Troubleshooting and FAQ
Questions
Does CrossShell work over the internet?
It is made for one local network. For machines in different places, put both on a VPN such as Tailscale or WireGuard and use Pair by address.
Do I need to type passwords or copy keys?
No. Pairing swaps the keys. The only prompt is the administrator prompt when CrossShell sets up the SSH server.
Does remote desktop work on Windows Home?
Yes. CrossShell uses its own screen-sharing engine through SSH, so it does not need the Windows RDP server.
Does it open extra ports for remote desktop?
No. Remote desktop travels inside the SSH connection.
What does the 6-digit code protect against?
Someone on the network pretending to be the other machine. If such a person were in the middle, the two screens would show different codes.
Problems
The other machine does not appear under Nearby
Open CrossShell on both machines, check This machine on each, and allow the firewall rule. If the machines are on different subnets or a VPN, use Pair by address. See Pair two machines.
"Other machines can't sign in to this one yet"
The SSH server is not running on this machine. Select Set up in the banner and follow the beginner guide.
Windows blocks the app or the screen-sharing agent
The builds are not code-signed yet. SmartScreen warns on first launch, and Smart App Control may block cross_shell.exe or crossshell-host.exe.
The remote screen shows a notice instead of the desktop
On Windows, UAC prompts, the lock screen and the sign-in screen cannot be captured. The picture returns when they go away.
Accented letters or an input method do not work in the terminal
The built-in terminal reads keys directly. Use More › Open in system terminal.
A typed character appeared twice
This was fixed in 0.1.1. Update to the latest release.
The connection was lost
Select Reconnect in the session window. If it keeps failing, use More › Check connection on the machine card.
Get help
Report a problem on the CrossShell issues page.