This article describes methods to visually share content on your computer during a meeting in Microsoft Teams.

Sharing your Screen

Sharing your screen is used when you have multiple documents that you may have to share with other individuals during the meeting. It simplifies the navigation process between the shared items while in the meeting. 

Be wary of what you have on your screen, however, when using this method. If it is visible on your screen, then it is possible that other users might be able to view it as you navigate between documents. To protect sensitive information from being viewed by others, make sure any non-relevant windows are minimized or closed (preferred) before sharing.

In addition, if you share your screen and are sharing a document within teams on the screen, then it is possible that users will see themselves, causing an unpleasant viewing experience.

These are the steps to share your screen.

1. Open the file in its own window (browser or application, not in Teams), preferably before the meeting. This enables you to minimize Teams and prevent the users from having the disconcerting experience of seeing themselves on your screen.
2. To open a file located in a team
   
   1. Click on the ellipsis next to the item in Teams, or right click on the item in Teams.
   2. Mouse over Open.

      

   3. If you do not see Open, which can occur for some non-Microsoft extensions and images, then you choose Open in SharePoint. This will open the SharePoint site in a browser. From there, you can open the file.
   4. Choose Open in app or Open in browser. You can set a default method by clicking on Change default.

      

3. In Teams meeting, click on the Share Content icon.

   

4. Select Screen.

   

5. Select the screen you want to share.
6. Minimize Teams and any other non-relevant information while you are sharing your entire screen.

Sharing a window

Sharing a window limits the content that individuals in the meeting can view. It shares only the window selected. It is useful if you have a variety of materials in the background, but only want to share one thing. If you have multiple documents to share, then navigating between content using this method can be a challenge.

These are the steps to share your window.

1. Open the file in its own window (browser or application, not in Teams), preferably before the meeting.
2. To open a file located in a team
   
   1. Click on the ellipsis next to the item in Teams, or right click on the item in Teams.
   2. Mouse over Open.

      

   3. If you do not see Open, which can occur for some non-Microsoft extensions and images, then you choose Open in SharePoint. This will open the SharePoint site in a browser. From there, you can open the file.
   4. Choose Open in app or Open in browser. You can set a default method by clicking on Change default.

      

3. In Teams meeting, click on the Share Content icon.

   

4. Select Window.

    

5. Select the file you want to share.