How to use Quick Assist

In this guide, I will explain what Windows Quick Assist is. I will show you where you can find it and provide instructions on how to use it. Including how you can control another computer, it’s history, functions and some possible replacements you may consider.

What is Quick Assist?

Microsoft’s Quick Assist is a free utility included in Microsoft Windows 10 that can be used to view or control another user’s computer. This is referred to as remote assistance and can be used either on a network or over the internet.

Where is the Quick Assist tool?

1. Press the Windows key to activate the text box on the taskbar.
2. Type Quick Assist into the text box on the taskbar
3. Press Enter or select Quick Assist from the list as shown below.
4. 
5. The Quick Assist tool will open as shown below.
6. 

How does the Quick Assist tool work?

You will see in the image above that there are two options.

• Get Assistance
• Give Assistance

These options are as simple as they sound. If you are the person giving assistance then you will need to generate a code and send it to the person receiving assistance who will then enter the code.

How to use Quick Assist to help someone else?

1. Press the Windows key to activate the text box on the taskbar.
2. Type Quick Assist into the text box on the taskbar
3. Press Enter or select Quick Assist from the list as shown below.
4. 
5. The tool will open. Under Give assistance press the Assist another person button
6. 
7. Enter your Microsoft email address, phone number or Skype and click Next
8. 
9. Enter your password and click the Sign in button.
10. 
11. A security code will be generated along with a timer and options to share.
12. 
13. You may choose any method to give the receiver the code. An option to send the code via email is provided, this method also sends the receiver instructions on how to open Microsoft Quick Assist.
14. Once the receiver has entered the code you will be asked to Take full control or View screen. Select Take full control
15. 
16. You will connect and see the other person’s desktop.
17. 

How to receive help using the Quick Assist tool?

1. Press the Windows key to activate the text box on the taskbar.
2. Type Quick Assist into the text box on the taskbar
3. Press Enter or select Quick Assist from the list as shown below.
4. 
5. The tool will open.
6. Under the Get assistance section,  enter the code you have provided in the Code from assistant, box.
7. 
8. Click the Share screen, button and wait for it to connect
9. Click the Allow button to give access to your computer.
10. 

Important additional information about the Quick Assist tool

• The person giving assistance will need to have a Microsoft Account.
• This tool only works on Windows 10 computers.
• It is important that you NEVER give access to your computer to someone that you do not trust.

Why should you not give access to someone you do not trust?

This is very important, sadly the internet is full of people who will try to scam you, steal from you, or just cause you harm. NEVER give access to someone who you would not allow to sit in your home at your computer.

Even if they claim to be genuine, they could install viruses, delete or corrupt your important files and potentially give themselves future access to your computer.

Remember that Microsoft, Dell, Windows, your internet provider etc. will never contact you to tell you there is a problem with your computer or ask for remote assistance.

Functions of Quick Assist

• Take control of the remote computer to fix a problem or solve an issue.
• Use Quick Assist to teach the remote computer user how to do something.
• Provide help fast as you are able to do everything that you would be able to do whilst physically there.
• Remotely restart the computer and maintain the connection.
• Both parties can see the computer at the same time, so they can see what you do and follow along.

Shortcuts within the Quick Assist tool

Is Quick Assist free?

Yes, completely free.

I don’t have the Windows Quick Assist tool?

If you do not have the Windows Quick Assist tool it may be because your copy of Windows 10 is not up to date. To check press the Windows Key and type Check for updates or look at our guide to Windows updates here.

Alternatively, it might be because you are using a different version of Microsoft Windows. For XP, Vista, Windows 7 and 8 try searching for ‘Windows Remote Assistance’ instead.

History

Older versions of Microsoft Windows such as XP, Vista, Windows 7 and 8 have included remote desktop sharing options such as Remote Assistance and Remote Desktop Connection (RDP). Quick Assist became part of Windows 10 after the Anniversary Update was released and replaced them.

Please note that the shortcuts for Remote Assistance and Remote Desktop Connection have been removed but the programs remain available.

Is Quick Assist Cloud-based?

Yes, unlike previous versions such as Remote Assistance, that uses (RDP) from computer to computer. Quick Assist is a cloud-based connect with both the assisted and the assistant connecting via the cloud.

Are there alternatives to Quick Assist?

Yes, there are lots of alternatives to control another users computer. Such as TeamViewer, Anydesk and TightVNC.

I really hope you found my guide useful

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