How to Share Windows from the Taskbar in Windows 11

Windows 11 lets you share any open window directly from your taskbar. This is super helpful when you’re on a video call with friends, coworkers, or classmates. Apps like Microsoft Teams make this easy to do.

You can also mute or unmute your calls right from the taskbar. Everything you need is right there in one place!

This guide shows you how to turn this sharing feature on or off and how to use it.

How to Turn On or Off “Share Any Window” from the Taskbar Using Settings

Why? The Settings app is the easiest way to control this feature. You don’t need to know about advanced computer settings.

What happens? Once you turn this on, a share button will appear when you hover over open apps on your taskbar during a meeting.

1. Open the Settings app. Click the Start menu (Windows icon at the bottom left) and select Settings. Or press Windows key + I on your keyboard.

2. Click Personalization on the left menu.

3. On the right side, click Taskbar.

4. Scroll down and click on Taskbar behaviors to open it.
5. Look for the option “Share any window from my taskbar” and check the box to turn it on. Uncheck it to turn it off.

6. Close the Settings app when you’re done.

How to Share a Window From the Taskbar During a Meeting

Why? Sharing your window lets the other people in your meeting see exactly what’s on your screen.

What happens? Everyone in the meeting will see the window you choose to share.

1. Open Microsoft Teams or a similar meeting app and start a meeting.
2. Hover your mouse over the apps on your taskbar.
3. You’ll see a new button that lets you share your window with everyone in the meeting.
4. Click Share this Window on the window you want to show.
5. When you want to stop sharing, hover over the window again and click Stop Sharing.
6. You can pick another window to share anytime using this method.

How to Turn On or Off “Share Any Window” Using the Registry Editor (Advanced)

Why? The Registry Editor is a tool for advanced users who want to control Windows settings directly.

What happens? You’ll change a hidden setting that controls whether window sharing is turned on or off.

⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry can cause problems if done incorrectly. Be sure to follow these steps carefully. Ask someone for help if you’re not sure.

1. ⚠️ Requires admin privileges – Open the Registry Editor. Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Or read this guide on how to open the registry in Windows 11.
2. In Registry Editor, go to this folder: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

3. If you don’t see the Advanced folder, right-click on Explorer, select New > Key, and name it Advanced.
4. On the right side, right-click and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
5. Name the new value TaskbarSn.
6. Double-click TaskbarSn and set the value to:
   • 1 to turn ON window sharing
   • 0 to turn OFF window sharing

7. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer to apply changes.

Summary

Windows 11 makes it easy to share any open window directly from the taskbar during meetings. You can turn this feature on or off using the simple Settings app or the more advanced Registry Editor. This helps you share your screen faster and easier when using Microsoft Teams or other meeting apps. Try these steps to customize your Windows 11 to match how you like to work.

More Info

For official announcements and updates, check Microsoft’s blog: Microsoft Windows Insider Blog