Last Updated on June 7, 2026
Being able to remotely control a computer over the internet or the network is nothing new, but many people struggle trying to figure out what is the best way to do so. You need to consider if you want the other person to see exactly what you are clicking. You also need to verify if the target computer is running Windows Home or Windows Pro.
The method you will use will vary depending on these specific network factors. We will be completely breaking down the differences between Windows Remote Desktop and the built-in Quick Assist application. You will learn exactly how to configure both of these powerful tools for flawless PC remote control
Using Windows Remote Desktop
1. Understand Network Requirements
Remote desktop has been one of the go to tools to connect to other computers on the network and even over the internet. But to use it over the internet, you will need to establish a VPN connection to the remote location first. This secures the traffic between your local machine and the distant server.
2. Verify Your Windows Edition
One thing to keep in mind is that you cannot remote into a Windows Home edition computer natively. You can make a remote desktop connection to a Windows Pro or Server edition computer from a Windows Home edition computer. There is a company that makes a program called Thinstuff that will allow you to use Remote Desktop to connect to a computer running Windows Home edition if you really need to bypass this limitation.
3. Launch the RDP Client
Once you have your network connection established, you can simply open the Remote Desktop Client. The easiest way to open the Remote Desktop client is to do a search for it from the Windows taskbar search box. Then you will be able to enter the computer name (hostname) or IP address for the remote computer you wish to connect to.
4. Configure Connection Settings
If you click on Show options, you will be able to see the various options that are available to configure before connecting to the remote computer. For example, you can enter the username you are going to connect with before making the connection or you can type it in after the connection is made. This saves you valuable time during repeated login attempts.
5. Adjust Local Resources
You can also set display settings for the size of the display and color quality. The Local Resources tab will allow you to do things such as have the audio from the remote computer be heard on your computer. You can send Windows keyboard shortcuts to the remote computer as well as connect to any printers that it has configured. The Clipboard option will allow you to copy and paste between the local and remote computer seamlessly.
6. Enable Remote Desktop on Target PC
One thing you will also need to do on the computer accepting Remote Desktop connections is to make sure that it is enabled. You also need to confirm that your specific user account is configured to be used for Remote Desktop sessions. These settings can be found in the System > Remote Desktop section of the Windows 11 settings assuming that the computer you are connecting to is running Windows 11.
7. Enter Your Login Credentials
Once you have everything configured, you can click on the Connect button at the bottom of the client. Then you will need to enter a password for a user account on the remote computer that has been configured to be used with Remote Desktop. Press the OK button to initiate the network handshake.
8. Accept the Security Certificate
You will then most likely see a certificate message pop up on your screen. You can simply click on the Yes button to bypass this warning and access the machine. You can also check the box that says Don’t ask me again for connections to this computer if you do not want to see it in the future.
9. Navigate the Remote Interface
You will then see the desktop of the remote computer displayed inside a new window. There is a toolbar at the top showing you the computer name, connection status and the option to minimize or close the remote session. Pin this bar to the top of your screen for easy access.
10. Understand the Lock Screen Behavior
The desktop on the remote computer will then be locked and show the login prompt for the user that was logged in when the connection was made. If that user then logs into the remote computer locally, the person making the remote connection will then be logged out immediately. Only one person can view the active desktop at a time using this method.
Using Quick Assist Remote Support
1. Launch the Quick Assist Tool
If you are looking to help someone on their computer over the network or over the internet (without needing a VPN), then you may want to try the free Windows Quick Assist app that is built into Windows. Quick Assist can be used on Windows Home and Pro editions and can connect to either one without limitations. To open the app, simply do a search for Quick Assist from the Windows taskbar search box.
2. Generate a Security Code
Once you open the app, you will have the choice to help someone (connect to their computer) or be helped by someone (they connect to your computer). If you are the one providing help, you will click on the Help someone button. This will generate a code that you will then need to provide to the other person. You will need to be signed into your Microsoft account to use Quick Assist as the helper.
3. Enter the Code on the Target PC
Once it generates a code, the other person will have 10 minutes to enter it into their Quick Assist app. They must type this code directly into the provided text box. Tell them to click on the Submit button to verify the connection string.
4. Grant Screen Sharing Permissions
The person on the receiving end will need to check the box saying they understand the security implications of sharing their screen. Then they must click the Allow button to proceed. This ensures malicious actors cannot view their screen without explicit human approval.
5. Request Full Keyboard and Mouse Control
Once the connection is made, you will see the other desktop on your screen in a window with some icons in the toolbar at the top. To remotely control the other persons computer, you will need to click on the button that says Request control. The session defaults to a view-only mode until this specific request is approved.
6. Approve the Control Request
They will then see a popup on their screen telling them that you are requesting full control of their computer. They will need to click the Allow button one final time. After this click, your mouse inputs will register directly on their active desktop environment.
7. Utilize the Remote Toolbar Tools
The image below shows what the other buttons in the toolbar are used for during an active session. You will see these buttons when controlling a remote computer but they will not be shown on the computer that is being controlled. You get access to a laser pointer, text chat, and a quick task manager button.
8. End the Remote Session
Once the connection is made, you can use the remote computer the same way you can when using the Remote Desktop client. The main difference is that the other person will be able to see what you are doing and also interact with their computer at the same time. When you are ready to end the remote session, you can click on the Leave button and the other person can end the remote session as well by clicking on the Leave button on their end.
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