Get and Give Remote Assistance with Quick Assist app in Windows 10

Brink · 21 Sep 2020

Snugglebugs said:

I set it up as instructed in the first (RDC) tutorial you list and it worked. Two small comments - the reference to getting to System on the host is not the best. On Win 10 it is easier to use the Control Panel link. Also, when I connected I received a demand for password. Fair enough, but I had to experiment to find WHICH password was meant! (The host.) Lastly, when connected I got a surprise as the host monitor went blank and then came up with a Welcome screen. There is no indication that anything needs to be done! I took the cowards way out and did nothing!

More later
Tony

Yeah, that's the main bad thing is the host will lost their display while you take over.

Snugglebugs · 22 Sep 2020

Now I have used the system for a day I seem to have sorted out the operational routine. For anyone who wants to try, here are some additional notes of my own that are not obvious.
Thanks to Brink and Kari for their very useful tutorials.

1. Configure the RDC/Host computer Power settings to Never shut down and Never turn off the graphics, even if you disconnect its monitor. If it is allowed to sleep etc in the usual way, then at the and of a RDC session you won't be able to simply Shut Down! Kari does spell out how to get round it, but its complicated. Obviously shut down the Host first!

2. Configure the RDC/Client settings so that the RDC version of the Host desktop allows the host's taskbar to be seen. Preferably so that the Client's taskbar is at least partially visible.

3. To solve the Win flag confusion I mentioned, make the Start button icons different on Client and Host computers. I have left the Client button the normal flag but the Host button the Aero version, as that is the option available in Classic Shell.

All in all, it works surprisingly well for what I need. There are a few shocks, but I overcame them so I can use the system when needed and without having to continually refer to the tutorials.

With various options depending on the various computers, I now have five computers all available using just one monitor, keyboard and mouse. Admittedly, the oldest has to be got via a hardware KVM switch, but even that does work

Tony

PS More philosophy - does Copy/Paste work between Client and Host. I assume it must. BUT, is only one Clipboard used?

Brink · 22 Sep 2020

Great news Tony.

It would most likely be the client's clipboard being used, but I haven't tested to verify.

NMI · 26 Nov 2020

You must be signed in as an administrator on both computers to be able to get and give assistance with the Quick Assist app.

I think you do not need to be signed in as an administrator on either computer to be able to use Quick Assist.

No other page with instructions seems to include this requirement, including Microsoft's:

Solve PC problems over a remote connection

I've tested from a Standard User.

Shortcut WIN+Ctrl+Q

Brink · 26 Nov 2020

NMI said:

I think you do not need to be signed in as an administrator on either computer to be able to use Quick Assist.

No other page with instructions seems to include this requirement, including Microsoft's:

Solve PC problems over a remote connection

I've tested from a Standard User.

Your correct. It doesn't seem to be a requirement anymore.

Steve C · 27 Nov 2020

NMI said:

I think you do not need to be signed in as an administrator on either computer to be able to use Quick Assist.

No other page with instructions seems to include this requirement, including Microsoft's:

Solve PC problems over a remote connection

I've tested from a Standard User.

Shortcut WIN+Ctrl+Q

I assist my father using Quick Assist fine using standard user accounts at each end.

Steve C · 10 Feb 2021

Quick Assist is very good when it works but it frequently fails to make a connection and gives an error code. Has anyone had similar problems?