Are you looking for a straightforward remote assistance app? When you want to control another PC over the internet, it's important to find a program that's both reliable and intuitive.

That's what CloudBerry software for Windows remote assistance promises -- even better, it's completely free of charge. Let's take a look at this Windows-only tool and what it can do for you.

Install CloudBerry Remote Assistant

Get started by visiting the CloudBerry Remote Assistant page. Click the green Download button, enter your email address, and run the installer once it finishes downloading. The installer doesn't offer any complex options or extra junk, so you'll have it running in just a moment.

Click Next once installed to open the free license activation screen. On the download page, you'll see a code you must enter into the app to activate it. Paste that in, then choose Start Freeware.

CloudBerry Remote Assistant asks for a free activation code

Then, you'll need to decide how you want to use Remote Assistant. You have two choices: Control Remote Computer or Allow Remote Control. The first is for connecting to another machine, while the second allows another PC running Remote Assistant to connect to you. Don't worry; you can change the mode later.

Choosing to control a remote computer or allow remote control from another computer

Using CloudBerry Remote Assistant

No matter which mode you select, you'll have a similar window for the program. In Control Remote Computer mode, you'll see a box where you can enter the ID from another PC to connect to it. Appropriately, Allow Remote Control mode displays your ID and PIN to allow others to connect to you. Click the Pin icon to keep the Remote Assistant window always on top.

CloudBerry Remote Assistant interface

To switch between modes, just click the double arrow icon underneath the computer monitor icon on the left side of the window. Click the other option to switch modes instantly.

When in Allow Remote Control mode, you can also select an option for the person connecting to your computer. View Only will only let them see your screen when they connect; you'll need to give permission for them to take control. Full Control starts them off with the rights to control your computer. Thus, you should only use Full Control if you completely trust the other party.

If you prefer, instead of providing someone with your computer ID and PIN, you can click Send Invitation to generate a URL. When the other party opens it, they'll see a webpage that'll let them join your session with one button. Click Show advanced settings when creating an invitation to add an expiration date.

Entering an invitation link into Remote Assistant

Controlling a Remote PC

Make sure that the other party has Remote Assistant installed on their PC as well. If you're the one controlling, ask them for their user ID and PIN over text message, email, or similar. If you're the one being controlled, send that info so your partner can connect. Don't forget about the invite option if you'd rather.

By default, Remote Assistant does not use an encrypted connection. If you'd like to add another layer of security, click the lock icon in Allow Remote Control mode. Check the box that says Encrypt the incoming traffic and copy the long public key in the box below. Close the window, then provide that key to your partner -- they'll need it to connect securely. If you do this, your connection is encrypted and nobody can spy on it.

Encrypting incoming traffic with CloudBerry Remote Assistant

When the other party tries to connect to you, you'll see a notice. Click Show advanced settings and you can choose to share your entire screen or just one app. You can also automatically shut down your computer when the connection ends. The other user will then need to enter your encryption key if you've enabled it. Finally, enter the PIN and you'll get connected.

Remote Assistant Incoming Connection options

As the one being controlled, use the small toolbar at the bottom of your screen to interact. Click the eye icon to toggle between View Only and Full Control. Use the chat bubble to send the other person a text message, and click the microphone icon to unmute your mic. When you want to end the session, just click the X icon.

As the controller, you have a toolbar at the top of the screen with similar microphone muting and chat options. You can also switch between monitors (if applicable) and toggle view options. If the other party has given you control, you can do anything you'd do if you were physically in front of their PC. To ask for control, open the Menu and click Request full control.

CloudBerry Remote Assistant has built-in chat

Remote Assistant Options

Click the Menu button, then Options, to toggle a few preferences about how the program works.

Remote Assistant options

Here you can disable the prompt when a new computer connects to you. However, we don't recommend this, as you'd probably rather not have someone jump onto your PC uninvited. You can also choose to share a specific app by default if you don't want to share your whole PC.

A few other defaults live here, including expiration for invitations, level of access for controllers, and whether your audio is muted.

The last big feature of Remote Assistant is Unattended access. You'll find it in the Security tab of the options. Check the Allow unattended access box and click OK. Enabling this lets you connect to a remote PC without a random password. The benefit is that you can connect without anyone on the receiving PC -- great for accessing your home computer on the go. Note that you must enable encryption for this to work.

Remote Assistant security options

Once you've enabled this feature on the computer you want unattended access to, enter its ID on another PC. After you confirm the encryption key, you'll need to enter your PC password (that you use to log in normally) to connect. A PIN won't work, so make sure you know your actual password.

Ready to Get Connected With CloudBerry?

We've covered everything you need to know to use CloudBerry Remote Assistant. It's a solid remote connection app, and the free price tag (including commercial use) makes the deal even sweeter. Now you can connect to your machines from anywhere!

Will you try CloudBerry Remote Assistant? What uses do you have for remote connections? Drop your thoughts in a comment below!