Knowing how to share your screen is pretty straightforward. In AONMeetings, like most platforms, you just hit the "Share Screen" button and pick what you want to show. But mastering this simple action is what separates a frustrating virtual meeting from a productive one.
It’s a fundamental skill for making things clear, whether you're walking a client through a proposal or hashing out a project with your team.
Why Getting Screen Sharing Right Is a Game-Changer
Let's be honest, screen sharing isn't just a button—it’s the centerpiece of modern digital teamwork. When you do it well, you turn a long, confusing explanation into a "show, don't tell" moment that everyone instantly gets.
This is huge when you’re demoing new software, co-editing a document in real-time, or running a training session. A smooth share keeps everyone on the same page. A clunky one just creates chaos.
The first real decision you have to make is what to share: your entire desktop or just one specific window. They each have their place.
Choosing the Right Screen Share Option
Deciding what to show your audience is a strategic choice. Here's a quick guide to help you pick the right option for any scenario, making sure you show exactly what you need to—and nothing you don't.
| Sharing Mode | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Entire Desktop | Demonstrations that involve switching between multiple apps (e.g., from a spreadsheet to a browser to a presentation). | Total Flexibility. Your audience sees your complete workflow, just as you do. |
| Single Application | Focused presentations, reviewing confidential documents, or any time you need to prevent distractions. | Privacy & Focus. Hides desktop clutter, notifications, and other open windows. |
Choosing the right mode isn't just about logistics; it’s about professionalism. No one needs to see that Slack notification from your friend or the 57 tabs you have open in your browser.
A clean, focused screen share tells your audience you're prepared and you respect their time. A messy one sends the opposite message, pulling focus from what really matters.
This feature is at the heart of a massive shift in how we work. The global video conferencing market, which was valued at USD 33.3 billion in 2025, is expected to explode to USD 86.3 billion by 2035, and screen sharing is a huge reason why.
Ultimately, knowing which option to pick is a core part of good virtual meeting best practices. It ensures you communicate clearly and professionally.
For a deeper look at how this feature can seriously boost your meeting productivity, check out our guide on the benefits of screen sharing during virtual meetings. Getting this foundational skill down will make all your virtual interactions more effective.
Sharing Your Screen in AONMeetings
Alright, let's walk through exactly how to get your screen shared in an AONMeetings session. It’s a pretty intuitive process, designed to get your content in front of your audience with just a couple of clicks.
It all starts in your main meeting window. Look for the control bar, which usually sits at the bottom. You’ll see a prominent green button labeled ‘Share Screen’. That's your launchpad. Clicking it brings up a new window where you'll decide precisely what your attendees see. This is the most critical part of the process, as it gives you full control over your presentation and protects your privacy.
Choosing What to Share
Once you click that share button, you'll be presented with a few options. This is where you tell the platform which part of your digital world you want to broadcast.
- Entire Screen: This is the full-access pass. It shows absolutely everything on your desktop. I find this most useful when I have to jump between multiple programs for a complex demo, like switching from a slide deck to a live website and then to a spreadsheet.
- Application Window: This is my go-to choice for most meetings. It lets you select one specific program—like just your PowerPoint presentation or a single browser window—and keeps everything else on your computer hidden. It’s the safest bet to avoid accidentally showing an incoming email notification or your messy desktop.
- AONMeetings Whiteboard: Need to brainstorm on the fly? This option turns your screen into a shared digital canvas where everyone can draw, type, and collaborate in real-time.
For about 90% of presentations, sticking with a specific Application Window is the best practice. It’s clean, professional, and keeps everyone focused. Once you start sharing, you'll notice a thin colored border around the window or application you’ve selected. This is a handy visual cue that constantly reminds you of exactly what your audience can see. No more "Can you see my screen?" uncertainty.
This simple diagram breaks down the pre-flight check you should run before even hitting that share button.
