Remote Assist Securely for Free
Remotely Assist Securely and for Free!
Many of us are suddenly supporting a large number of remote computer users, whether they be employees, customers, or friends and family. There are a number of commercial choices out there like Teams and Zoom, but a hidden gem is included with every copy of Windows 10. It’s called “Quick Assist”.
Quick Assist isn’t a conferencing system or a sophisticated “teams” app, but if you need to provide remote assistance to someone over the phone and have access to their computer, then it can help you in a pinch. It behaves well with multiple monitor setups and does well with firewalls.
Here’s a quick walk thru.
To get started launch Quick Assist (QA) by typing it in the Windows Search area:
When you launch QA you are prompted to enter a code or give assistance. Click “Assist another person” to begin a session.
A security code is given that you can then give the user over the phone or send it via email within the app.
At that time you can instruct the remote user to launch QA and enter the code that you were given.
You’ll briefly be waiting for the connection. During which time the remote user will be asked to grant you access.
You can then choose to “Take Control” or “View” the remote user’s screen.
From here it works like many remote control applications. You will continue to have voice contact over the phone while you’re in the session.
The Toolbar are several controls:
- Select Remote Monitor (for use with multi-monitor setups)
- Annotate (draw)
- Full Screen
- Chat
- Reset Remote System
- Launch Task Manager on Remote System
- Pause Screen Sharing
- Stop Screen Sharing
Annotation Example:
Chat Example:
Ending the Session:
