Microsoft Quick Assist

Microsoft Quick Assist is a free tool for attended remote computer help. A helper generates a six-digit code, and the person receiving help must allow the connection and screen sharing. During a session, the helper can use a laser pointer, annotations, and chat, then request full control; the person sharing the device must approve that request separately. The Windows app is installed from Microsoft Store and applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11. The macOS app is limited to Microsoft Support interactions, while the web app is only for sessions with verified Microsoft support agents. Both parties need internet access, and the helper must sign in with a Microsoft account or Microsoft Entra ID. Quick Assist uses HTTPS over port 443 and TLS 1.2. Microsoft says it logs session times, app errors, and features used, but does not retain participant data longer than three days. File transfer and mobile apps are not supported. Quick Assist requires Microsoft Edge WebView2, which is built into Windows 11 and may install automatically on Windows 10.

Quick Assist supports consent-based remote PC help with in-session communication and optional control. Its non-Windows versions are restricted to Microsoft Support interactions, and it does not include file transfer or mobile apps.

Quick Assist suits people who can be present to approve a remote help session, particularly on Windows PCs. macOS and web use is limited to Microsoft Support interactions.

Overview

Microsoft Quick Assist is a free remote-help app for people who need someone else to guide them through a PC problem. It is best for occasional, attended support between Windows users and people they trust. Its approval steps and in-session tools suit troubleshooting, while restricted access on other platforms keeps it from being a general-purpose remote-access choice.

Key features

A helper creates a six-digit code, and the person receiving help approves the connection and screen sharing. The helper can then chat, annotate the screen, or point things out with a laser pointer. This keeps the person at the computer in charge of granting access, but both people must be present and online.

The helper needs a Microsoft account or Microsoft Entra ID; the person sharing their device does not have to authenticate. Quick Assist uses HTTPS over port 443 with TLS 1.2 encryption. Microsoft says it records session start and end times, app errors, and features used, but cannot access sessions or view actions or keystrokes, and retains participant data for no more than three days.

There is no file transfer. That is a meaningful gap when troubleshooting depends on sending a document, installer, or other file; users will need another way to move it. Both participants also need internet access. On Windows 10, Quick Assist requires Microsoft Edge WebView2, which may install automatically; Windows 11 includes it.

Pricing

Quick Assist — free. The free plan provides the Microsoft Store app for Windows. macOS and web access are limited to Microsoft Support interactions, so the free plan does not give friends or family a cross-platform way to help one another. There are no paid tiers described for Quick Assist.

Platforms

The Microsoft Store app supports Windows 10 and Windows 11. The macOS version works only for Microsoft Support interactions, and the web app is restricted to verified Microsoft support agents. That makes Windows the practical choice for personal support; Mac and browser users cannot use Quick Assist for ordinary help from friends or family.

Work or school policies may block installing the app from Microsoft Store. Organizations that need enhanced security and enterprise controls should consider Microsoft Intune Remote Help.

Who it's for

Quick Assist fits Windows users who want a trusted person to see a problem, explain steps, and take control only after permission. Its free price and lack of authentication requirement for the person being helped make it convenient for occasional support. It is a poor fit for unattended maintenance, routine file exchange, or support where the person receiving help cannot remain at the computer.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free Windows support with chat, annotations, a laser pointer, and separately approved control requests makes it useful for guided troubleshooting.
• Pros: The person sharing the computer does not need to sign in, and Microsoft says it cannot view session activity or keystrokes.
• Cons: No file transfer means support sessions cannot also handle moving needed files between computers.
• Cons: macOS and browser sessions are limited to Microsoft Support, excluding everyday cross-platform help from friends or family.
• Cons: Attended access requires both people online and the recipient present to approve sharing and control.

Alternatives

These alternatives address different utility needs rather than remote PC support. Choose based on the task you need to solve.

• IObit Uninstaller is a Windows choice for batch uninstalling, removing Windows apps, drag-and-drop uninstalling, and automatically cleaning leftovers; its free plan includes those tools.
• Auslogics Driver Updater suits Windows users seeking driver updates: the free plan updates one driver at a time, while Pro covers three PCs and three questions on a one-year subscription.
• Autoruns is a free Windows utility with no limit on installs or use across devices you support, though redistribution is not licensed.
• Btrfsmaintenance is a free, GPL-2.0 set of scripts for Btrfs filesystem maintenance on Linux or self-hosted systems.
• Disk SpeedUp is a free Windows disk utility supporting Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, 2000, XP, and Vista in 32-bit or 64-bit editions.
• e4defrag is a free Linux option for Ext4 files, with exclusions including swap files, files in lost+found, and files allocated in indirect blocks.
• Puran Defrag supports Windows XP through 11; its Directories Consolidation feature works only on NTFS partitions.
• WinContig is freeware for personal and commercial use on unlimited Windows computers, with no registration or payment required.
• Explore disk defragmentation software for disk maintenance alternatives.
• Explore startup manager software for tools focused on startup management.
• Explore display calibration software for display calibration tools.
• Explore malware removal software for malware cleanup tools.
• Explore disk partition software for managing disk partitions.
• Explore desktop search software for finding files on a computer.

Verdict

Choose Microsoft Quick Assist for free, permission-based troubleshooting when both people can join an online Windows session. The separate approval for control and useful visual guidance make it well suited to helping family or friends. Look elsewhere if you need file transfer, unattended access, or routine support across macOS and browsers.