Microsoft Quick Assist

Microsoft Quick Assist: remote assistance without downloads and nerves

If you’ve ever tried to explain to your parents on the phone where to click – you know the ordeal.
That’s where Microsoft Quick Assist comes in – an easy way to give remote desktop help without the headache.

What is Microsoft Quick Assist?

Quick Assist is a free tool from Microsoft for remote support.
It is built into Windows 10 and 11 and requires no purchase, complex customizations, or third-party software.

The idea is simple: one person gives help, the other person receives it. Through a secure connection.
The screen is visible at once, the mouse and keyboard can be “rented” – and everything can be set up as needed.

That’s how it works

1. Open the Quick Assist app (type “quick assist” in Windows search).
2. Click Give assistance.
3. Log in to your Microsoft account.
4. Get a one-time code.
5. Another person (the beneficiary) enters this code.
6. Confirms access – and that’s it, you control his/her screen.

What can we do?

• Configure the printer.
• Update your browser.
• Check the antivirus.
• Uninstall a strange program.
• Just show you where to click.

Essentially, it’s a quick and safe form of remote desktop help, but without much effort.

Do I need to download anything?

In most cases, no. Quick Assist is already in the system.
But if it is suddenly missing, it can be downloaded on our website by clicking the big DOWNLOAD button. To find us next time, just type in “Quick Assist download” or follow the direct link through your browser.

Important: it’s now a separate app, not just a built-in feature.

How is it different from the others?

When compared to TeamViewer, AnyDesk or Windows Remote Desktop, Quick Assist has pros:

1. It’s pre-installed (almost always).
2. Free – no paid licenses.
3. Easy to use – you only need a Microsoft account with your assistant.
4. Safe: new code every time, access can be revoked at any time.

But there are cons, too

That’s not to say everything is perfect. Quick Assist has its weaknesses:

• Sometimes fails to start or disappears from menus.
• Can be greyed out – especially in organizations with restrictions.
• Requires a Microsoft account (from someone who helps).
• Does not work on Mac or Linux.
• No advanced features: file transfer, session recording, chats, etc.

So if you need a more powerful tool, the Quick Assist may not work for you. But for household tasks, it’s perfect.

Is Quick Assist not working? Here’s what you can try

• Make sure the app is installed. If not – Quick Assist download is available in the Store.
• Try running it manually: quickassist.exe via Start or command line.
• Check your Group Policy settings – organizations sometimes disable Quick Assist.
• Try logging in as a different user.
• Reboot the system.

If nothing works, you might consider alternatives like AnyDesk or Chrome Remote Desktop.

Bottom line

Quick Assist is a simple solution for quick help.
You’re not an IT professional? No matter. If you need to help someone – especially with Windows – it works.

Yes, it has limitations. It will not replace professional remote desktop software.
But if you just want to help someone, you don’t have to explain anything in words. Just go in and do it yourself.

See the thing is, you already have a tool in your system that can really save a lot of time.
So if you haven’t tried it yet, give it a try.