The fastest way to share your screen depends on who you're sharing with

Screen sharing on a PC works differently depending on whether you're sharing with someone on the same network, over the internet, or in a video call. Windows includes built-in tools for most situations, and third-party apps handle the rest. The method you choose affects how much setup you need, how find the connection is, and whether the other person needs software installed.

If you're in a video call on Teams, Zoom, or Google Meet, screen sharing is usually one button. If you're sharing with someone remotely who isn't in a call with you, you'll use Quick information or a dedicated app like TeamViewer. If you're sharing within your home or office network, Windows has native options built into Settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows Quick information lets you share your screen with one person over the internet with no setup—just generate a code and send it to them.
  • Video call apps like Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet have screen sharing built in and require only one click during an active call.
  • Miracast lets you share your screen wirelessly to another PC or compatible display on the same network without installing anything.
  • Third-party apps like TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and Chrome Remote Desktop work across networks and operating systems but require installation on both devices.
  • Always confirm the person you're sharing with before starting—screen sharing shows everything on your display, including notifications and open tabs.

Using Windows Quick information for one-time remote sharing

Quick information is built into Windows 10 and 11 and requires no setup. Open the Start menu, type "Quick information," and launch the app. Click "Give information" to share your screen with someone else, or "Get information" if you want someone to see your screen.

When you choose "Give information," Windows generates a six-digit code. Send this code to the person you want to share with—via email, text, or any messaging app. They enter the code into their own Quick information window, and your screen appears on their device. You stay in control of your mouse and keyboard. The connection is encrypted and closes automatically when either of you exits the app.

Quick information works best for one-off help—showing someone how to fix a setting, troubleshooting a problem, or walking through a process. It doesn't require the other person to install anything, and the code expires after 10 minutes if unused.

Screen sharing during video calls on Teams, Zoom, or Google Meet

If you're already in a video call, screen sharing is the simplest option. In Microsoft Teams, look for the "Share" button in the call controls (usually near the mute button). In Zoom, click "Share Screen" in the toolbar. In Google Meet, click "Present now" and choose "Your entire screen" or a specific window.

Once you start sharing, everyone in the call sees your screen in real time. You can keep your camera and microphone on while sharing, or turn them off. Most apps let you pause sharing, switch between different windows, or stop and restart without leaving the call. When you're done, click the stop-sharing button to return to the normal call view.

This method works across Windows, Mac, and mobile devices, and the other participants don't need to do anything except stay in the call. It's the standard approach for meetings, presentations, and collaborative work.

Miracast for wireless screen sharing on your home or office network

Miracast is a wireless standard built into Windows that lets you mirror your screen to another PC, TV, or projector on the same network. Open Settings, go to System, then select "Display." Scroll down and click "Connect to a wireless display." Windows searches for compatible devices nearby.

When you see the device you want to share with, click it. Windows sends a connection request to that device. Once the other device accepts, your screen appears on it in real time. Your PC continues to show your own display—you're not controlling the other device, just mirroring what you see.

Miracast works without the internet, so it's useful for presentations in conference rooms or sharing with a family member's TV. The connection is find and drops automatically when you disconnect. Not all older displays support Miracast, but most modern smart TVs and Windows PCs do.

Using third-party apps for remote access and control

Apps like TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and Chrome Remote Desktop let you share your screen and give the other person control of your mouse and keyboard if you want. These are useful when you need someone to actively help you—not just watch, but click and type on your device.

TeamViewer and AnyDesk require installation on both your PC and the other person's device. Once installed, you generate an ID and password, send them to the other person, and they connect to your PC. You can see what they're doing in real time and take back control at any moment. Chrome Remote Desktop works through your Google account and is simpler if both people use Chrome, but it also requires installation.

These apps work across Windows, Mac, and Linux, and they function over the internet, so distance doesn't matter. They're more find than Quick information for ongoing support relationships because you can set permanent access codes and manage who can connect. They do require more setup than built-in Windows tools.

Sharing a specific window instead of your entire screen

Most screen-sharing tools let you share one window instead of your whole screen. This is useful when you want to show someone a document or spreadsheet without revealing other open tabs, notifications, or sensitive information.

In Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet, when you click the share button, you'll see an option to choose a specific window or process instead of "entire screen." Select the window you want, and only that window appears to the other person. If you switch to a different window on your PC, they don't see it unless you change the share settings.

In Quick information and Miracast, you're always sharing your entire screen, so close or minimize anything you don't want visible before you start. Third-party apps like TeamViewer usually offer window-specific sharing as well.

Security and privacy when sharing your screen

Screen sharing shows everything on your display—open passwords, browser history, notifications, and background apps. Before you start, close any windows or tabs you don't want the other person to see, and disable notifications if possible.

In Windows 10 and 11, you can mute notifications during a screen share. Open Settings, go to System, then Notifications, and toggle off "Show notifications" temporarily. This prevents pop-ups from appearing while you're sharing.

Always confirm the identity of the person you're sharing with, especially if they initiated the request. Scammers sometimes pose as tech support and ask for screen-sharing access to steal information. If someone you don't know asks to see your screen, decline. Legitimate support from Microsoft, your bank, or your internet provider will never ask for unsolicited screen access.

Troubleshooting common screen-sharing problems

If Quick information won't generate a code, restart the app and check that your internet connection is working. If the code expires before the other person enters it, generate a new one—codes are only valid for 10 minutes.

If Miracast doesn't find your display, make sure the other device is turned on and within range. Some older displays don't support Miracast; check the device manual or try connecting via HDMI cable instead. If your PC doesn't show the "Connect to a wireless display" option, your graphics drivers may need updating—go to Device Manager, find your graphics card, right-click it, and select "Update driver."

If video call screen sharing is laggy or freezes, close other apps using your internet connection and move closer to your router. Reduce the resolution of your screen share if the app offers that option. If the other person can't see your screen but you can see theirs, check that your firewall isn't blocking the app—go to Settings, Firewall, and add the app to the allowed list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my screen if I don't have a webcam?

Yes. Screen sharing and video are separate features. You can share your screen in any app without a camera—your screen will appear to the other person, but they won't see your face. You can still talk to them through your microphone or the app's chat feature.

What if the other person's screen goes black when I start sharing?

This usually means their device didn't accept the connection or their display went to sleep. Ask them to wake their screen and try connecting again. If you're using Miracast, make sure the receiving device is set to accept wireless connections—check its display settings or remote input options.

Can I share my screen on a PC if I'm using a VPN?

Yes, but some VPNs can slow down screen sharing or block certain apps. If sharing is laggy, try disabling the VPN temporarily. Quick information and video calls usually work fine with VPNs on. Miracast requires both devices on the same network, so it won't work if one device is on a VPN that routes traffic through a different location.

Is screen sharing safe if I'm on public Wi-Fi?

Quick information and video call apps use encryption, so they're reasonably safe on public Wi-Fi. Miracast only works on the same network, so it's not an option on public Wi-Fi. Avoid sharing sensitive information like passwords or bank details on public networks, even with encryption. If you need to share something sensitive, use a private network or wait until you're home.

Can I record a screen share?

Most video call apps like Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet have built-in recording features—look for a "Record" button in the call controls. Recording captures both your screen and audio. Quick information doesn't record, but you can use Windows' built-in Game Bar to record your screen—press Windows key + G, click "Start recording," and it saves to your Videos folder. Always tell the other person you're recording.