How to Help Someone with Their Computer Issues Remotely

How to Help Someone with Their Computer Issues Remotely

 

You might not work in IT, but if you know how to use technology, you might have found yourself in the position of “go to” for techie help for a co-worker, friend or family member.

No matter who it is, if they need help with something that might happen multiple times, it’s worth it to spend a couple of minutes video-capturing your computer or phone screen so they’ll always have an example of what to do. Tools such as Loom and others listed here allow you to do this.

But if this is an oddity, anomaly or one-time scenario, it might be easier and faster to access their computer from your location and help them work through the issue.

Here are a few resources to access other computers remotely:

AnyDesk – If you need to help others often, it might be worth it to you to purchase this service.

Quick Assist – This is a free tool from Microsoft.

 

In my case, one of my family members in a different state needed help with his computer. He’s elderly and can’t necessarily see everything on his screen nor understand screenshots or video captures. He also doesn’t know how to share his screen during a Zoom call. I didn’t want him duped by scam websites that offer to help and then steal all the information on your computer, so I used Quick Assist.

 

If you need more details, here’s what AI summarized when I Googled the title of this blog:

“To help someone remotely with their computer issues, you can use a remote access tool like TeamViewer, Chrome Remote Desktop, or the built-in “Remote Assistance” feature on Windows, which allows you to see and control their screen to troubleshoot problems, guide them through steps, or directly fix the issue depending on the level of access granted.

Key steps:

  • Choose a remote access tool:

Select a software that works well for both your and the other person’s operating system, such as TeamViewer, Chrome Remote Desktop (if they use Google Chrome), or the native “Remote Assistance” on Windows.

  • Install the software:

The person needing help needs to download and install the remote access tool on their computer.

  • Generate access code:

Once installed, the person will usually be given a unique access code or PIN that you will need to connect.

  • Initiate the connection:

On your computer, open the remote access software, enter the provided code, and establish a connection.

  • Guide them through troubleshooting:
  • Ask questions: Clearly understand the issue by asking questions about what they are seeing on their screen and when the problem occurs.
  • Explain steps: Guide them through the necessary steps to resolve the issue, providing clear instructions.
  • Screen sharing: Use the screen sharing feature to visually demonstrate what they need to do.
  • Remote control (if needed):

If necessary, request permission to take full control of their mouse and keyboard to perform actions directly on their computer.

Important considerations:

  • Security:

Always ensure that the person you are helping understands that you are accessing their computer and that you are trustworthy.

  • Permissions:

Be mindful of the level of access you need and only request the necessary permissions to resolve the issue.

  • Basic troubleshooting:

Before initiating a remote session, try to gather basic information about the problem, like error messages, recent software updates, or hardware changes.”

 

 

 

 

For more tips on how to create time to help others (without falling behind on your own tasks), check out The Inefficiency Assassin: Time Management Tactics for Working Smarter, Not Longer.

Improved time management

About Helene Segura, M.A. Ed., CPO®

As The Inefficiency Assassin™, Time Management Fixer Helene Segura empowers professionals on the go with the tools to slay lost time. Personal inefficiency at work leads to increased stress levels, lower morale, higher absenteeism, more turnover – and rising spending on employee health care and hiring. Why not improve productivity, decrease stress levels, and increase profits instead?The author of four books – two of which were Amazon best-sellers – Helene Segura has been the featured organization expert in more than 200 media interviews. She has coached hundreds of clients to productivity success and performance improvement by applying neuroscience and behavioral modification techniques to wipe out destructive, time-wasting habits.Helene turns time management on its head by sharing both client case studies and pop culture examples to teach her mind-bending framework for decreasing interruptions, distractions and procrastination so that companies can spend more time generating revenue.

Leave a Comment