How to help a family member with their computer remotely

The first time, ideally while you're on the phone with them, you'll both install RemoteAccessApp. After that, helping takes a single click on your side and a single click on theirs. Here's what you need:

• Their PC running Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit), connected to the internet.
• RemoteAccessApp on your own Windows or Linux PC. Neither of you needs an account.
• Their agreement. RemoteAccessApp is only for PCs you own or have permission to access.

Your relative installs RemoteAccessApp and reads you the 8-digit code on its Home screen. You type it in, their screen asks whether to allow you, and once they click Allow you can see and control their screen. A banner stays on their screen the whole time, so they always know you're there. Their PC is then kept in your Recent PCs, so next time you can reconnect without a new code.

Nothing on their router needs changing: their PC connects out to RemoteAccessApp by itself, so it works on any ordinary home internet connection.

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   Step 1: Have them download RemoteAccessApp

   On their PC, they open remoteaccessapp.com/download and run RemoteAccessApp-Setup. It installs just for them, so Windows won't ask for an administrator password. If a blue "Windows protected your PC" box appears, see what the SmartScreen warning means now that the app is code-signed.

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   Step 2: Install it on your PC too

   Same download on your own PC. There's nothing to sign in to: it opens straight to Home.

1. 1

   Step 1: They read you their code

   They open RemoteAccessApp. On Home, under This PC's code, there's an 8-digit code like 4829 1530. They read it to you. The code works once, and how to help someone with a one-time code covers it in more detail.

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   Step 2: You connect

   Type the code under Connect to a PC on your Home and click Connect. Next time, just click their PC in Recent PCs. It needs to be switched on and online.

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   Step 3: They click Allow

   Their PC shows Allow remote access? with your console's name and the message "They'll be able to see your screen and control this PC. Only allow it if you're expecting it." They click Allow. If nobody answers, the request is denied automatically after a short countdown.

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   Step 4: Fix things together

   You see their screen and can use their mouse and keyboard. Use the chat to explain what you're doing. When you're done, disconnect.

This matters for trust, especially with older relatives who have heard about remote access scams.

• Nothing is shown to you until they click Allow.
• A remote session banner stays on their screen for as long as you're connected, with a chat button.
• They can switch off mouse and keyboard control at any time, which makes your session view-only.
• They can end the session with one click on the banner, or quit RemoteAccessApp from its tray icon.
• Sessions aren't recorded, and from the Console they're end-to-end encrypted.

• Sort out printer settings, email, updates or a stubborn app while they watch.
• Open PowerShell or Command Prompt on their PC from the Console, to check or fix something quickly.
• Look at running processes, services and the Event Log with Windows tools in the Console.
• Show them how to do it themselves next time: they can see everything you do.
• Make the screen easier to read with Windows' own settings. Our guide to helping a parent with low vision lists which ones to try first.
• Help them find and check their files when they move to a new Windows 11 PC, one screen at a time.

Commands and control only work while "Allow remote control" is on at their PC, so switching you to view-only stops those too. Drag-and-drop file transfer and clipboard sync are free with an account; the PC's sound is part of Pro. There are more ideas in 7 ways to help your family with their computer.

Recent PCs live on your computer. If you'd like their PC on your phone or in any browser too, sign in (free) and your Recent PCs come with you. To add their PC to your account, choose Add a PC on your dashboard and have them type the 6-digit setup code under Set up this PC. Then you can help family with their PC from your phone when you're out.

If you often look after a relative's PC, for example to install updates overnight, they can turn on unattended access so your console can connect without them clicking Allow. It's their decision and it's made on their PC: they tick "connect without asking next time" when they allow you, and turn on Unattended access in RemoteAccessApp. The banner still shows during every session. For most family help, leaving it off and having them click Allow is the simplest and safest choice. See how to set up unattended access safely if you do want it.