Quick Assist is asking for a passkey

Question

I am trying to use Quick Assist. I am using my outlook email and it is asking for a passkey and won't let me create one

Answer 1

Hello. Are you signed in with a personal Microsoft account or a work/school account?

Quick Assist works only with a personal Microsoft account.

Sign in with the same Microsoft account used for Windows.

You do not create a passkey; Quick Assist generates a code automatically when giving or receiving help.

If it still asks, confirm your account type and sign-in match.

Answer 2

Quick Assist itself does not use or require a passkey. It uses a time-limited security code generated by the helper inside the Quick Assist app.

To use Quick Assist, ignore any passkey flow and follow these steps instead:

1. On both PCs (helper and sharer), open Quick Assist:
   • Type Quick Assist in Windows search and press Enter, or
   • Press Ctrl + Windows + Q, or
   • Windows 10: Start > Windows Accessories > Quick Assist.
   • Windows 11: Start > All apps > Quick Assist.
2. On the helper PC, in the Help someone section, select Help someone and sign in with the Microsoft account (Outlook email) if prompted.
3. Quick Assist will generate a time-limited security code.
4. Share this code with the other person (phone, chat, etc.).
5. On the sharer PC, enter the code in Security code from assistant under Get help, then select Submit.
6. The sharer selects Allow to start screen sharing.
7. If the helper needs control, select Request control and the sharer selects Allow.

If a “passkey” prompt is appearing, it is likely coming from a separate Microsoft account/passkey sign-in flow, not from Quick Assist. Close that window and start Quick Assist directly as above, using the security code method.

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References:

• Use Quick Assist to help users
• Signing in with a passkey
• Support for passkeys in Windows