Connect to someone else computer

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I have a friend in Florida who I periodically help with computer problems when I’m there for six months each year. Now I’m back in Michigan and she has a problem that I can’t solve unless I can see her Desktop and poke around in her computer. I know that software exists that allows this to occur but I don’t know the names and places that we both can get this software to accomplish the task at hand.

We both are using Windows 11 Home with the latest updates. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciate any suggestions.

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See this Plus Newsletter article from 10 months ago:

Microsoft deserves accolades for evolving remote support into a simple, approachable app.

What has Microsoft done right? — Quick Assist

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wadeer

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Team Viewer Free

The free version is available for personal use only. This includes connecting between your personal devices or helping friends and family with remote support. Using TeamViewer for work-related purposes, within an organization, or any activity generating revenue (e.g., connecting to your work computer, supporting clients, or monitoring business devices) requires a commercial license.

I’ve been using it to provide remote support to my relatives since 2018 and it’s a really good product.

You need to download/install TeamViewer your friend needs to download/install TeamViewer QuickSupport

Get started with TeamViewer Remote

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wadeer

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I use Distant Desktop (https://www.distantdesktop.com/) or Anydesk (https://anydesk.com/en). Both are free. Have had the best luck with Distant Desktop. Anydesk and Teamviewer have both asked me to purchase a “Professional” version. Teamviewer still does this even though I haven’t used it in 4 or 5 years.

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I have used Team Viewer Free on a Mac to support Windows computers on a limited basis for only a few friends (to stay under their Enterprise radar). The thing I like about it is the file transfer ability. Set up correctly, all it needs is for the distant computer to be on, doesn’t have to be logged in, for access and login.

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wadeer

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Quick Assist

A Microsoft with issues

I’ve recently used Quick Assist Microsoft’s rather new remote help app. It is very simple and easy to use but it has an issue which many users encounter and some have not found a solution.  I use Win 10 pro.

Both helper and helpee have to download and install the app (very easy).  The helper then asks and receives a code which he/she sends to the helpee who copies it into the app. The help seeker then approves the move and the helper can see their desktop.  The helper can ask for complete control and can operate the system of the helpee.
<p style=”text-align: left;”>So far so good, BUT sometimes the helpee receives a note saying:</p>
<p style=”text-align: center;”>Session ended
We ended the connection because the minimum-security requirements on the helper side were not met. No need to report this, we’re on it.</p>
I too encountered the same.  I looked for help here and here only to find out that many solutions were suggested, some helped, but some users reported that none helped them.

The solutions suggested were:

• Repair and reset the app in the windows settings on the helper PC.
• Disconnect VPN.
• Run Quick Assist as Administrator (As the helper).
• Uninstall, Install again from Microsoft Store, do a reboot.
• Get the following update: [Microsoft Edge-WebView2 Runtime Version 135 Update for x64 based Editions (Build 135.0.3179.73).
• Check the 2025-05 .NET 8.0.16 Security Update for x64 Client (KB5059200).

For me disabling the VPN did the trick.

I hope that some Ask Woody subscribers will find this helpful.

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TechTango, PKCano

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