Quick Assist is a built-in Windows tool that lets someone else control your computer remotely to help you fix a problem

Quick Assist comes with Windows 10 and Windows 11. It opens a secure connection between your computer and another person's computer so they can see your screen and take control of your mouse and keyboard — but only while you are watching and have given permission. You stay in control the whole time: you can stop the session instantly, and the other person cannot access your files or do anything after you disconnect.

The person helping you does not need to be technical. They just need to be someone you trust — a family member, a friend, or someone from tech support — and you both need to be online at the same time. Quick Assist is free and built into Windows, so there is nothing to download or pay for.

Key Takeaways

  • Quick Assist lets another person see and control your screen in real time, but only while you are present and watching.
  • You start the session and give the other person a code to enter; they cannot connect without that code.
  • The connection is encrypted, meaning the data between your computers is scrambled so no one else can see it.
  • You can end the session at any moment, and the other person loses access immediately.
  • Quick Assist works on Windows 10 and Windows 11, but not on Mac, Linux, or older versions of Windows.

How to start a Quick Assist session

Open the Start menu and type "Quick Assist" into the search box. Click the Quick Assist app when it appears. The app will open and show you two options: "Give assistance" and "Get assistance". Click "Get assistance" because you are the one who needs help.

Windows will ask you to sign in with your Microsoft account. If you do not have one, you can create one for free using any email address. After you sign in, Quick Assist will show you a nine-digit code on the screen. Read this code aloud to the person helping you, or text it to them — they will need to enter it into their copy of Quick Assist to connect to your computer.

Once they enter the code, a dialog box will appear on your screen asking if you want to allow them to view your screen. Click "Yes" to let them connect. They will now see exactly what is on your monitor, and you can watch them move your mouse and type on your keyboard as they work through the problem.

What the person helping you can and cannot do

When someone is connected to your computer through Quick Assist, they can see your screen and control your mouse and keyboard. This means they can open programs, click buttons, type text, and navigate through your files — but only the files and folders that are visible on your screen. They cannot access files you have not opened or folders you have not shown them.

Quick Assist does not give the helper access to your passwords, your email, or your personal data stored on the hard drive. They cannot install software, change your Windows settings, or do anything that would require administrator permission unless you give them that permission during the session. Once you disconnect, they lose access to your computer completely and cannot reconnect without a new code.

When Quick Assist might not work

Quick Assist requires both computers to have an internet connection and to be able to reach Microsoft's servers. If your internet is down or very slow, the connection may drop or lag. Some workplaces and schools block Quick Assist through their network firewall, so it may not work on a computer connected to a corporate or school network.

If the person helping you is using a Mac, an iPad, or a Linux computer, they cannot use Quick Assist to connect to your Windows machine. They would need to use a different remote access tool. Also, Quick Assist only works on Windows 10 version 1607 or later, and Windows 11 — if you have an older version of Windows, the app will not be available.

Security things to know before you use it

Quick Assist is secure for helping friends and family, but treat the nine-digit code like a temporary password. Do not share it in a public chat or email it to someone you do not know. If someone contacts you claiming to be from tech support and asks you to give them a Quick Assist code, hang up or close the message — legitimate tech support will not ask you to initiate the connection this way.

The connection between your computer and the helper's computer is encrypted, which means the data is scrambled in transit and cannot be read by someone listening on the network. However, Quick Assist does not hide what is on your screen from the helper — they see everything you see. If you have sensitive information visible (like a bank account number or password), close that window or tab before you start the session.

Ending the session and what happens after

To stop the session at any time, click the X button in the top right corner of the Quick Assist window, or press Alt+F4. The connection will close immediately and the other person will no longer be able to see or control your screen. You do not need to warn them or ask permission — you are always in control.

After the session ends, Quick Assist does not keep a record of what was done or what was seen. The helper cannot reconnect to your computer without a new code from you. If you want to have another session later, you will need to start Quick Assist again and generate a new code.

Alternatives if Quick Assist does not work for you

If Quick Assist is blocked on your network or the person helping you does not have Windows, other remote access tools are available. Microsoft's Remote Desktop is built into Windows Pro and Enterprise editions and works between Windows computers on the same network. TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and Chrome Remote Desktop are third-party tools that work across different operating systems, though they require installation and some have paid versions.

For simple problems, you might not need remote access at all. Many issues can be solved over the phone or video call by describing what you see and following step-by-step instructions. If the problem is with a specific website or app, taking a screenshot and sending it to the helper can give them enough information to guide you through a fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone use Quick Assist to spy on me or access my files without permission?

No. Quick Assist requires you to generate a code and click "Yes" to allow the connection. They cannot connect without both of those things, and they cannot see your screen or access your computer before you give permission. Once you disconnect, they have no access at all.

What if I lose the nine-digit code before the other person enters it?

Click "Share" in the Quick Assist window to generate a new code. The old code will stop working. You can share the new code by copying it to the clipboard, emailing it, or texting it to the helper.

Does Quick Assist work on a tablet or phone?

Quick Assist is only available on Windows computers. If you need remote help on an Android phone or tablet, you can use Google's built-in remote support feature or third-party apps like TeamViewer. iPhone and iPad users would need to use a third-party tool as well.

Can I use Quick Assist to help someone else with their computer?

Yes. Open Quick Assist and click "Give assistance" instead of "Get assistance". You will sign in with your Microsoft account, and then the other person will generate a code on their computer and give it to you. You enter their code to connect to their screen.

Is Quick Assist free?

Yes. Quick Assist is built into Windows 10 and Windows 11 at no cost. There are no subscription fees, hidden charges, or premium versions. You only need a free Microsoft account to use it.