Can someone see your computer screen remotely?

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Maybe the cursor seemed to move on its own, or a caller asked you to open a program so they could "take a look". Someone can see your computer screen remotely, but on Windows and Mac it needs a remote access feature switched on, or an app you agreed to run. Here's how to check both, and what to do if you're unsure.

Quick answer

Yes, but it needs your computer's permission. On Windows, check Settings > System > Remote Desktop, and whether Quick Assist is open. On a Mac, check System Settings > General > Sharing for Screen Sharing and Remote Management. If you gave access to an unexpected caller, end the session, remove any app they had you install, and change your passwords.

How can someone see my screen remotely?

Through a sharing feature or a remote access app. Apple says that while your Mac's screen is shared, the other person sees what's on it and can open, move and close files and windows, open apps and even restart the Mac. Windows has Quick Assist and Remote Desktop, which give similar access when allowed.

The common route in is not technical. Microsoft and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) both describe scammers who phone, or show a fake warning on a website, and talk people into letting them connect. That's why the settings below matter, along with knowing what a real support call looks like.

How do I check Remote Desktop on Windows?

Remote Desktop lets another computer connect to yours and use it. Microsoft says the computer being connected to must run Windows Pro. It's worth checking whether it's switched on, especially if you didn't turn it on yourself.

  1. Select Start > Settings > System > Remote Desktop.
  2. See whether the Remote Desktop switch (Enable Remote Desktop on Windows 10) is on.
  3. To check your edition, go to Settings > System > About and look at Edition under Windows specifications.

If it's on and you don't know why, and the computer belongs to work, ask your IT team before changing it. On your own PC, our guide on how to see who logged into your computer shows how to read sign-in records.

What is Quick Assist, and can it be used without me knowing?

Quick Assist is Windows' built-in app for getting help from someone over the internet. Microsoft's steps show it needs you: you open it, type in a six-digit code from the helper, then select Allow before your screen is shared. The helper can only take full control if you approve that too.

  1. To end a session, select Leave.
  2. To take back control but keep sharing, select Cancel control.
  3. Only use it with someone you contacted first. Microsoft says to allow a helper to connect only if you started the conversation by contacting Microsoft Support directly.

You can open Quick Assist with Ctrl + Windows logo key + Q, so a caller may ask you to press those keys. If you didn't ask for help, don't.

How do I check screen sharing on a Mac?

Look in Sharing settings. A Mac has two ways for someone on your network to see and control the screen: Screen Sharing and Remote Management. Apple says you can't have both on at the same time, and when Screen Sharing is off, other computers on your network can't connect.

  1. Choose Apple menu > System Settings, click General in the sidebar, then click Sharing. You may need to scroll down.
  2. Check whether Screen Sharing or Remote Management is turned on.
  3. If you don't use Screen Sharing, turn it off.
  4. If Remote Management is on, click the info button next to it. Its options include "Always show Remote Management status in menu bar", which puts a status icon at the top of the screen.

On a work Mac, Remote Management may be set up by your employer. Choose Apple menu > System Settings > General > Device Management to see any configuration profiles installed, and ask IT if you're unsure.

Which apps are allowed to record my Mac's screen?

macOS keeps a list of apps allowed to record the screen. Apple says you decide which apps and websites can record your screen and audio. An app you don't recognise in that list is worth looking into.

  1. Choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Privacy & Security in the sidebar.
  2. Click Screen & System Audio Recording.
  3. Turn off recording for any app you don't use or don't recognise.

Apple also shows privacy indicators next to Control Centre in the menu bar: an orange dot when the microphone is in use, a green dot for the camera and a purple dot when system audio is being recorded.

What does a tech support scam look like?

It usually starts with a call, email or pop-up saying something is wrong with your computer. Microsoft says it doesn't make unsolicited phone calls or send unsolicited emails, and that its error messages never include a phone number. Warning signs include a website that goes full screen with pop-ups that won't close, and requests for payment in gift cards or cryptocurrency.

The NCSC's advice is short: if a caller says your computer is infected, often claiming to be from a company such as Microsoft, hang up and report the call to Report Fraud.

What should I do if I let someone access my computer?

Act calmly and in order. Microsoft's steps start with removing what the scammer installed, then securing the computer and your accounts.

  1. End the session. In Quick Assist, select Leave.
  2. Uninstall any app the caller asked you to install.
  3. Run a full scan with Windows Security, and install all updates. Microsoft says to consider resetting the device if you gave a scammer access.
  4. Change your passwords.
  5. If you've paid, contact your bank or card provider and report it to Report Fraud, as the NCSC advises.

Where Failshot fits

To be clear about its limits: Failshot does not detect remote access, screen sharing, hacking, malware, spyware or tracking. For those, use the settings and steps above.

It covers one different worry: someone sitting at your computer. With Failshot on, it photographs whoever unlocks your Mac or Windows PC, and the camera light shows each time it takes a photo. It doesn't take wrong-password photos at the Windows sign-in screen. Switching it off needs Touch ID on a Mac where available, or your own Failshot PIN plus your answer, never your computer password. Photos stay on your device, with optional email alerts. It's for your own devices only, out now for Mac, with Windows to follow.

Questions people also ask

Can someone see my screen without me knowing?

Windows Quick Assist needs you to enter a code and select Allow before your screen is shared. Remote Desktop and Mac Screen Sharing need to be switched on in settings. So check Settings > System > Remote Desktop on Windows, and System Settings > General > Sharing on a Mac.

How do I stop someone accessing my computer remotely?

Turn off what you don't use: Screen Sharing and Remote Management on a Mac, and Remote Desktop on Windows Pro. End any Quick Assist session with Leave, uninstall remote access apps you didn't choose, and change your passwords.

Does Microsoft ever call about a virus on my computer?

No. Microsoft says it doesn't make unsolicited phone calls or send unsolicited emails, and that its error and warning messages never include a phone number. If someone calls claiming to be Microsoft Support, Microsoft says to hang up.

What does the purple dot on my Mac mean?

Apple says a purple dot next to Control Centre in the menu bar means system audio is being recorded. An orange dot means the microphone is in use and a green dot means a camera is in use. Only one dot shows at a time.

Can my employer see my screen?

On a work computer, IT may have management tools set up. On a Mac, check System Settings > General > Device Management for installed profiles. If you're unsure what's set up, ask IT directly.

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