Share Your Screen in a Zoom Meeting

1. Starting the Screen Share

  1. At the bottom of your Zoom meeting window, in the main toolbar, click the green Share Screen icon.Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)
  2. A new window will pop up. This window shows you all the available content you can share from your computer.

2. Choosing What to Share (The Most Important Step)

You have two main choices: you can share your entire screen (everything you see) or you can share just one specific window.

Method A: Sharing a Single Application Window (Recommended)

This is the safest and most professional way to share content. It ensures that your audience only sees the specific application you choose, such as your PowerPoint or web browser.

  1. In the share window, you will see all the individual applications you currently have open.
  2. Click on the application you want to share (e.g., your PowerPoint presentation). It will be highlighted with a blue border.
  3. Click the blue Share button in the bottom-right corner. 
  4. Benefit: If you receive an email notification or switch to another program, your audience will not see it. They will only see the application you selected to share.

Method B: Sharing Your Entire Screen / Desktop

This option shows your participants everything that is on your monitor, exactly as you see it.

  1. In the share window, the first option will be labeled Screen or Desktop. Click on it.
  2. Click the blue Share button.
  3. Use with Caution: This method is useful if you need to switch between multiple applications during your presentation. However, be aware that everything on your screen will be visible, including:
    • Desktop icons and background
    • Email or chat notifications that pop up
    • Any other open windows

3. Special Sharing Options

At the bottom of the share window, there are two important options for sharing video and audio content:

  • Share sound: Check this box if you are going to play a video or an audio file. This ensures your participants will hear the computer's audio.
  • Optimize for video clip: Check this box along with "Share sound" if you are sharing a full-motion video. It will make the playback smoother for your audience.
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