Windows Remote Assistance | What is It and How to Use

In today's day and age, knowing how to get remote help is extremely convenient. Whenever you run into an issue, you can always depend on a tech expert to connect to your computer and find the right solution. Windows Remote Assistance is a tool specifically designed for this purpose.

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about using Microsoft Remote Assistance.

Part 1. What is Windows Remote Assistance?

Windows Remote Assistance is an app available in Windows XP and later. The purpose of this feature is to allow users to get help or assist other users remotely. This practically means that by using the Remote Assistance Windows 10 app, you can connect remotely to another computer in order to resolve all possible issues.

When you are using Remote Assistance, your helper takes control of your device until they can complete the task you have requested. However, a helper can only access your device only if you have sent them an invitation. Therefore, there is no reason to worry about your computer’s security since you control who gets the invitation.

Part 2. How does Windows Remote Assistance Work?

The Remote Assistance Windows 10 app is rather simple and intuitive. As we have already explained it works via invitation, which the user seeking help needs to generate. The assistant receives the invitation and takes control of the computer for a while. It is useful to mention here that before using this feature, you need to make sure that you have enabled Remote Assistance connections to this computer. To do that:

Step 1. Go to Settings > System > About and click Advanced System Settings.
Step 2. From there go to the Remote tab and check the box next to the Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer option.

Step 3. Click Advanced to set more Remote Assistance settings, such as the maximum amount of time that your invitations remain active. Then click OK.

The great thing about Windows Remote Assistance is that it is compatible with all Windows versions. Therefore, you don’t face any limitations that might prevent you from using it.

Part 3. How to use Windows Remote Assistance?

With Windows Remote Assistance you have the option to both request and offer help. In this section, we will explain the process for both actions so that you learn how to use the app in all possible cases.

To get help with Remote Assistance, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1. Type remote assistance in the search bar and click the Invite someone to connect to your PC and help you, or offer to help someone else setting option that appears.

Step 2. On the new window, select Invite someone you trust to help you from the two options.

Step 3. Then, you will see three options to share the invitation. You can save the invitation as a file, send it as an email, or use Easy Connect. If you’ve previously used Easy Connect, then you must simply select your helper’s name. If you choose to save the invitation, you must save the file named “Invitation.msrcIncident” and then share it with your helper.

Step 4. Once you do that, you will receive a password. Give that to your helper to establish the connection.
Step 5. When your assistant clicks on the invitation you have sent them and types the password, you will be asked to allow the connection. Click Yes to continue.
Step 6. If your helper requests full control of your computer, click Yes to grant it.
Step 7. Once you have completed the session, click Stop Sharing.

These steps are for giving help to someone with Microsoft Remote Assistance:

Step 1. Find the Invite someone to connect to your PC and help you, or offer to help someone else setting option by searching in the search bar.
Step 2. Select the Help someone who has invited you option.

Step 3. Connect to the computer according to the way you have received the invitation:
If you are using Easy Connect, select the contact’s name.
If you have received the invitation via email, launch the app that will be attached to the email.

If you have received a file, then click the Use an invitation file option and select the file.
Step 4. On the new window, type the password that the user requesting help will provide you.
Step 5. Once you have access to the computer, you can request control by clicking the Request control button. Wait for the user to permit it.

Part 4. Difference Among Remote Assistance, Quick Assist, Remote Desktop

Diving deeper into Windows Remote Assistance, you might be wondering how it is different from the system's other tools, such as Quick Assist and Remote Desktop. Below, we will explain the basic differences of these tools.

Quick Assist

Quick Assist is an app very similar to Microsoft Remote Assistance. In fact, it was introduced as a simpler replacement for Remote Assistance. Therefore, their functions are very similar as a user can connect to a remote computer and request full control to resolve all issues.

The main difference is that the invitation is a 6-digit code that the helper sends to the user needing help. Moreover, Quick Assist is only available for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users, while Remote Assistance can be used even with older operating systems.

Remote Desktop

Remote Desktop, on the other hand, has a different functionality to Windows Remote Assistance. In more detail, Remote Desktop is a great tool for managing an unattended device remotely, while Remote Assistance is supposed to be a remote collaboration tool. Therefore, you can use one or the other depending on your particular case and needs.

Part 5. Alternatives to Windows Remote Assistance

Even though Microsoft Remote Assistance is a built-in app, you might need to check out a different application. Fortunately, there is a great variety of third-party apps that allow remote support. One of the best remote desktop apps is AirDroid Remote Support.

AirDroid Remote Support is a versatile tool designed for seamless remote control of Windows computers and Android devices. It offers an intuitive interface, allowing users to access and manage their systems from anywhere with ease. Whether for technical support or personal assistance, AirDroid Remote Support ensures smooth, efficient, and secure interactions between devices.

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Key Features of AirDroid Remote Support

Real-time Screen Sharing: You can view the screen of remote devices in real time.
Fully Remote Control: You can fully remote control Windows and Android devices.
Easy to connect: You can connect to the remote devices via 9-digit code in seconds.
Attend and Unattended Devices: Whether the remote devices are attended or unattended, you can easily remote access them.

Wrapping Up

The Remote Assistance Windows 10 app makes it easy for you to get and send help to a remote user. Follow the steps we have explained above to establish the connection. If, however, you want to find another dependable tool for remote support, try AirDroid Remote Support. This app allows you to access your devices quickly and intuitively.