Why does Skype lag? Why Skype lags Demo doesn't work: what to do

I haven’t written anything “human” for a long time, intended not only for those who work on websites, but the topic of Skype is quite general, many people use it. No matter what we say about the program, no matter how much we swear that it often freezes and slows down the operation of the operating system, in some cases Skype is irreplaceable. And this valuable feature is screen sharing on Skype, for which the developers can be forgiven for all other flaws.

Recently, a girl named Maria wrote a comment on an article about creating access to documents on Google Drive about a problem she had. My offer to go on Skype was accepted instantly, and together we began to investigate why people with editor rights could not edit the file. It is impossible to blindly understand whether access is configured correctly and whether it is granted to the right accounts (I mean Google accounts). Screen sharing on Skype allows you to see everything with your own eyes. We did not immediately discover the cause of the problem: it was in the settings of each page of the document. Some had a lock at the bottom. The author made the necessary adjustments to the settings that interfere with running a business.

But there are other reactions to an invitation to Skype. One friend transferred his site to WordPress and was clearly at a loss, since this CMS is not as simple as some people write. It can take a lot of time for a beginner to understand the nuances of the engine on his own. At the stage of creating a website, you can afford this luxury, but when it is working, you need to quickly put everything in order. She called out to go on Skype, explaining that you can show the screen on it, and together we will see what went wrong. The person did not have Skype; he had never used it and had no intention of using it.

These two little stories prompted me to write again about Skype, which provides many opportunities (creating chats, conducting audio and video conferencing, calling in the browser, recording voice with an installed add-on, taking pictures, etc.), and in addition to this, screen sharing is an effective tool for conducting various consultations. The function is available (active) during a call.

How to start screen sharing on Skype

In versions of Skype at the time of writing (2016), you can start screen sharing in the top menu under the “Calls” tab.

Then another window will open, in which you need to click the “Start” button, after selecting the screen or window you want to show to your interlocutor.

An arrow will appear in the upper right corner of the interface, with which you can expand what is being shown via Skype to full screen.

The demonstration is turned off in the same order, using the “Stop” button or ending the conversation.

How to share the screen in the new version of skype 8.27

In 2018, Skype was updated radically. According to my subjective feelings, the program began to work much faster. The interface has also changed, but screen sharing on Skype is still available. The function turns on, as it was, when there is a call. The menu differs depending on the operating system version. The screenshots were taken in Windows 10 and 8. In the second picture, a plus sign was unfortunately hidden under the menu. This is exactly what is needed to bring up the menu.

How to enable screen sharing on Skype, what it even is, and why this option evokes awe in most people - we’ll talk about this in our article right now.

Some time ago, many professionals had to explain complex instructions, presentations and diagrams using only text and voice communication (that is, practically “on their fingers”), because they simply had no other options. It is clear that this state of affairs could have a negative impact on both the quality of training and work efficiency. Now everything is completely different.

How to screen share on Skype?

In order for everything to work, you need to do the following:

1. How to disable screen sharing in Skype? In order to stop the live broadcast, just click “Stop broadcast”.

Another life hack - you can give access to a specific window, and not to all pages of the desktop. Click on the item at the top (as in the screenshot), select “Share window” from the options. Ready!

How to screen share on Skype with sound?

You will be able to broadcast your desktop and at the same time talk and comment on something. However, keep in mind that Skype works in single-channel mode - that is, it cannot simultaneously transmit sound from both the microphone and the computer.

How to screen share on Skype?

You don’t need to make any special efforts for this - if you act as a spectator, the corresponding picture will simply appear in front of you on the display. Watch attentively.

If suddenly a problem occurs, and - study our recommendations in the thematic article.

Common problems with screen sharing on Skype

Let's look at the most common situations when broadcasts cause difficulties:

1. Nothing has started. This means that the “live broadcast” options are inactive. Remember that for a successful transfer you need to make a voice or video call.
2. No video signal. It is highly advisable to update the messenger to the latest version.
3. It “appears” to you, but not to your interlocutor. We advise you to do the same as in the previous paragraph - remove the outdated version of the application and update.
4. Skype crashes when sharing the screen. This is most likely due to poor internet. Make sure the signal speed is strong enough and does not interrupt. In addition, it would be a good idea to close all programs that you do not need at the moment and interfere with your work.

Why is it sometimes impossible to share the screen with another party?

1. He has an “invisible” status;
2. He didn't get in touch.
3. You don't have a Skype Premium subscription, but you're going to broadcast to several users.
4. You forgot to turn off the video call before starting the demo.
5. Terrible internet connection quality.

In our other article we tell you why this might be needed at all.

Finally, let’s summarize the undeniable advantages of this messenger option:

1. It is free for one person (although the Premium package will already be paid, it is worth the money if you require the display function for an audience of several people as part of your job).
2. The ability to conduct business negotiations remotely.
3. Simplicity and ease of use.
4. If you master this function, you can arrange unforgettable surprises and congratulations for your family and friends if you prepare everything in advance.

The Skype client has long gained popularity among users, because its capabilities are almost limitless: the software allows you to exchange text messages, make voice calls, communicate via video, call mobile and landline numbers, send each other various multimedia content, and also take advantage of all the benefits of the function "Screen demonstration". However, as with any software, glitches occur in the software, there can be a lot of reasons why Skype lags.

We will look at the most common problems and offer proven solutions.

Why is Skype glitching?

The first and most popular reason that an application starts to slow down is low device productivity. In its detailed system requirements, Skype clearly sets certain standards for its correct functioning, and if you do not adhere to them, you should not expect quick responses and the absence of “glitches” from the program.

When faced with any application freezing, you should first check your Internet speed. This can be done using special software or online services. If Skype freezes when calling a specific subscriber, then advise your interlocutor to check the connection as well.

In the program settings you can also find out whether the current speed is sufficient for sending text messages or calls:

1. Select the name of the desired contact.
2. Click on the “Communication Quality Data” button.
3. Go to the "Connection" tab.
4. Click on the “Check” icon and wait for the results.

If you are sure that Skype is not freezing due to low Internet speed, try resetting the program settings - this also sometimes helps:

• Close Skype.
• Enable the display of hidden folders on your PC.
• Open the AppData section.
• Find the folder with the program name and rename it.
• Try opening the messenger again.

After restarting, Skype will create a new folder and all old settings will be reset. Attention: along with the previous parameters, the entire correspondence history will disappear. If you want to save it, then copy the main.db file and add it to a new system folder.

Having considered the most basic causes of problems, we came to the one that worries users the most - the “braking” of video during a conversation. If you are sure that this problem is not related to the connection speed, then you can try to correct the situation as follows:

1. Open your router settings.
2. Go to the "Firewall" tab.
3. Select the "Custom Applications" section.
4. When setting up a new connection, you should select the TCP protocol.
5. Set the value range to 57283.
6. Don't forget to save your changes.

After this operation all problems disappear. Users note that such problems are mainly typical for Skype 5 and higher. This is due to the fact that the application transmits video through multiple ports, regardless of whether they are closed or open.