The Windows Quick Assist feature makes connecting to a remote PC an easy task. In fact, it’s so good that it eliminates the need for third-party screen-sharing software programs.
However, this tool also has its own flaws. Sometimes it won’t work, or it might just show you a loading screen for extended periods. This article will show you how you can fix Quick Assist when it runs into issues.
What Is Quick Assist and How Does It Work?
Quick Assist is a Windows tool that allows you and another person to share a device through a remote connection. Once you access the other person’s computer, you can troubleshoot and diagnose their technical issues as if you were there using their PC.
To get started, both you and the other person should sign in to Quick Assist. From there, you send them a code that’ll grant you access to their device, or vice versa. However, if Quick Assist doesn’t seem to work, you’ll need to repair it. However, what you need to fix wholly depends on what part of Quick Assist gives you grief.
What Are Quick Assist’s Features and Requirements?
Before you proceed with troubleshooting Quick Assist, it’s best that you first learn about its features and requirements. Once you know how it works, you’ll then know what part of Quick Assist you’ll need to fix to get it working.
1. Both Parties Should Run Windows on Their Devices
Quick Assist only runs on Windows devices. So, if you try running this tool on any other operating system, you’ll run into issues. Also, if you’re the one offering assistance, you’ll need to use a Microsoft account.
2. Quick Assist Requires an Internet Connection
You can only use Quick Assist if you’re connected to the internet. And to avoid any issues, you’ll need to ensure that your internet connection is stable.
3. You Can’t Drag and Drop Files With Quick Assist
A couple of remote connection tools allow you to drag and drop files from one device to the other. However, Quick Assist doesn’t support this. For file sharing, you’ll need to use other software programs such as OneDrive.
4. You Can’t Copy and Paste Text With Quick Assist
Quick Assist doesn’t allow you to copy and paste text from one device to the other. So, if you want to send texts or some helpful links, you’ll need to communicate via email, phone, or social media platforms.
5. You Can’t Use Quick Assist to Print Remotely
Various tools, such as TeamViewer, make it easy for you to print out documents remotely. However, this isn’t the case with Quick Assist. So, if you’re helping someone troubleshoot printing issues, they’ll have to test the printer on their end.
If you’re performing a task that Quick Assist supports but still encounter issues, here’s how you can resolve those problems:
1. Create a Microsoft Account (If You Don’t Have One Already)
If you’re using Quick Assist as an assistant, you’ll need to use a Microsoft account. However, the person you’re helping doesn’t need a Microsoft account—they only need to be on a Windows device.
If you don’t have a Microsoft account, here’s how to make one:
- First, navigate to the Windows Start Menu > PC Settings > Accounts.
- Select the Other people option on the left-hand side of the window.
- Next, select the Add someone else to this PC option.
In the next window, click I don’t have this person’s sign-in information. From there, you can create an account by following these steps:
- Click Get a new email address and enter your details in the relevant box.
- Next, create a password, select your country of residence, and fill in your date of birth. Click Next when you finish.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
- When you finish, sign in to your new Microsoft account and start using Quick Assist.
2. Uninstall and Reinstall Quick Assist
One of the best ways to resolve Quick Assist issues is by uninstalling and reinstalling the program. To do this, perform the following:
- Navigate to the Windows Start Menu > PC Settings > Apps.
- Click Manage optional features on the right-hand side pane.
- Scroll down and locate Microsoft Quick Assist. Click this feature and click the Uninstall button.
When you finish, click the Install button that appears on the Quick Assist feature.
If Quick Assist doesn’t appear on the Optional Features list anymore, you’ll need to add it. Here’s how:
- At the top of the Manage optional features screen, click the Add a feature button.
- Scroll down, locate Quick Assist, and press the Install button.
When you finish, close the settings window and restart your PC to save these changes.
3. Run System Restore
Does Quick Assist suddenly show you strange error messages that you’ve never seen before? If so, you may have a corrupt system file that’s interfering with Quick Assist’s functionality. In this case, a system restore point could help you out.
If you’ve previously created a system restore point, here’s how you can use it to restore Quick Assist to its normal state:
- Type Recovery in the Windows search bar and select the Best match.
- In the Recovery window, click Open System Restore.
- In the pop-up window, click Next to continue.
Next, choose your desired restore point from the list that appears in the pop-up window. From there, click Next and then click Finish.
Your PC could restart several times to complete the restoration process. Wait for this process to complete, and then give Quick Assist another try.
4. Reset Your PC
Resetting your PC can come in handy for repairing Quick Assist and other system issues. This feature allows you to restore the machine to its factory settings without losing your files. However, it’s always best to back up your Windows device first in case something goes wrong in the process.
To reset your PC, here are the steps you could follow:
- Navigate to the Windows Start Menu > PC Settings > Update & Security.
- Select the Recovery option in the left-hand side pane.
- Next, click the Get started button under the Reset this PC option.
Finally, follow the on-screen instructions to finalize the process.
Easily Connect to a Remote PC Using Quick Assist
When you want to help someone troubleshoot their PC remotely, Quick Assist can come in handy. This tool is quite easy to use, but it often runs into several issues. If you face any problems while using Quick Assist, the tips in this article should help you out.
If you’d rather scrap everything and try something else, there are plenty of screen sharing and remote access tools you can try. Different programs have different benefits and designs, so it’s worth trying a few to see what fits your needs best.