As you can see, a smooth share starts with preparation. Make sure your app is already open, your permissions are set, and your internet connection is solid.
The real secret is to be intentional. Don't just click 'Share' and hope for the best. Take a second to consciously choose what you want to show. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference in delivering a polished, distraction-free presentation.
If you want an even deeper dive into the specifics, our complete guide on how to share your screen in AONMeetings has all the details you could need.
Pro Tips for Advanced Screen Sharing
Okay, you've got the basics down. You can share your screen. But going from just showing your screen to truly engaging your audience requires a bit more finesse. These are the tools and techniques I use to keep people leaning in instead of zoning out.
Ever tried to play a video clip, only to be met with confused silence because no one could hear it? We’ve all been there. It’s an easy fix. Next time you start your share in AONMeetings, keep an eye out for a little checkbox that says "Share computer sound." Ticking that box makes a world of difference, piping any audio from your machine directly into the meeting so everyone hears it loud and clear.
Make Your Point with Annotations
Once you're sharing, your cursor isn't your only tool. AONMeetings has a whole annotation toolbar that lets you draw, highlight, and type right on top of whatever you’re showing. This is a game-changer for collaboration.
Think about it: instead of vaguely saying, "look at that part in the top right," you can literally circle the exact spot on a design mockup. You can underline key figures in a spreadsheet or jot down a quick note next to a paragraph in a document. It’s about guiding the conversation visually.
Using annotations turns a one-way presentation into a two-way workshop. You're not just talking at people; you're working with them. It pulls everyone onto the same page, which almost always leads to faster decisions and less confusion.
Switch Applications Like a Pro
Here's a common mistake that creates a really clunky experience: stopping your screen share just to switch to a different window. It completely breaks the flow of the meeting.
If you know you’ll need to jump between a few different programs—say, from a slide deck to a browser, and then to a Word doc—share your entire desktop from the get-go.
This little trick lets you move seamlessly between applications without ever interrupting what your audience sees. It makes your presentation feel polished and professional. The trends in screen sharing software show that this kind of fluid experience isn't just a nice-to-have anymore; it's what people expect.
Troubleshooting Common Screen Sharing Glitches
Let's be honest, even the most carefully planned presentation can be derailed by a technical glitch. It happens to everyone. The key is knowing how to fix common screen sharing problems quickly, so you can get your meeting back on track without losing your audience's attention.
One of the most common issues I see is the dreaded black or frozen screen. Your first instinct might be to blame the meeting software, but it’s almost always a local issue on your computer. Before you end the meeting in a panic, there are a few simple things you can check.
Resolving Common Visual and Audio Issues
First things first, check your permissions. Modern operating systems are pretty protective, and you often have to manually allow apps like AONMeetings to record your screen. A quick dive into your System Preferences or Settings is usually all it takes to fix this.
Next, take a look at what else your computer is doing. If you have 20 browser tabs open and a half-dozen other apps running in the background, your system's resources are being stretched thin. That can easily cause lag or freeze your shared screen.
Here's a quick mental checklist to run through:
- Close what you don't need: Shut down any programs that aren't critical for your presentation. Every little bit of memory helps.
- Update your graphics drivers: This is a classic culprit for visual bugs. An out-of-date driver can cause all sorts of strange behavior.
- Check your internet connection: A choppy, unstable connection is the natural enemy of smooth screen sharing.
Another frequent headache is playing a video only to be met with a wall of silence from your audience. Nine times out of ten, the fix is simple: you forgot to check the "Share computer sound" box when you started sharing. We've all done it!
The name of the game in troubleshooting is speed. You don't want a small hiccup to turn into a five-minute-long interruption. Having these quick fixes in your back pocket means you can solve the problem in seconds and keep your momentum going.
While we all face challenges with connectivity and security settings from time to time, the technology is constantly improving. Screen sharing is evolving from just showing a static slide to creating truly interactive sessions.
