's crucial to implement a long-term solution:
It's critical to understand that NPAPI's vulnerabilities were a primary reason for its removal. Re-enabling it can expose your system to potential security risks. Therefore, only re-enable NPAPI if absolutely necessary and take the following precautions:
While the removal of NPAPI from Chrome presented challenges for users relying on remote desktop applications, understanding the reasons behind the change and implementing appropriate solutions can mitigate the impact. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can temporarily re-enable NPAPI, but prioritizing a software upgrade or transitioning to a modern remote access solution is the best long-term strategy for seamless and secure remote desktop sharing.
This article offers a temporary solution to continue using legacy software while you transition to more secure options. For example, you might explore alternatives like TeamViewer, or a similar remote access program. Always prioritize your system's security!
