Remote Desktop & Assistance Explained

What is Remote Desktop?

Remote Desktop is a technology that allows a user to connect to and control a computer remotely over a network connection. When you use Remote Desktop, you essentially see the desktop of the remote computer as if you were sitting right in front of it. This technology is commonly used for:

• Accessing your own computer from a different location (e.g., at home, work, or while traveling).

• Managing servers and other machines in a corporate network.

• Providing IT support by allowing technicians to directly interact with a user's system.

What is Remote Assistance?

Remote Assistance is a feature that allows a user to invite someone (often a technician or trusted friend) to connect to their computer remotely to help troubleshoot or resolve an issue. With Remote Assistance, the user must initiate the connection and provide an invitation file and password to the helper. This method is typically used for:

• Troubleshooting problems with a computer when someone else needs to take control.

• Teaching or guiding users through specific tasks on their machine.

• Providing hands-on support without needing to be physically present.

When to Use Remote Desktop vs. Remote Assistance

Use Remote Desktop When:

• You need full control of your computer from a different location.

• You are accessing your work or home machine regularly.

• You want to manage multiple user accounts and settings on a remote machine.

• You require a stable and continuous session for extended tasks.

Use Remote Assistance When:

• You need someone else to help you troubleshoot or fix an issue.

• The other person is trusted and will need temporary access to your machine.

• You want to provide a less intrusive way for someone to assist you without needing to share your full access credentials.

• You prefer the other person to guide you through tasks while maintaining control over your own machine.

Key Differences Across Versions:

The procedure to configure Remote Desktop can vary slightly depending on the version of Windows you are using.

• Access to Settings: Windows 8.1 and 7 rely more on the Control Panel, while Windows 10 and 11 integrate the Settings app more deeply.

• Network Profiles: Changing the network profile is more straightforward in Windows 10 and 11, where you can access it via the Settings app, whereas in older versions, you need to navigate through the Control Panel.

• Security Settings: Newer versions like Windows 10 and 11 have options for Network Level Authentication (NLA), which enhances security by requiring authentication before establishing a Remote Desktop connection.

Setting Up Remote Desktop on Windows 11

To start, open Remote Desktop settings by clicking the Start button or pressing the Windows key, then type "Remote Desktop" and select Remote Desktop settings. Enable Remote Desktop by toggling the switch to On and confirming the action in the pop-up window.

Adjust user permissions by selecting Remote Desktop users and clicking Add to include additional usernames. Make sure your PC is discoverable on your network by navigating to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet), clicking on your network, and setting it to Private.

Check your firewall settings to allow Remote Desktop connections. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall, ensuring Remote Desktop is checked for both Private and Public networks. Find your PC’s name by going to Settings > System > About and noting the Device name. For extra security, configure additional options in Advanced settings under Remote Desktop. Lastly, adjust your power settings in Settings > System > Power & battery to prevent your PC from sleeping.

Testing the Connection

To test the connection, open Remote Desktop Connection on the connecting machine, enter the computer name, and click Connect. Authenticate by entering the username and password for the remote machine, and once connected, you'll have full control of the remote device.

Configuring Remote Assistance on Windows 11

Remote Assistance lets someone you trust help you remotely. Begin by opening System Properties by pressing Windows + R, typing sysdm.cpl, and pressing Enter. Navigate to the Remote tab, then enable Remote Assistance by checking the box for Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer, and click Apply and OK.

For advanced settings, click Advanced to adjust how long the Remote Assistance invitation remains active and enable control for the helper during the session. Ensure Windows Firewall allows Remote Assistance by checking under Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall, confirming that Remote Assistance is checked for both Private and Public networks.

Steps to Send a Remote Assistance Invitation

After enabling Remote Assistance, invite someone to help you by pressing the Windows key, typing "Remote Assistance," and selecting Invite someone to connect to your PC and help you. Choose from the invitation options: save as a file to send manually, use email to send the invitation automatically if compatible, or use Easy Connect for a streamlined process.

After selecting an option, create a password that the helper will need to connect to your computer, then send the invitation file or password to them.