Comparing IT Remote Assistance Options for Windows

A range of technologies are available for IT admins to assist remote Windows users by accessing their PC. Most of these capabilities require licensing for at least one paid service or the Configuration Manager (CM) software. 

Quick Assist, a free application available from Microsoft, can also be used in lieu of the new Intune Remote Help feature. Quick Assist uses the same technology stack and was the foundation of Remote Help. However, Quick Assist does not offer elevated access, critical for when a remote admin needs to install or remove software or drivers, or perform many configuration tasks in Windows or applications. Quick Assist also does not offer RBAC integration or auditing, and it cannot be integrated into the Intune console; it must be launched by the remote user.

While Microsoft Teams offers a level of remote control that works over the Internet, it is intended for users to collaborate on work, does not integrate with Microsoft management tooling, and requires separate licensing that not all organizations can depend on being present.