$ ssh-agent --connect client@remote --os auto-detect

Remote Hands

Secure, session-based screen sharing across Windows, macOS, Linux, and iOS. Your client generates a one-time code — you connect, help, and disconnect. No persistent access, no stored credentials.

How It Works

Three steps from request to resolution.

1

Client Picks a Tool

They select their operating system below, choose a remote support tool, and follow the steps to generate a one-time session code or ID.

2

Code Is Shared

The client reads the code or ID to you — by phone, chat, or email. The code is valid only for the duration of that session.

3

Connect & Resolve

You enter the code in your copy of the tool and connect. The client closes the app to end the session and revoke access instantly.

Microsoft Quick Assist

Recommended — No Download

Already on every Windows 10 and 11 machine. No installation, no account for the person being helped.

  1. 1 Press Win + Ctrl + Q, or open Start and search Quick Assist.
  2. 2 Click "Get help" in the Quick Assist window.
  3. 3 Sign in with a Microsoft account if prompted (the helper, not you, needs the account).
  4. 4 A 6-character security code appears on your screen — valid for 10 minutes.
  5. 5 Share this code with your technician.
Launch Quick Assist

Opens Quick Assist directly on Windows.

AnyDesk

Alternative — Fast & Lightweight

A single portable .exe — runs without installation. Close it to end the session instantly.

  1. 1 Download and run AnyDesk (no installation required).
  2. 2 Your 9-digit AnyDesk address appears at the top of the window.
  3. 3 Share this number with your technician.
  4. 4 Click "Accept" when the incoming connection request appears.
Download AnyDesk for Windows

TeamViewer QuickSupport

Alternative

Portable app, no installation needed. Provides a session ID and one-time password that expire when you close the app.

  1. 1 Download TeamViewer QuickSupport and run it.
  2. 2 Note your ID and the temporary password shown in the window.
  3. 3 Share both with your technician.
  4. 4 The session closes automatically when you exit the app.
Download QuickSupport for Windows

AnyDesk

Recommended

Lightweight macOS app with a simple session address. Grant Screen Recording permission in System Settings once and you're set.

  1. 1 Download AnyDesk for Mac and drag it to Applications.
  2. 2 Open AnyDesk — your AnyDesk address appears at the top of the window.
  3. 3 Share this address with your technician.
  4. 4 When prompted, open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Screen Recording and enable AnyDesk.
  5. 5 Click "Accept" when the connection request arrives.
Download AnyDesk for macOS

TeamViewer QuickSupport

Alternative

No installation required. Provides a session ID and one-time password that expire when the app is closed.

  1. 1 Download TeamViewer QuickSupport for Mac and open it.
  2. 2 Grant Screen Recording permission in System Settings if prompted.
  3. 3 Note your ID and temporary password.
  4. 4 Share both with your technician.
Download QuickSupport for macOS

Chrome Remote Desktop

Browser-Based

No dedicated app — uses the Chrome browser and a small extension. Works if Chrome is already installed.

  1. 1 Open Chrome and visit remotedesktop.google.com/support.
  2. 2 Install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension if prompted.
  3. 3 Click "Generate Code".
  4. 4 Share the 12-digit one-time code with your technician.
  5. 5 The code expires after 5 minutes of inactivity.
Open Chrome Remote Desktop

Requires Google Chrome and a Google account.

AnyDesk

Recommended

Available for Ubuntu/Debian, Fedora/RHEL, openSUSE, and Arch. Lightweight and requires no ongoing account.

  1. 1 Install AnyDesk using your distribution's package manager (see AnyDesk download page for the repo setup command).
  2. 2 Launch AnyDesk — your AnyDesk address appears at the top.
  3. 3 Share this address with your technician.
  4. 4 Click "Accept" when the connection request appears.
AnyDesk for Linux — Download & Install Guide

Supports .deb, .rpm, and binary.

TeamViewer

Alternative

Offers .deb and .rpm packages. Full desktop control. Provides a persistent ID and one-time session password.

