How to Remotely Troubleshoot Your Relative s Computer. How to control friends computer

Windows offers several built-in remote support tools over the Internet. These tools allow you to remotely control someone else’s computer, so you can help them troubleshoot problems while you talk to them on the phone. They work similar to Remote Desktop, but are available in all versions of Windows and are easy to set up.

How to Remotely Troubleshoot Your Relative’s Computer

If you’re the designated “tech person” in your family or group of friends, here’s how to access your computer from a distance, Mac, or PC to see what’s going on.

Being tech savvy is a gift and a curse. When you know how to repair computers, you become a “computer person” to everyone you know. However, you can’t always solve problems personally.

If you use the same platform as the person you are helping – both on Windows and both on macOS – remote support is very simple and you don’t need to install any additional software. Helping someone on a different platform becomes a bit more difficult, but we’ll give you the right tools for the job.

Quick Assist: Windows 10 to Windows 10

Windows has two remote assistance tools built into the operating system: Quick Assistance, which is new to Windows 10, and Windows Remote Assistance, available on Windows 7, 8, and 10. If you and your friend are both using the system Windows 10, you’ll want to use Quick Assist. As the name suggests, it is faster and easier than its older cousin.

Open the Start menu and search for Quick Help or run the application from the Windows Accessories folder in the Start menu.

In the window that appears, click Help someone else under Help. Sign in with your Microsoft account (you need a Microsoft account for help, but your friend or relative doesn’t) and you’ll receive a six-digit code that expires in 10 minutes.

If you’re not already talking to the other person, give them a call – guiding them through the process is much easier over the phone than by email. Ask them to run quick help, and then in the Get Help section, enter the six-digit code you gave them from the screen.

After entering the code, you will be asked to allow access to your screen. You will then be able to use their computer as if you were sitting in front of it. You can even use the Remote Reboot option to restart your computer and automatically re-initiate the Quick Assist connection. After all, half of your computer problems are solved by turning it off and on again.

There are many software solutions for Windows 10 that you should consider. And business use is just the tip of the iceberg. Using it to help your friends manage your computer is one option that can come in handy.

What is Remote Computer Support?

Remote PC support is a way to help someone fix their computer or fix a problem over the Internet. By using applications like LogMeIn, you can control another user’s computer from anywhere in the world or let a technician take control of your computer.

If you or someone you know has computer problems, you can always connect remotely to a HelloTech technician. Just visit the HelloTech remote computer support site and a remote technician will be there to help you solve your problem 24/7.

How to Remotely Control a Mac Computer From Another Mac

The easiest way to remotely control your Mac is to use the Screen Sharing app. This program allows you to quickly access another user’s computer from a Mac computer. You can then take control of their mouse and keyboard to fix any issues they have.

One of the best things about the Mac screen sharing app is its simplicity. After opening the app, just enter the Apple ID of the other user. They will then get a notification in the top right corner of their screen letting them know that you are trying to remotely control their computer. Your first and last name will also appear in this notification so they will know it is not from a stranger.

After clicking the Accept button in the notification and allowing your computer to be remotely controlled, you will have full access to move any files and change settings. This means you can start fixing their problems immediately, rather than trying to solve problems over the phone.

You can even extend the screen sharing window to full screen on your computer, which will make you feel like you are sitting right in front of their computer.

Once you’ve finished troubleshooting, you can easily close the Screen Sharing app. The second user can also stop screen sharing at any time by clicking the screen sharing logo in the Apple menu bar.

If you want to know more about how to remotely control your Mac, check out our detailed guide to using Screen Sharing here.

Some of them are easy to install and are mainly for daily use, others are advanced tools and offer better performance in professional environments.

How to Remote Access a PC Using Remote Desktop Tools

The remote desktop solution allows you to access your computer, its files and applications from another device via an internet connection. Remote desktop software accomplishes this by streaming real-time video from the computer you are trying to access. Some remote desktop tools allow you to make these remote connections from a smartphone, tablet, and even over a data network.

