Slack Technologies introduced Slack in 2013 as a collaboration platform. It offers numerous convenient features, including instant messaging, audio and video calls, group chats, file sharing, screen sharing, and more.
But Slack has some issues besides its handy features like any other digital platform. While using Slack video calls, being unable to share your screen is one of them.
Last week I was in a Slack video conference and needed to share my screen with my team members. Unfortunately, I was unable to share my device screen. So I researched to solve this annoying issue and found some working solutions.
If you can also not share your device screen in Slack video calls, keep reading this well-investigated article to resolve this issue.
How to Fix Slack Screen Sharing not Working?
Several reasons can prevent you from sharing your device screen. Such as an outdated version of the Slack application, both people in the call don’t have the same app version, backdated OS version, or inappropriate screen recording settings on your device.
The screen sharing feature is a blessing for people who are working remotely. You can use this feature to share your ideas or your project progress without sending your files.
Sometimes Slack fails to share your device’s screen for various reasons, as I mentioned earlier. Let’s follow the below fixes to terminate this frustrating issue without further discussion.
Here are the steps to fix Slack screen sharing not working:
For Mac
The Slack app is available in every popular operating system, including the macOS. If you are facing the Slack screen sharing issue as a Mac user, you can solve the problem by following the fixes below.
Here are the methods to solve Slack screen sharing not working on Mac:
1. Turn on Screen Recording on Mac
On the latest macOS version, screen recording is turned off by default. This setting can strict you from sharing your Slack app screen.
However, you can turn on the feature manually with a few simple steps.
Here are the steps to turn on screen recording on Mac:
- Navigate to System Preference from the Apple Icon.
- Select Security & Privacy.
- Switch to the Privacy tab.
- Select Screen Recording from the left menu.
- Unlock the feature using your Mac password.
- Check the Slack app.
You have turned on the screen recording for Slack on your Mac. Now you can start sharing your Slack screen without any error.
2. Restart Slack
Restarting Slack can solve the issue created by a faulty launch of the program. You can simply quit the application from the apps menu in the menu bar. You can follow the steps below when you need to force stop the application.
Here are the methods to restart Slack:
- Press Option, Command, and Esc (Escape) keys together.
- Select the Slack app from the Force Quit Applications window.
- Click on the Force Quit.
After closing the program perfectly, open the program again from the app menu. If the problem persists, try restarting your Mac.
3. Restart Mac
Restarting your device can resolve most problems caused by bugs, temporary files, or corrupted data. A simple restart of your Mac can fix your Slack screen sharing not working issue.
Here are the steps to restart your Mac:
- Click on the Apple Icon from the top left corner.
- Select Restart.
After restarting your Mac, relaunch the Slack application and enjoy the screen sharing feature simultaneously.
For Windows
The majority of Slack users use the Slack desktop application designed for Windows operating system. Regular Windows users also claimed their Slack screen sharing is not working while using the Desktop application.
If you are a Windows user and facing the same issue, the below fixes will help you to terminate your problem.
Here are the methods to solve Slack screen sharing not working on Windows:
1. Update Slack and Your Windows
Updating your Slack app to the latest version can eliminate any issues caused by bugs and old files. You can easily update Slack with a few steps.
Here is the process of updating Slack:
- Open Slack from the Start menu.
- Click on the three lines from the top left corner.
- Go to Help.
- Click on Check for updates.
If there is any update available, Slack will start downloading the update. When your Slack is already updated to the latest version, you will see a message; You’re all good.
Sometimes, an outdated Windows version can lead you to this annoying problem. You can quickly update your Windows by following the below methods.
Here is the process of updating Windows:
- Right-click on the Windows button and navigate to Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Select Windows Update from the left menu.
- Click on Check for updates.
It will automatically start updating your Windows to the newest version. Now check if this update terminates your problem.
2. Disable Background Apps
Several background apps can be responsible for screen sharing not working problems. You can end all the background processes to solve this issue.
Here are the steps to disable background apps:
- Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl, Shift, and Esc keys together.
- Select the app from the Processes tab.
- Click on the End task.
You can disable all the unwanted apps from the Task Manager. Disabling background apps will help to resolve the Slack screen sharing not working issue.
3. Tweak the Window Focus
Changing Windows focus from the main Slack window to the call window can efficiently resolve this frustrating issue.
Here are the methods to change the Window focus:
- Click on the Share button while in a call.
- Wait for the spinning circle to be visible on the screen.
- Select the main Slack app to move the focus and wait at least 3 seconds.
- Move the focus to the call window now.
Following these steps can help you make all your windows visible when you share the screen via Slack.
4. Restart Slack
You can try restarting your Sack app from Task Manager or closing it from the system tray. Restarting the Slack app can fix issues caused by the inappropriate launching of the application.
Here is the process to close and relaunch Slack:
- Navigate to Task Manager by pressing Ctrl, Shift, and Esc keys together.
- Select the Slack app from the Processes tab.
- Click on the End task to close Slack.
Relaunch the Slack app from the Start menu and check if this fix solves your issue.
5. Restart Windows
Restarting Windows is an excellent solution for most problems created by corrupted data or temporary files.
Here are the steps to restart your Windows:
- Click on the Start menu from the bottom left corner.
- Select Power.
- Click on Restart from the three options.
Now open the Slack app again and enjoy the best Slack experience without issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Slack screen blank?
Your Slack screen can show blank because of an outdated version of the Slack desktop application; a corrupted cache file is another culprit. To fix this issue, update your Slack to the latest version and clear your app data and cache.
How do I turn on share screen in Slack?
You need to join a video call to turn on screen share in Slack. You will find a Share Screen icon at the bottom of the call window; turning it on will start sharing your device screen.
Can you present screen on Slack?
You can share your present screen on Slack by turning on the screen share feature while connected to a call. Free plan users can share the screen in a DM with a maximum of one person. But paid plan users can share with up to fourteen people.
A Final Thought
Slack is fully loaded with numerous handy features. It offers screen sharing while in a video call with a single person or a group of people. This feature is very beneficial for collaborating with your remote working teams.
Nevertheless, Slack users face problems sharing their device screens with others. Throughout the article, I have shared my expertise in resolving this bothersome problem.
I hope you have solved your Slack screen sharing not working issue after going through the article. If you are still in the dark, don’t forget to mention your queries in the comment below.
