How to Screen Share on Skype

Written by Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: January 21, 2022

This wikiHow teaches you how to show your computer's screen to a Skype recipient during an audio or video call. While you can do this on a Windows or Mac computer, you cannot share your screen on mobile.

Steps

1
Open Skype. Click the blue icon with a white "S" on it to open Skype. If you login credentials are saved, this will open your Skype home page.
- If you aren't logged in, enter your Skype email address (or phone number) and password to continue.
- If you're on Windows, make sure you're using the downloadable version of Skype—not the pre-installed Windows version.
2
Initiate a video or voice call. Select a recipient's name from the left-hand side of the Skype window, then click the video camera or telephone icon in the top-right side of the window. This will begin calling the recipient.
- You can share your screen while on audio calls and while on video calls.
- If your recipient calls you, click your preferred Answer button.
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3
Click +. It's at the bottom of the call window.
4
Click Share screens…. This option is in the middle of the pop-up menu. Clicking it brings up a window with additional options.
5
Select a screen to share. Click the screen you want to share with your recipient(s). If there's only one screen to share, you'll only see one screen listed.
- You can also click the Share your screen drop-down box at the top of the pop-up window and select Share a window to specify a window to share.
6
Click Start. It's at the bottom of the pop-up window.
7
Click Stop sharing to stop sharing your screen. This option will appear in a box in the upper-right corner of the screen by default, though you can move the box around the screen. Doing so will prompt your screen to stop displaying on the recipient's computer or mobile device.

Community Q&A

Question

If I share my screen, will they also gain control over my computer?

Community Answer

No. It only shows them visually your screen as you see it now - you maintain control of your computer.
Question

Can I share my screen when I did not originate the call?

Community Answer

No. The screen-sharing option appears only when a call is made; otherwise, you won't see it on screen.
Question

Can I share a Skype screen and see instant messages at the same time?

Community Answer

There is a button in the bottom right. Click it and you will see their instant messages.

Warnings

Be aware that Internet quality may cause your video call freeze momentarily.

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If you have the pre-installed Windows version of Skype, the Share screens option will not show up.

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