Screen sharing can be one of the most valuable tools when collaborating with colleagues. This technology allows you to quickly and easily share whatever is on your computer screen with others with the click of a button, allowing for easy and effective collaboration.
However, screen sharing can be prone to hiccups, making it difficult to use. This blog post will look at some of the most common screen-sharing problems and how to fix them.
Screen Sharing Issues
1. Screen Freezes
One of the most common screen-sharing problems is that the shared screen will freeze. This is often caused by a slow connection or insufficient bandwidth, as the needed data isn’t transmitted quickly enough to display in real time. The freeze can take multiple forms, from minor blips to a quick freeze, where the entire screen freezes at once.
If you’re experiencing screen freezes, the first recommendation is to ensure both parties have a connection with the highest bandwidth possible. For example, ensure both parties use a reliable Wi-Fi connection or have switched to a LAN connection. It’s also essential to ensure that any software or applications that could be slurping up your connection’s bandwidth are closed or paused.
2. Screen Flickering
In some cases, the shared screen might start flickering or flashing. Usually, this is caused by a slow connection or insufficient bandwidth, sticking to the same recommendations as the frozen shared screen above. However, the flickering or flashing isn’t always caused by a slow connection or insufficient bandwidth, so it’s worth trying other troubleshooting steps.
One of the first steps is ensuring both parties are running the latest version of their screen-sharing software. Outdated versions can cause issues like flickering, so ensuring you’re running the newest version is a good starting point. It’s also worth ensuring both computers are optimized for screen sharing by closing all unnecessary applications and pausing any data-heavy processes that could lag your connection.
3. Screen Color Problems
Another common issue with screen sharing is that colors can be distorted or saturated on the shared screen. Various factors, including mismatched color profiles, video compression issues, or outdated video drivers, can cause this.
The first step is to ensure that both computers’ color profiles match up. You can do this by providing you with the same color settings, with up-to-date color profiles. It’s also worth ensuring that any video compression is turned off, as condensation can cause color issues. Finally, if you think the problem might be related to outdated video drivers, it’s worth considering updating them on both computers.
4. Audio Issues
The most common audio issue with screen sharing is distorted or choppy sound coming from the shared screen. Poor reception from the microphone, an inadequate sound card, or an outdated audio driver can all be responsible for challenging issues.
If you’re experiencing audio issues when screen sharing, one of the first steps is ensuring the microphone on both sides receives sound. It’s also a good idea to make sure both sound cards, if they are external, are compatible with the software you’re using. It’s also worth double-checking that the audio drivers on both computers are up-to-date and that the audio settings for the software you’re using are optimized for screen sharing.
5. Shared Screen Cuts Out
Sometimes, it might seem like the shared screen has been cut off from the rest of the conversation. This could be due to various issues, from high latency to computers running out of resources.
A high latency connection is the most common cause of the shared screen cutting out. In this situation, the best solution is to move to a relationship with a lower latency, such as a wired connection. It’s also worth considering whether either computer is running out of resources, as this can cause disconnects mid-screen share. If either computer struggles to keep up, the best option is to close any unnecessary applications or suspend data-heavy processes.
Conclusion
Screen sharing is an invaluable collaboration tool but can be prone to problems. This blog post has looked at some of the most common screen-sharing issues and how to fix them. From frozen screens to distorted audio, it’s essential to understand the potential problems that come with screen sharing to ensure you’re best prepared to handle them. This article is provided by the tech team at Host Merchant Services, the top-rated merchant services provider, to assist with remote troubleshooting of point of sale systems like Bonsai point of sale.