Remote Desktop Tools are easy to use and, depending on the solution you choose, can be set up fairly quickly. If you are a Windows user and want to allow remote access to your computer connection, there are many options available. The most obvious and cost effective of these options is the built-in Windows Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) utility. As a fully integrated tool, RDC is very effective in establishing remote Windows-to-Windows connections. This tool allows you to remotely connect to your desktop computer by using a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) client.

Unfortunately, RDC does not support cross-platform remote access and is not particularly user-friendly. For enterprise-class remote desktop software, it is better to implement a more comprehensive and scalable solution.

Many remote desktop alternatives offer a range of more advanced remote access features. When selecting remote access software, prioritizing the following capabilities will provide more options when accessing a computer remotely.

Multi-Monitor Support

Multiple monitor workstations are becoming more common, so it is important that the remote desktop solution you choose supports multiple monitor environments. For ease of use, the remote access tool should be able to quickly switch between user monitors.

Live Chat

If you are providing support, you must be able to quickly and easily communicate with users during active sessions. The live chat feature is especially useful when you need to ask end users questions about an issue they are experiencing. Ideally, the remote access software implemented will offer multiple chat options such as pre-session chat, in-session chat, VoIP calling capability, and video chat features. Correspondence should be possible without interrupting the session.

Built-In Ticketing System

For businesses that use remote access for support, the built-in ticketing system can greatly improve team performance. The built-in or integrated ticketing system allows you to track user requests without leaving the console of the remote desktop solution. This centralizes support operations and can provide other benefits, including combining correspondence logs with tickets to create a searchable history of past support requests and customer information.

Remote File Access

Technicians and other IT professionals are often on the move. For this reason, being able to access important files from anywhere can be very convenient and potentially increase productivity. For example, if support technicians sometimes work remotely, the remote file access features will keep them securely viewing work documents, even when working from home.

Advanced Security

Remote access activities can create vulnerabilities if not properly secured. For secure remote access, we recommend choosing a remote access solution with advanced encryption protocols, multi-factor permissions, and multi-factor authentication.

Choosing the Right Remote Access Tools

For a comprehensive enterprise-grade remote access tool, we recommend implementing SolarWinds® Dameware® Remote Everywhere (DRE) or SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support (DRS). Both of these solutions enable quick, easy and secure remote access.

SolarWinds DRS and DRE typically connect to the workstation in less than eight seconds. To keep your business, users, and data safe, these tools include advanced encryption protocols, two-factor authentication, and multi-level permissions – far beyond standard username and password requirements. With these solutions, you can connect to machines that are unresponsive and run out of band, thanks to KVM, Wake-on-LAN and Intel vPro support with AMT. Both DRE and DRS include a user-friendly, intuitive mobile app, although only DRE allows you to connect to mobile devices remotely.

DRE and DRS also have the following functions:

• One-click access
• Support for Mac, Linux and Windows
• Multiple language support
• Individual branding options
• Functions supporting GDPR readiness
• Functions supporting HIPAA compliance
• TLS 1.2 and AES 256 data encryption
• Auto-lock and prevent auto-sleep
• Session idle timeout control
• Secret, encrypted vaults
• PIN expiration options
• Chat in session
• Support for multiple sessions
• Session notes
• Laser pointer
• The ability to lock the computer remotely
• And a lot more

The key difference between these tools is that DRE is a cloud-based solution while DRS is deployed locally. DRE also offers several non-DRS features, including but not limited to:

• The ability to remotely connect to mobile devices
• Support for multiple monitors
• VoIP and video conferencing support
• Recording of video sessions
• Chat before the session
• Business cards
• Light ticket system
• Technology performance reports
• Customizable polls
• Port Forwarding
• Forwarding DRP

The DRS, while more limited than the DRE, includes some notable features that are not included in the DRE. This includes mass deployment of agents on devices, integration with support software for enhanced ticketing features, and support for smart cards.

Being tech savvy is a gift and a curse. When you know how to repair computers, you become a “computer person” to everyone you know. However, you can’t always solve problems personally.

What you see and what they see

If you’re controlling someone else’s computer remotely, Quick Assist displays the Windows 10 desktop of the other person’s computer in the app window.

