Quick information is a built-in Windows tool that lets someone else see and control your screen remotely

Quick information is a program that comes with Windows 10 and Windows 11. It lets you share control of your computer with another person over the internet so they can help you fix a problem, show you how to do something, or troubleshoot an issue together. The person helping you sees exactly what is on your screen and can move your mouse and type on your keyboard — but only while you are watching and have given permission.

You do not need to install anything or pay for it. The tool is already on your computer. When you need help, you start Quick information, generate a code, and send that code to the person helping you. They enter the code into their own Quick information window, and the connection opens. You stay in control the whole time and can end the session when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Quick information comes built into Windows 10 and Windows 11 and requires no installation or payment.
  • The person being helped generates a code and shares it with the helper, who then connects remotely to see and control the screen.
  • You can watch everything the helper does and end the session at any moment.
  • Quick information works best for one-time help with a specific problem, not for ongoing remote access to your computer.

How to start a Quick information session

Open the Start menu and type "Quick information" into the search box. Click the Quick information icon when it appears. The program will open and show you two options: "Give information" or "Get information." Click "Get information" because you are the one asking for help.

Windows will ask you to sign in with your Microsoft account. If you do not have one, you can create one for free using any email address. Once you are signed in, Quick information will generate a nine-digit code. This code is unique and changes every time you start a new session. Write it down or read it aloud to the person helping you.

The helper will open Quick information on their own computer, click "Give information," sign in with their Microsoft account, and type your nine-digit code into the box. Once they enter the code, you will see a prompt asking if you want to allow them to view your screen. Click "Yes" and the connection opens.

What the helper can and cannot do

Once connected, the helper can see everything on your screen in real time. They can move your mouse, click buttons, type text, and open programs — essentially doing anything you could do with your keyboard and mouse. However, they cannot access your files directly, install software without your permission, or do anything after you end the session.

The helper cannot see your passwords unless you type them while they are watching. They cannot access files stored in folders you do not show them. If they need to restart your computer or make changes that require administrator permission, Windows will ask you to approve those actions. You are always the gatekeeper.

When Quick information is useful and when it is not

Quick information works well for one-time help: a family member walking you through how to change a setting, a friend helping you troubleshoot why your printer is not working, or a tech support person showing you how to fix a specific error. It is fast to set up and requires no technical knowledge from either person.

Quick information is not designed for ongoing remote access. If you need someone to check on your computer regularly, manage it while you are away, or access it from multiple locations, you would want a different tool like Chrome Remote Desktop or TeamViewer. Quick information sessions also disconnect if either person closes the program or if the internet connection drops, so it is not reliable for long jobs.

Security and privacy with Quick information

The nine-digit code expires after ten minutes if nobody uses it. This means if you generate a code and do not share it right away, you will need to generate a new one. The code is also one-time only — once the helper connects, that code stops working, so you cannot accidentally give the same code to someone else later.

The connection between your computer and the helper's computer is encrypted, which means the data traveling between them is scrambled and cannot be read by someone listening in. However, Quick information does require both people to have a Microsoft account and an internet connection. If either person loses internet during the session, the connection closes when ready.

Troubleshooting common Quick information problems

If Quick information will not open, make sure you are using Windows 10 or Windows 11. The tool does not exist on older versions of Windows like Windows 7 or Windows 8. If you are on the right version and it still will not start, restart your computer and try again.

If the helper enters your code but the connection does not go through, the code may have expired. Codes last only ten minutes, so generate a new one and send it when ready. If you are both signed in but still cannot connect, check that both computers have working internet connections. Restart Quick information on both sides and try once more.

If the helper can see your screen but cannot move the mouse or type, you may not have clicked "Yes" when Windows asked for permission. Look for a dialog box on your screen asking to confirm the connection and click "Yes."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone use Quick information to spy on me without my knowledge?

No. You have to start Quick information yourself, generate the code, and share it with them. They cannot connect without that code. You also see a notification on your screen the moment they connect, and you can end the session when ready by closing the program.

Do I need to pay for Quick information?

No. Quick information is included with Windows 10 and Windows 11 at no cost. Both people need a free Microsoft account to use it, but the tool itself is free.

What if I do not have a Microsoft account?

You can create one for free using any email address. Go to account.microsoft.com and click "Create one." You will need the account to sign into Quick information, but you only have to set it up once.

Can the helper see my passwords?

Only if you type them while they are watching your screen. If you need to enter a password, you can ask them to look away or end the session while you type it in privately.

What happens if the internet cuts out during a session?

The connection closes when ready and you will both be disconnected. You would need to generate a new code and start over once the internet is back.