If you've tried these steps and are still stuck, we've got a more detailed guide that can help. Take a look at our solutions for when your https://aonmeetings.com/screen-sharing-not-working/.
Best Practices for a Flawless Presentation
Great screen sharing isn't just about the tech; it's about how you deliver your message. A truly polished presentation begins long before you even hit the "Share Screen" button. Think of it as setting your digital stage.
Before you start, take a minute to close out any unnecessary browser tabs and applications. It’s a simple but crucial step that stops distracting pop-up notifications in their tracks and keeps your private information, well, private.
Imagine you're walking a client through a critical proposal and a personal email notification pops up. It completely shatters the professional vibe. That's why sharing a single application window instead of your entire desktop is usually the way to go—it forces your audience to focus only on what you want them to see.
Guide Your Audience's Attention
Once you're sharing, your role shifts to that of a guide. Never assume your audience knows where to look on a busy screen. Your cursor is your best friend here. Use it as a laser pointer, moving it intentionally to highlight specific charts, figures, or text as you talk.
Verbally narrating your actions also keeps everyone on the same page. A simple, "Okay, now I'm opening the sales report for Q3," bridges any potential lag and ensures no one gets lost.
Speaking of lag, a stable connection is everything. To avoid choppy video or frustrating delays, you need to understand and optimize your internet speed for video calls. This ensures your audience sees your cursor movements and screen transitions exactly when you make them.
Finally, set some ground rules for engagement right at the start. If you want people to use annotation tools or if you plan to pass control to someone else, explain how it will work before you dive in.
Setting expectations for participation turns a passive viewing experience into an active collaboration. It ensures that when others contribute, it enhances the presentation rather than derailing it with unexpected drawings or clicks.
These small habits are what separate an amateur screen share from a professional one. They help you command the virtual room, keep distractions to a minimum, and make sure your message lands with clarity and impact.
Common Questions About Screen Sharing
Even with the best instructions, you're bound to run into specific questions right when you're in the middle of a meeting. Here are some quick, real-world answers to the questions we hear most often about sharing your screen in AONMeetings.
Can I Really Share My Screen From a Phone or Tablet?
You absolutely can. We designed AONMeetings to work just as well on mobile as it does on your desktop. Whether you're using an iOS or Android device, just tap the 'Share Content' button in your meeting controls.
From there, you can choose what to show everyone—your entire screen, a specific document you have open, or even a photo from your camera roll.
One quick tip: Before you join the meeting, make sure you've given the AONMeetings app permission to record your screen in your device's settings. Doing this ahead of time makes the whole process smooth and avoids any last-minute scrambling.
Screen Sharing vs. Screen Mirroring—Aren't They the Same Thing?
This is a great question, and it's easy to get them mixed up. While they sound similar, they're built for completely different situations.
Think of screen sharing as a presentation tool for remote collaboration. You're broadcasting a specific app or your entire desktop to people who aren't in the room with you. It's interactive and perfect for walking a team through a report or a software demo online.
Screen mirroring, on the other hand, is all about local display. It's when you duplicate your phone or laptop screen onto a nearby TV or projector. It’s for when you want everyone in the same physical room to see what’s on your device.
The simple way to remember it: Sharing is for presenting to an online audience. Mirroring is for showing your screen to a local audience.
How Do I Stop Sharing When I'm Done?
Ending your screen share is simple. As soon as you start sharing, a small control bar will appear on your screen, usually floating at the top or bottom.
All you have to do is find the big red 'Stop Share' button on that bar and click it.
Your screen will instantly stop broadcasting, and the meeting will pop back to its normal video grid for everyone. It's always a good habit to give a quick heads-up before you click, something like, "Okay, I'm going to stop sharing my screen now" helps keep everyone on the same page.
Ready to make every presentation seamless and professional? AONMeetings provides an intuitive, browser-based platform with powerful screen sharing, annotation, and collaboration tools. Start your free trial today.
