How To Provide Remote IT Support For Your Relatives And Friends

Being tech-savvy is both a gift and a curse. When you know how to fix computers, you become “the computer person” for everyone you know.

- Whitson Gordon

But when you’re using the same platform as the person you’re helping— either Windows or macOS—then helping people with their tech troubles from a distance is simple, and you won’t need to install any extra software. Helping someone on a different platform gets a bit trickier, but we’ll give you the right tools for the job.

WINDOWS TO WINDOWS

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

Using Quick Access: Open the Start menu and search for “Quick Assist,” or launch the app from the “Windows Accessories” folder in the Start menu.

In the window that appears, click the “Give Assistance” button. Sign in with your Microsoft account (you’ll need a Microsoft account, but your friend won’t), and you’ll be given a six-digit code that expires in 10 minutes.

If you aren’t on the phone with your friend already, give them a call—walking them through the process is much easier over the phone than via email. Tell them to launch Quick Assist, choose “Get Assistance,” and give them the six digit code from your screen.