On Windows 10, you can use many tools to troubleshoot and fix problems, and for those times when you need additional assistance, you can also use the Quick Assist app to get help remotely from another person.
Quick Assist is a new app that replaces the legacy “Windows Remote Assistance” functionality. It’s technically a remote desktop app, but it’s designed to be easier to use, and it’s more secure.
Unlike the Remote Desktop app, you’re not required to enable “Remote Desktop” or “Remote Assistance” through the System Properties, or open a firewall port. However, it requires two people (one on each end) to share a computer screen over a remote connection. It’s designed this way because the app is meant for one person to help another to solve problems on a remote computer.
In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to get started using the Quick Assist app to resolve a problem on Windows 10 or when you need assistance figuring out a piece of software.
Get remote assistance using Quick Assist
To get remote assistance on Windows 10, the person offering help must initiate the process, and the person getting help must allow the connection. Here are these steps:
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On the PC offering help, open Start on Windows 10.
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Search for Quick Assist and click the top result to open the app.
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Click the Assist another person button.
Quick Assist, Assist another person -
Sign-in with your Microsoft account.
Quick Assist Microsoft account -
Send the security code to the other person you’re trying to help.
Quick Assist security code Quick note: You can deliver the code any way you like, including by phone or text. Or you can also click the Send email button to deliver the code via an email address. (Keep in mind that the code must be used within 10 minutes, otherwise it’ll expire.) -
On the PC receiving the help, open the Quick Assist app.
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Under the “Get assistance” section, type the security code.
Remote assistance confirmation code -
Click the Share screen button.
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On the PC offering help, select the Take full control option.
Remote assistance full control -
Click the Continue button.
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On the PC receiving the help, click the Allow button.
Remote assistance with full control
Once connection is established, you’ll be able to see the screen of the remote computer with access to the mouse and keyboard.
Quick Assist app controls
The Quick Assist app on Windows 10 is very straightforward and simple to use.
While the remote computer only gets a simple set of controls to stop screen sharing and terminate the connection, the person giving the assistance (Administrator) get access to some nifty features, including the ability to select the monitor, annotate, see the actual size of the screen, restart the remote session, and even open Task Manager.
And you also get the reconnect, pause, and end button to terminate the connection.
Overall, Quick Assist is very easy to set up and use. One of the best features is that you don’t need to configure any settings in advance, and it works perfectly on PCs using a firewall.
Update July 9, 2020: This guide was originally published in August 2016, and it’s been updated to reflect the new changes.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].