How-to
How to share your screen on Zoom (desktop, phone, and one window)
Last reviewed: By Cluesfinders Editorial Team
Sharing your screen on Zoom is one click once you know where to look — but there are a few choices that make the difference between a clean presentation and an awkward one. Here is how to share on a computer and on your phone, how to share just one window, what to do when Zoom will not let you share, and how to keep it looking professional.
Disclosure: Cluesfinders is an independent affiliate of E-STAGE and may earn a commission if you sign up through our links, at no extra cost to you. That relationship does not change the facts we report about other platforms.
What you can share on Zoom, at a glance
| Whole screen | One window | Advanced | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it shows | Everything on your desktop | Just one app or document | A portion of the screen, or computer audio only |
| Best for | Switching between many apps | A single deck or demo | Playing a video, or hiding the rest |
| Privacy | Notifications can pop up | Other apps stay hidden | Most control over what shows |
Reflects Zoom as of September 2026.
How to share your screen on a computer
This is the main way, and it works the same in a meeting or a webinar.
- In the meeting, click the green Share (or Share Screen) button in the toolbar.
- Choose what to share: your whole Screen, a single window, or a document.
- To play sound, check Share Sound; for video, check Optimize for video clip.
- Click the blue Share button to start.
- Click the red Stop Share button when you are done.
How to share just one window
Instead of your whole screen, pick the specific application window in the Share menu. Only that app is shown — everything else, including notifications and other tabs, stays hidden. It is the cleaner, safer default for most presentations.
How to share your screen on your phone
- In the meeting controls, tap Share Content, then Screen.
- On iPhone or iPad, tap Start Broadcast and wait for the countdown.
- On Android, confirm the Start now prompt.
- Tap Stop Share (or stop the broadcast) when you finish.
How to share if you are not the host
By default only the host can share. If you are a participant and the Share button does nothing, the host has to allow it: they click the arrow next to Share Screen, open Advanced Sharing Options, and let multiple or all participants share. Then you share like anyone else.
Why Zoom will not let you share your screen
- You are not the host and the host has restricted sharing to themselves.
- Screen sharing is turned off in the account settings (a host or admin can enable it).
- On a Mac, Zoom may need screen-recording permission in System Settings the first time.
Make your screen share look professional
- Close notifications, chat, and email so nothing pops up mid-share.
- Share one window, not your whole desktop, to keep private things hidden.
- Increase font size and zoom so people on phones can read it.
- Move deliberately and pause on important screens so people can follow.
Presenting often? Do it under your brand
A clean screen share is good; a session that looks like your business is better. See how white-label virtual meeting rooms put your brand on the whole experience, not just the slides.
Explore white-label virtual meeting roomsCluesfinders is an independent affiliate of E-STAGE and may earn a commission from links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Why won’t Zoom let me share my screen?
Usually because you are not the host and sharing is restricted to the host, or screen sharing is disabled in settings. The host can allow it from the arrow next to Share Screen, under Advanced Sharing Options.
How do I share my screen on Zoom if I am not the host?
The host has to enable participant screen sharing first. Once they do, you click the green Share button and pick what to show, just like the host.
How do I share just one window instead of my whole screen?
In the Share menu, select the specific app window rather than Screen. Only that window is shown, which hides everything else and looks cleaner.
How do I share my screen on Zoom on my phone?
Tap Share Content, then Screen. On iPhone or iPad tap Start Broadcast; on Android confirm Start now. Stop the broadcast when you are finished.