[Zoom] How to perform remote operation using the screen sharing function

Remote operation can be started simply by sending a request to the other party, and it is a popular function that can support and control PC operation even when you are away from home due to telework.

Here, we summarize the procedure for remote operation using Zoom’s screen sharing function and the conditions required for remote operation.

We also introduce recommended sharing functions other than remote operation, so if you are looking for further ways to use Zoom, please refer to it.

Requirements and steps for working remotely with Zoom

With Zoom, you can remotely control the other person’s computer screen by sending a request during the meeting.

First, let’s take a closer look at the specifications and other conditions required for remote operation, and the operation procedure for actually performing remote control.

Prerequisites for remote control functionality

To perform remote operations with Zoom, you must be using a device that meets the following requirements.

• Desktop app version of Zoom for Windows, Mac and Linux
• Zoom mobile app for iPad

Remote operation is a function that supports PCs and iPads, so it cannot be operated on Android devices and iPhones.

If there is a possibility of remote operation, join Zoom from a computer or iPad, and if there is a possibility of receiving remote operation, join Zoom from a computer.

Also, when performing remote operation, it is necessary to enable the “remote operation” item by the following method in advance.

1. Access the Zoom website (https://zoom.us/) and log in
2. Click “Settings”
3. Turn on Remote Control (no need to do anything if it’s already on)

request remote control

The procedure for requesting remote operation is as follows.

1. Launch Zoom and start a meeting
2. Click “Screen sharing” from the menu at the bottom of the screen (operation of the other party)
3. Select the screen you want to share and click “Share” (the other party’s operation)
4. Click “Show options” from the screen sharing menu (your action)
5. Click “Request remote control” from the dropdown list (your action)
6. Click “Request” (your action)
7. When the request approval screen is displayed, click “Approve” (the other party’s operation)

In this way, remote operation is possible by making a request to the user who is sharing the screen and allowing the other party to accept it.

You can also reject the request for remote operation by selecting “Decline” on the approval screen.

grant remote control

In addition to the method of granting permission after receiving a request for remote operation, there is also a method of granting control privileges from the side receiving remote operation.

The procedure for granting permission for remote operation is as follows.

1. Launch Zoom and start a meeting
2. Click “Screen Share” from the menu at the bottom of the screen
3. Select the screen you want to share and click “Share”
4. Click “Remote control” from the menu at the bottom of the screen
5. Select users to grant remote operation privileges

A user who has been granted remote control privileges will be able to control the other person’s computer screen without sending a request.

stop controlling

If you want to stop remote operation and return the control authority to yourself, follow the steps below.

1. Click “Remote control” from the menu at the bottom of the screen
2. Click “Stop Control”

You can also cancel remote operation by clicking “Stop sharing” at the bottom of the toolbar to stop screen sharing itself.

Remote operation using a tablet

If the device receiving remote control is a computer, remote control can also be performed from an iPad.

After receiving permission from the other party, you can start controlling by tapping the remote icon.

For iPad, the mouse icon and keyboard icon are displayed as icons for remote operation, so tap these to operate.

Not just remote control! What you can do with Zoom’s screen sharing function

Remote operation is one of the functions that utilizes the screen sharing function installed in Zoom.

Zoom’s screen sharing has many other unique features such as a whiteboard function and a virtual background function.

Finally, let’s take a closer look at the recommended features that can be used with Zoom’s screen sharing.

Whiteboard function

The whiteboard function, as the name suggests, is a function that allows you to input text and draw on the screen as if it were a whiteboard.

By sharing the same whiteboard with everyone participating in the meeting, it can be used for ideas and opinion exchanges.

How to use the whiteboard function is as follows.

1. Launch Zoom and start a meeting
2. Click “Screen Share” from the menu at the bottom of the screen
3. Select “Whiteboard” and click “Share”

The content written on the whiteboard can also be saved as a single image in PNG or PDF format.

Set PowerPoint as a virtual background

Zoom has a function called “virtual background” that allows you to set any image as the background screen.

Since the August 2020 update, you can now select a PowerPoint slideshow for this virtual background, expanding the range of Zoom utilization.

Here’s how to set PowerPoint as your virtual background.

1. Launch Zoom and start a meeting
2. Click “Screen Share” from the menu at the bottom of the screen
3. Click the “Details” tab
4. Select “PowerPoint as Virtual Background” and click “Share”
5. Select the PowerPoint file you want to set and click “Open”

After displaying the slideshow, you can change the size and position of yourself on the screen, and operate the slideshow.

summary

• Zoom has a remote control function that allows you to remotely control the other person’s computer screen.
• Only PCs (requesting side/operating side) and iPads (operating side) can be operated remotely.
• With Zoom’s screen sharing, you can use convenient functions such as whiteboards and virtual backgrounds in addition to remote operation.

With the increasing demand for telework, the use of online tools such as Zoom has become indispensable.

By using Zoom’s remote operation, you can communicate smoothly as if you were working in the same space.

It’s a useful feature in scenes where you need support for PC operations, so it’s a good idea to keep it in mind.