CrossLoop is a free remote assistance software program that allows you to remotely access another user’s computer from your own computer, over the Internet. Using CrossLoop, you can help another user to solve their computer problem, by controlling their computer from your own. The user in need of some help, or the “Needy-User”, shares their screen with you, the “Helper”, and allows the you to control their computer’s mouse movements, as if you were physically in front of the Needy-User’s computer. This way, instead of spending a lot of time instructing the Needy-User on how to solve their computer issue, you can just fix it for them.
Overview of How CrossLoop Works
CrossLoop is an easy-to-use alternative to the Remote Assistance tool in Windows, because it requires no additional work by either user, other than for both sides to start the CrossLoop program and for the Needy-User to giving an Access Code to the Helper (likely through phone or email). The Access Code ensures a secure connection. Neither modifying firewall settings, or changing router settings, is needed as CrossLoop is able to establish a connection on its own, saving a lot of time and trouble, since the Needy-User is likely not an expert on firewall or router settings.
Both the Helper and the Needy-User will need to have CrossLoop installed on their computers to proceed.
Signing up for an account is not necessary, but it is free to sign up for an account if you do.
The Needy-User will need to pass along an Access Code to the Helper, in order for the two computers to be connected. Once connected, the Helper can control the Needy-User’s mouse movements, and thus control the Needy-User’s computer, until one of the sides ends the session.
Detailed Step-By-Step Instructions for CrossLoop
The same procedure can be followed every time you need to help another person via CrossLoop.
- Both users start the CrossLoop remote assistance software program.
- Users then can either login with their CrossLoop account email and password, or they can skip the login if they don’t have a CrossLoop account. You don’t need an account to use CrossLoop.
- Both users will then need to connect using CrossLoop.
a. The Needy-User will need to click on the grey “Share” tab. There will be a 12-digit “Access Code” there that will need to be passed along to the Helper, for example, by phone, email, Skype, or instant-message.
b. The Helper will need to click on the green “Access” tab, if it is not already displayed. The 12-digit “Access Code” from the Needy-User will need to be entered here, in the “Access Code” blank space.
- When the Helper has the Access Code and is ready, then both users can click on the green “Connect” button in the bottom right corner of the CrossLoop program.
- For the Needy-User, CrossLoop will then ask if they want to allow the Helper to be able to control the mouse on their computer. Once the Needy-User clicks to allow this, then the two computers will be connected and the Helper will be able to control the Needy-User’s computer. The Helper can then proceed to fix whatever problems the Needy-User is having with their computer.
- When finished, in the CrossLoop software window, either user can click disconnect to end the session, then close the program.
Why CrossLoop Is Useful
CrossLoop can be a free, quick, and simple way to help fix the computer problems of a parent, friend, or relative who is not very knowledgeable with computers, and may be in another city or country. Or they simply have a computer issue that you know how to solve, but it would take too much time or trouble to walk another person through the instructions to fix it.
Used in combination with a service such as Skype, which you can use to exchange the Access Code or to exchange information on the issue to speed up the process, CrossLoop can be a hassle-free way to help someone else with their computer problems.