Differences between remote assistance and Remote Desktop

Although their names are similar and all involve connections to remote computers, Remote Desktop and remote assistance are used differently.

Use Remote Desktop to remotely access a computer from another computer. For example, you can use Remote Desktop to connect to a work computer from home. You can access all your programs, files, and network resources as if you were sitting in front of your work computer. When you are connected, the remote computer screen will be blank for anyone who views it remotely.

Use Remote Assistance to provide remote assistance or receive assistance. For example, a friend or technical support staff can access your computer to help you solve computer problems or demonstrate how to perform certain operations for you. You can also use the same method to help others. In both cases, you and others can see the same computer screen. If you decide to share control over your computer with your helper, both of you can control the mouse pointer.

Differences between remote assistance and Remote Desktop