Disable Remote Assistance in Windows

The ‘Remote Assistance’ function in Windows allows someone to take control of your computer over the Internet. This function is intended to allow someone (like Tech Support or a Systems Administrator) to fix problems on your computer from a remote location, but it creates a security vulnerability if it is left on (it is on by default, so turn it off).

To turn off remote assistance in Windows, go to the control panel and (1) click on the “System and Security” category, (2) then click on “System”, and in the top left corner of your screen (3) click on “Remote Settings”, finally (4) make sure that the “Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer” is NOT checked.

If you legitimately need to let someone remotely access your computer you can always turn remote assistance back on, but since most home users never use remote assistance unless being targeted by a 'Tech Support Scam' it's a good idea to disable this function in Windows.