When you help someone else, you’ll see their Windows 10 desktop in a yellow frame. (Click on the image to enlarge it.)

You can minimize, maximize, and resize this application window. However, Quick Assist does not allow you to enlarge it to fill your computer screen.

To control the second computer, move the mouse pointer over the image of the other computer’s desktop. You will then move the mouse pointer on the other computer. As long as you leave your own pointer over the other computer’s desktop image, whatever you type on the keyboard will appear on the remote computer.

You can (mostly) do whatever you need to do on someone else’s computer: interact with their Start menu, run programs, search for files, view system settings, etc.

The person in front of the other computer will see you move the mouse pointer, as well as the text you type, the applications you open, and so on.

The person you are helping will see their own desktop in a yellow frame. When you move your mouse or type text, they will see these actions on their desktop. (Click on the image to enlarge it.)

Note that they may still be using their computer’s keyboard and mouse or touchpad, which may be interfering with what you are doing. If you are using Quick Assist to teach the other person how to do something (for example, you perform an activity on their desktop and then watch them repeat the activity), it is best to make a phone call together. You can explain to them what you are doing and let them know when it is their turn to take control of their computer. (I wouldn’t advise you to use Skype or any other internet video or voice chat as the connection between the two computers may slow Quick Assist down.)

The other person can suspend control of their computer: in the toolbar that appears at the top-center of their screen, they can click the double-line icon to the right of “Screen sharing enabled”. This pause icon will turn into a triangle (for “resume”) which they can click on later, allowing you to resume control of their computer.

The person on the remote computer can pause or stop screen sharing at any time. (Click on the image to enlarge it.)

They can also revoke your control by clicking the X to the right of “Quick Help”. This will terminate the connection between the two computers.

Tools you can use

If you are in control of the other computer, you’ll see a toolbar with some useful options in the upper-right corner of the quick help window.

The Quick Help toolbar provides additional tools that may help another user. (Click on the image to enlarge it.)

Select Monitor allows you to see what is on another monitor connected to the remote computer. In other words, if the computer you are connected to is displaying information on the other monitor connected to it, you can click Select Monitor and then select to see what is displayed on that monitor.

Annotation allows you to draw on the screen of the other computer. This helps to highlight things to the other person on this computer. Your doodles will disappear when you click Exit Annotation in the upper right corner of the screen or when the connection between the two computers is terminated.

You can use the Annotations tool to highlight a specific button or menu item while remotely training a user. (Click on the image to enlarge it.)

Actual size displays the other computer’s screen in its native resolution, but does not enlarge it to fill the entire computer screen. You will need to scroll horizontally and vertically to see all areas of the other computer’s screen.

Switch instruction feed is a simple messaging tool that allows you and the person on the other computer to chat. Click this button, type a short message in the open chat window and click Send.

You can talk to the person on the remote computer using the Toggle Instruction Channel tool. (Click on the image to enlarge it.)

The person on the other computer will see the notification in the clipboard icon in the toolbar in the top center of their screen. They click this to open a chat window and see your message, and they can reply if they want.

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The person in front of the computer you are connected to can read your message and reply to it by clicking on the clipboard icon.

Restarting ends the connection between the two computers and restarts the remote computer. After starting the remote computer, you’ll be prompted for the other person to grant you permission to connect to their computer again. This is useful when you need to restart a remote computer and then reconnect to it, as the Restart button bypasses the need to generate and enter a new security code.

Task Manager runs the Windows Task Manager utility, which is useful for troubleshooting applications running on the remote computer.

The Task Manager button on the Quick Help toolbar allows you to quickly go to the Windows Task Manager on the remote computer. (Click on the image to enlarge it.)

Pause and End work as expected, pausing or ending the connection between the computer and the remote computer. When you click the Pause button, the Resume button will appear in its place; click to resume the connection. After clicking Finish, the Reconnect button appears. If you click it, the person sitting in front of the other computer will receive a window asking them to reconnect to their computer.

This article was originally published in September 2016 and updated in April 2020.

