Steam Screen Share is a feature of the popular Steam gaming platform that allows you to share your screen with other Steam users while in a game or in the Steam client. This feature is particularly useful for multiplayer games where players need to coordinate their actions or for sharing your gameplay with friends who are not able to play with you. In this answer, I will provide an overview of how to use Steam Screen Share.
Step 1: Enable Steam Screen Share The first step is to enable Steam Screen Share on your computer. To do this, open the Steam client and go to the settings menu. Click on the “In-Game” tab and check the box next to “Enable Steam Overlay while in-game.” This will allow you to use the Steam overlay in games and access the Screen Share feature.
Step 2: Invite a friend To invite a friend to join your screen share, open the Steam overlay by pressing the Shift+Tab keys while in a game or in the Steam client. Click on the “Friends” tab and select the friend you want to invite. Click on the “More” button and select “Start Steam Screen Share.” This will open a new window where you can configure your screen share settings.
Step 3: Configure screen share settings In the screen share window, you can choose to share your entire desktop or a specific application window. You can also choose to share your audio, mouse cursor, and keyboard input. If you want to enable voice chat during the screen share, you can select the “Enable voice chat” option. Once you have configured your settings, click on the “Start Stream” button.
Step 4: Share your screen After you have started the screen share, your friend will receive an invitation to join the session. They can accept the invitation by clicking on the “Join” button in the notification. Once your friend has joined the session, they will be able to see your screen and hear your audio (if enabled). You can now play games together, or your friend can watch you play.
Step 5: End the screen share To end the screen share, simply close the screen share window or click on the “Stop Stream” button. This will end the session and your friend will no longer be able to see your screen.
Tips and Best Practices:
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection to avoid lag or disconnections during the screen share.
- If you are playing a game, make sure to enable “Borderless Windowed” or “Windowed” mode to ensure the game continues to run in the background while sharing your screen.
- Use a headset or microphone to ensure clear voice chat during the screen share.
- Make sure to only share your screen with trusted friends, as they will be able to see everything that is on your screen.
In conclusion, Steam Screen Share is a useful feature that allows you to share your screen with other Steam users while in a game or in the Steam client. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can easily invite friends to join your screen share session and play games together or watch each other play. Just make sure to use a stable internet connection, enable the appropriate settings, and only share your screen with trusted friends.