  1. 1 Download the appropriate package (.deb for Debian/Ubuntu, .rpm for Fedora/RHEL).
  2. 2 Install: sudo dpkg -i teamviewer_*.deb or sudo rpm -i teamviewer_*.rpm.
  3. 3 Launch TeamViewer — note your ID and password.
  4. 4 Share both with your technician.
Download TeamViewer for Linux

Chrome Remote Desktop

Browser-Based

Works on any Linux distribution with Google Chrome installed. No separate app to install.

  1. 1 Open Chrome and go to remotedesktop.google.com/support.
  2. 2 Install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension if prompted.
  3. 3 Click "Generate Code" and share the 12-digit code with your technician.
Open Chrome Remote Desktop

Requires Google Chrome.

Apple platform restrictions limit remote sessions to screen observation (view only). You can guide your client verbally while watching their screen in real time.

TeamViewer QuickSupport

Recommended for iOS

Free App Store app. Lets your technician view your screen and guide you through any issue in real time.

  1. 1 Download TeamViewer QuickSupport from the App Store.
  2. 2 Open the app — your 9-digit session ID is shown at the top.
  3. 3 Share this ID with your technician.
  4. 4 Tap "Start Broadcast" when prompted and allow screen recording.
  5. 5 Your technician will be able to see your screen and annotate it.
TeamViewer QuickSupport — App Store

Free download, no account required for the client.

AnyDesk

Alternative

Available on the App Store. Uses the same session address system as the desktop version.

  1. 1 Download AnyDesk from the App Store.
  2. 2 Open the app — your AnyDesk address is displayed.
  3. 3 Share this address with your technician.
  4. 4 Tap "Accept" when the connection request appears.
  5. 5 Follow the on-screen prompts to allow screen broadcast.
AnyDesk — App Store

Common Questions

Everything clients and technicians ask before the first session.

What is Microsoft Quick Assist?

Microsoft Quick Assist is a free remote support tool built into Windows 10 and 11. A technician can view or control a client's screen using a one-time 6-character code. No download or installation is needed on the client side — press Win + Ctrl + Q to open it directly.

Do I need to create an account to receive remote support?

No. The person receiving help does not need an account for Quick Assist, AnyDesk, or TeamViewer QuickSupport. You launch the app, share your session code or ID with your technician, and the session begins immediately.

How do I end a remote support session?

Close the remote support application. For Quick Assist click End or press X. For AnyDesk or TeamViewer, close the app window. Your technician is immediately disconnected and cannot reconnect without a new session code.

Is remote desktop support safe?

Yes, when using reputable tools with session codes. All codes are one-time use and expire when the session ends. You can see everything the technician does on your screen in real time and end the session instantly by closing the app.

What remote support tools work on a Mac?

AnyDesk, TeamViewer QuickSupport, and Chrome Remote Desktop all work on macOS. AnyDesk is the most lightweight — download it, open it, share your AnyDesk address with your technician, then grant Screen Recording permission in System Settings when prompted.

Can I get remote support on an iPhone or iPad?

Yes, with limitations. Apple iOS restricts remote support apps to screen observation only — your technician can see your screen but cannot control it. Use TeamViewer QuickSupport or AnyDesk from the App Store. Your technician views your screen in real time and guides you verbally.

What if Quick Assist is not on my Windows computer?

Quick Assist is pre-installed on Windows 10 version 1903 and later, and all Windows 11 versions. If it is missing, open the Microsoft Store and search Quick Assist to install it free. Alternatively, use AnyDesk or TeamViewer QuickSupport which only need a small file download — no installation required.

What is the best free remote desktop support tool?

For Windows users, Microsoft Quick Assist is the best free option — it requires no download and is already built into the OS. For cross-platform support (Mac, Linux, iOS), AnyDesk offers the most lightweight experience. All tools listed on this page are free for personal and support use.

Session Security

Every session is temporary and fully under the client's control.

One-Time Codes

Every session code or password is generated fresh. Old codes cannot be reused after the session ends.

Client Ends the Session

The client closes the app to immediately revoke all access. The technician cannot reconnect without a new code.

Transparent Access

The client can see everything the technician does on screen. No hidden activity — the session is fully visible.

Session Timeouts

Quick Assist codes expire after 10 minutes if unused. Other tools auto-expire passwords when the app is closed.