When logging into another user’s computer, LogMeIn also allows you to share files from one computer to another. This makes LogMeIn the perfect application to use if you want to access your work computer from home.

Benefits of remote access for businesses

There are many benefits to both individuals and businesses when it comes to remote connectivity solutions. For example, remote access software allows employees to connect to work devices from home and on the road, and IT or help desk support staff and customers remotely when they need help.

Basic functions of remote desktop software

While the use cases can vary widely, the most common and critical user requirements for remote screen sharing software are:

• speed, efficiency and responsiveness;
• ease of use;
• supervised and unattended access options;
• possibility of connection via the cloud or offline, via a direct connection; and
• whether the software needs to be pre-installed or not (which is important in some use cases) .
• Basic functions such as file transfer, remote printing, audio etc.

Use cases and examples of screen sharing software

Remote control software can have many different uses. IT helpdesk and technical support teams often use remote software tools to remotely connect to a computer in the office to see the screen, solve a technical problem, and / or control a remote device.

Likewise, remote workers and students can securely access, transfer and print files, connect to a desktop computer, phone, tablet, or app from anywhere and without the need for a VPN connection. There are also many real-world examples of healthcare providers using remote access to remotely monitor medical equipment or access patient records during self-isolation during the coronavirus pandemic.

The person sitting in front of the computer can still watch and see everything that is happening. They can close the Remote Assistance window at any time to end the connection.

If You Both Have Windows 10: Use Quick Assist

The new “Quick Assist” feature in Windows 10 is probably the easiest way to get up and running, so if you’re both running Windows 10 with the Anniversary Update installed, this is the option we recommend.

How to Start Helping Someone

First, open the Quick Assist application by searching the Start menu for “Quick Assist” and running the Quick Assist shortcut. You can also go to Start> Windows Accessories> Quick Assistance.

Assuming you want to help someone else by remotely accessing their computer, click “Help”.

You’ll then need to sign in to your Microsoft account. When you do this, you will receive a security code that will expire in ten minutes.

If your code expires, you can always just click “Give Help” again to get a new one, which will be valid for another ten minutes.

What the Other Person Needs to Do

Then you need to talk to a friend or family member by opening the Quick Assist application on their computer. You can do this by email, SMS or phone.

They will need to open the Start menu, type “Quick Assist” in the search box, and launch the Quick Assist application that appears. Or, they can go to Start> Windows Accessories> Quick Assistance.

They will then have to click “Get Help” in the Quick Help window that appears.

At this point, they will be asked to enter the security code they received. They must enter this code within ten minutes of receiving it, otherwise the code will expire.

The other person will then see a confirmation prompt and will have to agree to access their computer.

You’re Now Connected

The connection will now be established. According to the quick help window, it may take a few minutes for your devices to connect, so you may need to be patient.

When they do, you’ll see the other person’s desktop in a window on your computer. You’ll have full access to their entire computer as if you were sitting in front of them, so you can run any programs or access any files you want. You will have all the rights of the computer owner, so you will not be restricted from changing any system settings. You can troubleshoot their computer, change settings, check for malware, install software, or do whatever you would do if you were sitting in front of their computer.

In the upper right corner of the window there are icons that allow you to annotate (draw on the screen), resize the window, remotely restart the computer, open the task manager, or suspend or terminate the Quick Assist connection.

The other person can still see your desktop while you are using it, so they can see what you are doing and follow. The annotation icon in the upper right corner of the window allows you to draw an annotation on the screen to help you communicate with the other person.

If One or Both of You Have Windows 7 or 8: Use Windows Remote Assistance

If either of you haven’t updated Windows 10 yet, you won’t be able to use Quick Assist. Fortunately, you can use the older but still useful Windows Remote Assistance tool that’s available on Windows 7, 8, and 10.

How to Invite Someone to Help

If you want someone else to invite you to access your computer, you need to guide them through the following steps. If you’re trying to give someone else access to your computer, do the following.

First, open the Windows Remote Assistance application. You will find it by opening the Start menu and searching for “Remote Assistance” and launching the “Windows Remote Assistance” application.

