> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.talview.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Why is my screen share showing a black screen?

If your screen share is showing a black screen, blank display, or nothing is visible during your assessment, permission issues, source selection problems, or graphics settings may be preventing proper screen capture. A black screen means others can't see your desktop or applications, which can prevent proctoring verification.

This guide helps you troubleshoot black screen issues and ensure your screen share displays correctly.

## ✅ Common Causes and Fixes

| What might be wrong                                                                   | How to fix it                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
| :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | :-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Selected wrong screen or window to share                                              | When the screen sharing dialog appears, carefully select "Entire Screen" or your primary monitor (usually called "Screen 1" or "Display 1"), not "Application Window" or "Chrome Tab." If you selected a specific application that's minimized or closed, you'll see black. Click "Stop Sharing" and restart, selecting the correct entire screen option. |
| macOS screen recording permission not granted                                         | **Mac:** System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen Recording > check the box next to your browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge). Your browser must completely quit and restart after granting this permission. Without screen recording permission, macOS shows a black screen instead of your actual display for security reasons.                 |
| Hardware acceleration causing conflictsDisable hardware acceleration in your browser. | **Chrome/Edge:** `Settings > System > turn OFF "Use hardware acceleration when available" > restart browser. `<br />**Firefox:**`Settings > General > Performance > uncheck "Use hardware acceleration" > restart.`<br />Hardware acceleration can cause black screens with certain graphics cards or drivers.                                            |
| Sharing application window that's minimized                                           | If you selected a specific application window to share (not entire screen), that window must remain open and visible on your screen. <br />Minimizing it shows black. <br />Either maximize the application or switch to sharing your entire screen instead, which shows everything regardless of what's open.                                            |
| Multiple monitors with wrong monitor selected                                         | If you have multiple monitors, verify you're sharing the correct one. <br />When prompted, select the monitor where your test content is displayed. <br />If you selected your secondary monitor but your test is on the primary, viewers see black or a blank desktop. <br />Disconnect extra monitors if unsure which is which.                         |
| Browser doesn't have permission to capture specific window                            | Some operating systems require additional permissions to capture certain windows. **Mac:** System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen Recording must include your browser. **Windows:** Ensure no applications are blocking screen capture (some corporate security software prevents it). Try sharing entire screen instead of specific windows.      |

<Tip>
  **Additional tips:**

  * Always select "Entire Screen" when prompted during screen sharing, not "Application Window" or "Chrome Tab", entire screen is most reliable and shows everything
  * [**Test your screen share**](https://video-diagnostics.talview.org/) before your assessment by sharing your screen with a friend or family member to verify they can see your display correctly
  * If using multiple monitors, disable or disconnect secondary monitors before your test to avoid confusion about which screen to share
  * After granting any new permissions (especially on Mac), completely quit and restart your browser, permissions often don't take effect until the browser restarts
  * Close all video streaming services, media players, and any tabs playing video content before screen sharing DRM protection causes black screens
  * If black screen persists despite trying everything, restart your computer to reset all display and graphics systems to a known-good state
  * Keep a backup device (laptop, tablet) available in case primary device screen sharing issues cannot be quickly resolved
</Tip>