We’ve all faced major Windows issues at some point. Sure, you can fix them yourself, but wouldn’t it be nice if an official Microsoft engineer did it remotely while you sit back? Quick Assist is one of the best ways to have authorized Microsoft support troubleshoot Windows on your device for free.
What Is Quick Assist in Windows
Quick Assist is a standalone Windows application that allows Windows users to help each other remotely. It requires both parties to consent to the connection using a security code from the assistant.
From a security perspective, the Quick Assist app is a great improvement over the older Remote Desktop app, as it uses these additional security options:
- One-time authentication
- TLS 1.2 encrypted communication
- Limited screen sharing access
- No open ports
The application is available for licensed Windows users. Unsure if your Windows license is genuine? See if you match one of these problem scenarios.
How to Use Quick Assist
For Quick Assist to work, both the helper and receiver must open the app. You can either launch the app from the search menu or type Ctrl + Win + Q.
To receive help, enter a security code in Get help provided by a helper, such as a Microsoft tech assistant, or press Help someone if you’re the one providing the assistance.
The helper will have to sign in to their Microsoft account. Once that person signs in, they will receive a security code. If you’re seeking help, you will need to enter the security code, which will expire at a certain point.
Another way to access Quick Assist is to ask for “Get Help” in Windows 11 search. After you answer a series of questions, you’ll be sent to Microsoft chat support. The advantage of this method is that you don’t have to sign in with a password.
The connecting process may take a few seconds – or even minutes, depending on how soon the helper is able to set up their session.
A prompt will ask you to Allow screen sharing. Click either Allow or Decline.
Although the control is remote, you will never be without access to your device. Quick Assist is designed to prevent fraud.
The person receiving assistance can see everything that the person giving assistance is doing. This allows them to follow along so that they (hopefully) can fix a similar problem in the future. But it also means they cannot allow someone to peek into their private folders, photos, camera app, and personal data.
It’s recommended to fully participate during a Quick Chat session and not take your eyes off the screen. To end the session, either party can simply close out the program by clicking the X on top.
Alternatively, if you want to continue without closing Quick Assist completely, click Leave, which will not allow screen sharing while you continue to discuss your issue.
There is a separate chat window that can be opened from the Quick Assist bar by clicking the chat icon. You can also pause the screen sharing temporarily during a break or for privacy issues.
Once your issue has been resolved, you can safely exit Quick Assist. However, issues can sometimes remain unresolved, especially when third-party technicians are involved, so leveraging Microsoft chat support is crucial. They’re the only ones who can provide in-depth troubleshooting and backend analysis.
Personally, I only use the official Microsoft chat support team for Quick Assist, as they are the only qualified professionals I trust with control of my PC. Explained below is the reasoning behind this and the process to activate Quick Assist with Microsoft chat.
Quick Assist Powers Microsoft Chat Support
Recently, I accessed the Microsoft chat support team regarding an update problem for Windows 11. This latest update was blocked or not downloading for some reason, and it was not possible for me to fix it. The Live chat technician used Quick Assist to help me fix the issue on the spot.
To access the official Microsoft chat support, visit the official chat support link, and sign in with your Windows device account. It’s good to stay signed in on your browser until the issue is resolved.
Once you sign in, choose the product you’re having trouble with from the entire array of Microsoft product problems including Office, Windows, Microsoft 365, Xbox, and even standalone products like Word.
If you’re using a personal or family account, choose the Home Support option. There is a separate support for businesses. In either case, choose Contact Support at the bottom of the page. After that, describe your issue, and choose Chat with a support agent in your web browser.
Before Microsoft chat could take over through Quick Assist, they requested my permission for access. A fake technician wouldn’t want to let go of your system. During the chat in Quick Assist, you can see an X at the top of your screen, allowing you to disconnect at any time.
During remote troubleshooting, Microsoft support team may restart your services, examine registry errors, and use some of the more regular methods. However, they also have backend tools at their disposal.
It is very important that you describe your issue as precisely as possible. Then, it’s just waiting for the processes to complete. They may ask you to restart the device multiple times for the effects to be visible.
For continuity, the Microsoft support team may leave a Notepad or Word document on your desktop or a folder like “downloads” with a personalized URL to use the next time you have the same problem.
Anyone who’s been at the receiving end of a Microsoft support scam knows how risky it can be to put your computer at someone else’s mercy. You should certainly never accept a cold call from a “Microsoft” technician, who’s more often than not a scammer.
However, the term “Microsoft support” gets an undeserved bad name, and Quick Assist is one of the sincerest efforts by Microsoft to rectify this situation. Even though its chat support service is free, you get the attention you deserve as a licensed Windows user.
While Quick Assist can help you resolve most Microsoft tech problems in Windows, you don’t always need to escalate to that option. Some of the more common Windows problems require simple troubleshooting. Also, you can fix most update issues on your own using our monthly guide for Windows.
Image credit: Pixabay. All screenshots by Sayak Boral.