In Windows 10, the Windows Remote Assistance tool is somewhat hidden. You can still find it by opening the Start menu, searching for “Remote Assistance” and clicking “Invite someone to connect to your computer and help, or offer someone help.

Assuming you want help with your computer, click “Invite someone you trust to help you”.

If Remote Assistance invitations have been disabled on your computer, you will see an error message. Just click “Repair” and the troubleshooter will suggest you turn on Remote Assistance.

There are several ways to invite someone. You can always create an invitation file by clicking “Save this invitation as file” and send it – for example, using an online email tool such as Gmail or Outlook.com. If you have an e-mail program installed, you can click “Use e-mail to send an invitation”.

You can also use Easy Connect. To use this feature, both you and your assistant must have Easy Connect access. This requires peer-to-peer networking functionality and may not be available on all networks.

“Use Easy Connect” is the easiest option, if available.

If you choose Easy Connect, you will receive a password. You must give this password to another person who can use it to connect to your computer. (This password is only valid for connecting to the computer while this window is open, and it changes each time you restart Windows Remote Assistance.)

If the other person cannot use Easy Connect for some reason, you can click “save this invitation as a file”.

You will be prompted to save the invitation file and enter your password. Send the invitation file to the other person in any way – for example, Gmail, Outlook.com, Yahoo! Mail or any other program you use.

Also give the person the password. They are separate for some reason. For example, if you are chatting with someone on the phone, you can email them an invite file and then provide the password over the phone, ensuring that no one who intercepts the email can connect to your computer.

Then the other user will also need to open the Quick Assistance application on their computer and paste the code they receive into the Get Help area. After entering the code and clicking the Share button, the screen can remotely control his computer.

What are the best tools to control one PC from another?

Mikogo

This cross-platform Mikogo software allows you to help your audience by remotely controlling your mouse and keyboard, or get help in the same way, by handing over control, be it a PC on a Mac.

Indeed, more flexibility means fewer boundaries, why not use this versatile tool to improve your business?

Let’s take a quick look at its key features:

• Switch presenter so everyone in the meeting can take their word and share their screen
• Remote keyboard and mouse control
• VoIP conferencing with session schedule
• Screen recording and VoIP
• Multiple monitors and application filtering to display up to 4 screens and only selected programs
• File transfer up to 200MB

Mikogo

Mikogo offers all the tools you need to bring people closer: sharing ideas, work progress and more with a unique remote control system.

Parallels Access

Parallels Access is the perfect solution if you need a simple program that will give you full access to your computer from anywhere, anytime.

This feature-rich software is virtually unmatched when it comes to remote control systems, and was built with one thing in mind: you.

Quick launch, easy navigation, and intuitive controls with one tap or directly in your browser – you can be sure you’ll love it all and more.

Let’s take a quick look at its key features:

• Precise selection, copying and pasting of text thanks to Lock’n’Go magnifying glass technology
• Simple one-touch access via a mobile phone or directly via a browser from another computer
• easily navigate your resources
• Central management in the cloud
• Full connectivity support (even on 3G networks)

Parallels Access

Prepare to access your computer 24/7 from anywhere for hassle-free, reliable and precise control. This is what this tool is all about!

Radmin Remote

With Radmin Remote you enter another zone. It is an application reserved mainly for IT professionals and is known globally as a remote technical support solution.

Of course, we are talking about more than just remote mouse control – with this application you can perform comprehensive server maintenance and more complex operations at the infrastructure or network level.

Nevertheless, its complexity shouldn’t put you off – you can keep things as big or small as you want, and the app itself is easy to install, use, and update.

Let’s take a quick look at its key features:

• Safe and reliable remote access to computers around the world
• Access all resources and easily manage your central system
• Optimized bandwidth allowing remote control even over 3G networks
• AES256-bit encryption for transmitted data
• Automatic installation tool for large networks

Frequently Asked Questions

To achieve your goal with ease, use one of the best programs to control another computer.

Without the best laptop protection and privacy software installed, hackers can actually remotely access your computer even if it is turned off.

To find them all, use the Task Manager. You can also try one of these reliable PUP removal tools and fix the problem in no time.