Zoom Crashes During Screen Sharing? Here’s How to Fix It – 2025

Zoom Crashes During Screen Sharing? Here’s How to Fix It

Zoom has become an essential tool for virtual communication, whether you’re hosting business meetings, online classes, or casual catch-ups. However, one frustrating issue users may encounter is the “Zoom quit unexpectedly” error, especially during screen sharing. This problem can disrupt presentations, delay meetings, and affect productivity.

If Zoom crashes every time you share your screen, don’t worry — there are multiple ways to fix it. In this guide, you’ll find a detailed step-by-step walkthrough to help you resolve this issue on both Windows and macOS.

What Causes Zoom to Quit Unexpectedly During Screen Sharing?

Several factors can trigger this error when using screen sharing in Zoom. The most common causes include:

• Outdated or incompatible Zoom version

• Graphics driver issues

• Conflicting background apps

• Hardware acceleration problems

• Insufficient system resources

• macOS or Windows permissions errors

• Third-party antivirus or firewall interference

Let’s now explore how to troubleshoot and fix the problem efficiently.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Start simple. Restarting your computer can clear temporary system glitches or memory issues that may be interfering with Zoom’s functionality.

1. Save your work and close all applications.

2. Reboot your system.

3. Relaunch Zoom and test screen sharing again.

If the problem continues, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Update Zoom to the Latest Version

Zoom regularly releases updates that include bug fixes and performance improvements. Using an outdated version can lead to compatibility problems.

1. Open Zoom.

2. Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner.

3. Select Check for Updates.

4. If an update is available, install it and restart the app.

Test screen sharing after updating to see if the issue is resolved.

Step 3: Disable Hardware Acceleration

Zoom uses hardware acceleration to improve performance, but it can also cause stability issues on some systems during screen sharing.

On Windows:

1. Open Zoom.

2. Click the Settings (gear icon) in the top right.

3. Go to Video > Advanced.

4. Uncheck all options under Hardware Acceleration.

On macOS:

1. Open Zoom.

2. Go to Zoom > Preferences > Share Screen > Advanced.

3. Disable Hardware acceleration for screen sharing.

Restart Zoom and try screen sharing again.

Step 4: Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupt GPU drivers can lead to Zoom crashes when screen sharing.

On Windows:

1. Press Windows + X, then select Device Manager.

2. Expand Display Adapters.

3. Right-click your graphics card and select Update driver.

4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

Alternatively, visit your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and download the latest driver.

On macOS:

Graphics drivers are updated through system updates. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update and install any available macOS updates.

Step 5: Grant Zoom Screen Recording and Accessibility Permissions (macOS Only)

macOS requires apps like Zoom to have explicit permission to record or share your screen.

1. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security.

2. Click Screen Recording from the sidebar.

3. Ensure Zoom is enabled.

4. Also check Accessibility and enable Zoom there.

5. Restart Zoom to apply changes.

Without these permissions, Zoom will crash or freeze during screen sharing.

Step 6: Close Background Applications

Other programs running in the background may interfere with Zoom or consume too many system resources.

• Close apps like OBS, Discord, video editors, or anything using screen capture.

• On Windows, check the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).

• On macOS, open Activity Monitor.

Freeing up CPU and RAM can improve Zoom’s stability.

Step 7: Reinstall Zoom Completely

If the issue persists, reinstalling Zoom can help fix any corrupted files or misconfigured settings.

On Windows:

1. Open Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program.

2. Select Zoom and click Uninstall.

3. Download the latest version from zoom.us/download and reinstall it.

On macOS:

1. Go to Applications, then drag Zoom.us.app to the Trash.

2. Empty the Trash.

3. Download the latest installer from Zoom’s website.

After reinstalling, test screen sharing again.

Step 8: Check Firewall or Antivirus Settings

Sometimes third-party antivirus programs or Windows/macOS firewalls block screen-sharing functions.

• Temporarily disable any antivirus software and test Zoom.

• Add Zoom to your firewall’s exception list.

On Windows:

1. Open Windows Security > Firewall & Network Protection.

2. Click Allow an app through firewall.

3. Ensure Zoom Video Conference is allowed on both private and public networks.

On macOS:

Go to System Settings > Network > Firewall, and ensure Zoom is not being blocked.

Step 9: Lower Screen Resolution (Optional)

If you’re using a very high-resolution monitor (4K or ultra-wide), Zoom may struggle to handle screen sharing.

• Lower your screen resolution in Display Settings (Windows) or System Settings > Displays (macOS).

• Try sharing again after reducing the resolution.

This can help on systems with limited graphics performance or memory.

Step 10: Use the Web Version as a Temporary Fix

If nothing works and you need to get into a meeting urgently, use the Zoom Web App as a temporary workaround.

1. Open your browser.

2. Go to zoom.us/join.

3. Enter your Meeting ID and join through the web.

While screen sharing support in the web version may be limited, it’s a good fallback for emergencies.

Conclusion

Zoom quitting unexpectedly during screen sharing can be caused by a variety of issues — from outdated software and driver conflicts to system permission errors. By following the steps above, you can identify the root of the problem and restore Zoom’s functionality.

Start with basic fixes like restarting your device and updating Zoom. If the issue persists, adjust hardware acceleration settings, check system permissions, and update your graphics drivers. Reinstallation or using the web version can serve as effective alternatives when you’re short on time.

With the right troubleshooting approach, you can prevent interruptions and enjoy smoother, more stable screen sharing during Zoom meetings.