How to help someone on a Linux PC with a one-time code

They need RemoteAccessApp for Linux installed (the Agent comes in it): the .deb on Ubuntu, Debian or Mint, or the .tar.gz elsewhere, from the download page. The install guide has the steps. They don't need to set the computer up or sign in for a help code. X11 and Wayland desktops both work; on Wayland the desktop also asks them once to approve screen sharing: they turn on Allow Remote Interaction and click Share.

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   Step 1: They open their code

   They open RemoteAccessApp: the code is on Home, under This PC's code. It's also under Get help (one-time code) in their app menu and Get help… in the Agent's tray icon menu.

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   Step 2: They read you the code

   It's 8 digits, like 4829 1530. It works once, and a new one appears after each session and every 10 minutes. The refresh button makes a fresh one straight away.

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   Step 3: You type the code

   In RemoteAccessApp on Windows or Linux, type it under Connect to a PC on Home and choose Connect. No account needed. On the website, sign in and use Help someone on your dashboard. If you're on Linux yourself, the same Console can also control a Windows PC from Linux.

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   Step 4: They click Allow

   Their PC asks them to allow you, with your name. The session opens when they click Allow.

• You see their screen and can use their mouse and keyboard. A banner on their screen says who is helping, with an End button.
• Your mouse and keyboard can't reach that banner, the End button or any RemoteAccessApp window. Only they can.
• A code works once. To connect again later, use Recent PCs in your RemoteAccessApp: they're asked to Allow again.
• Files can't be copied either way in a help session. To transfer files to and from a Linux PC, set it up in an account and use an ordinary session; file transfer is free with an account.

Any of these ends the session straight away:

• End on the banner.
• Pressing Ctrl+Alt+Shift+E, whatever window is open (on X11 desktops).
• On GNOME, Stop sharing on the screen-sharing icon in the top bar.

Their PC isn't added to your account. Your app keeps it in Recent PCs, so next time you can reconnect without a new code; they still click Allow. If you help them often, you can instead set their PC up in your account and use unattended access, with their agreement. Then you can connect and unlock the PC even when nobody's there: see Linux remote desktop that keeps working when the screen locks.

Their Linux PC then sits in the same Devices list as any Windows PCs you look after, opened the same way. The post one app for your Windows and Linux PCs shows how a mixed home or office fits in one account.

Nothing. Help codes are free for everyone, on every plan, and the person getting help doesn't need an account. More in the help article on one-time codes. Windows PCs use the same 8-digit codes: see help someone with a one-time code.