Troubleshooting muted audio when sharing screen

The issue is that as soon as a user (either a host or participant) starts sharing their screen, their audio no longer works and they cannot be heard in the meeting. Typically, this is accompanied by the audio button being “grayed out,” and they are not able to turn it back on. The issue stops as soon as they stop sharing their screen.

If you are encountering muted audio when sharing a screen, follow these steps to troubleshoot the issue.

Notes:

• This issue doesn’t happen in every meeting—only certain ones.
• It doesn’t always apply to everyone in the meeting—it is happening only to select people.

This article covers:

• How to troubleshoot muted audio when sharing screen
  • Uninstall and then reinstall the Zoom client or app
  • Deselect Share tab audio when screen sharing on the Zoom web client
  • Select Share sound on when screen sharing on the Zoom client
  • Understand the limitation for Zoom for Chrome PWA
  • General troubleshooting
  • Contact Zoom Support

How to troubleshoot muted audio when sharing screen

Uninstall and then reinstall the Zoom client or app

1. Uninstall Zoom from your device.
2. Restart the device and your WiFi or internet modem (or the unit you have for the internet).
3. Once Zoom is completely removed and uninstalled from your device, download Zoom from our download center.
4. Reinstall Zoom on your device.
   Note: If your processor is 64-bit, download and install the 64-bit version of the Zoom client.

Deselect Share tab audio when screen sharing on the Zoom web client

1. Start or join meetings and webinars on the Zoom web client.
2. In the meeting toolbar, click Share Screen to share your screen.
   A pop-up window will appear.
3. In the pop-up window, click the Chrome Tab tab. 
4. In the bottom-left corner, deselect the Share tab audio checkbox.
5. Select the screen you want to share, then click Share.

When the Share tab audio checkbox is deselected, it will not mute you when you share the screen.

Select Share sound on when screen sharing on the Zoom client

Understand the limitation for Zoom for Chrome PWA

If you are using Chrome PWA, this issue is by design and is a constraint of Zoom for Chrome PWA.

As a workaround, use the web client (browser) if you want to share your screen with the microphone initiated, or use a different device such as a computer with Windows or Mac operating systems.

Learn more about using Zoom for Chrome PWA.

General troubleshooting

• Check if there are any active antivirus or VPN that could be blocking the item, then disable it.
• Clear cache and cookies in your device or in your browser. Removing information stored in cache and cookies may help resolve a variety of issues when using other Zoom features.
• Troubleshoot Zoom audio issues.
• Check if there are Windows or OS software updates available, and update to the latest version of Zoom.
• Relaunch Zoom and run a test meeting. During the meeting, share your screen.
  • During the test meeting, ensure that:
    • You are unmuted when you speak [click Unmute].
    • When you click Share Screen, you also click Share Sound.

Contact Zoom Support

If you are still experiencing issues with muted audio when screen sharing, submit a request to Zoom Support for troubleshooting assistance.