Should you share a tab, a window or your whole screen?
Share a browser tab for a web workflow, an application window for a document or desktop tool, and a full display only when the demonstration needs several applications. Share the smallest area that lets the guest follow the task.
Browser tab: for websites and product demos
A tab keeps the audience focused on one web page or application. It is a useful starting point for a software demo, prototype review or browser-based report.
A new tab or separate popup may not appear in the shared view. Test login flows, payment popups and any action that opens a new window before presenting. Tab audio availability depends on the browser.
Application window: for proposals and presentations
Choose a window when the content lives in a desktop application. Move the relevant document into that window and close other documents that could be selected accidentally.
Menus, dialogs and presentation modes can behave differently across operating systems. Ask a test viewer to confirm they can see the material you intend to present.
Entire screen: for moving between applications
A full display lets viewers follow transitions between applications. It also exposes anything visible on that display, including notifications, desktop files and messages.
Use a dedicated display or clean desktop, disable notifications and remove private material before sharing. If you need to find a password or private document, stop sharing first.
Check audio and readability
Microphone audio and system audio are different sources. Sharing a window does not guarantee that viewers will hear a video playing inside it. Test the browser’s audio-sharing option with the actual content.
Increase document zoom and ask whether text is legible. A very large display scaled down to a small guest screen can make an otherwise clear presentation hard to read.