21

Last time I decided to use Ubuntu 17.10. When I installed Skype from official site of Skype (I downloaded the .deb package) I can do almost everything without one important feature for me. I can't share my screen while I am talking with somebody. On Windows that was working perfectly, on Ubuntu I don't even see such a option.

My friend has the same version of Ubuntu, GNOME and Skype. He can use that feature. I can't and I can't figure out why.

pomsky
  • 68,507
UserWithProblems
  • 313

4 Answers4

25

If you use Wayland (Ubuntu 17.10) and latest version (v8.11.0.4) of skypeforlinux screen sharing is not working.

In order to have screen sharing working you can switch to Xorg as explained here.

Otherwise you can use Google Hangout, where you can even share windows.

Filippo
  • 266
9

This is because ubuntu 17.10 switched from Xorg display server to wayland.(Why wayland). But many applications are yet to port to wayland. many of the existing applications do not work properly with wayland. Skype is also such a case.

To switch from wayland to Xorg (X11). Do the following

  • Log out from the current session
  • then select Ubuntu on Xorg from the login screen enter image description here

  • Make sure you have an X11 Session by executing the following command in terminal.

    echo $XDG_SESSION_TYPE

it should output x11

now your Skype screen sharing will work

Shobi
  • 189
7

The latest version(s) (v8.x.x.x onwards) of skypeforlinux (.deb package downloaded from Skype website) has the screen-sharing option (only in an Xorg session, if you're in a default Wayland session you'll have to switch to an Xorg session first).

You can access this option by clicking on the + symbol (More Options) at the bottom while making a video call:

enter image description here

pomsky
  • 68,507
  • Version Skype'a 8.11.0.4 Version of module speach 2017.23.01.38

    And I don't see any share screen...

    Edit: Gnome 3.26.1 Ubuntu 17.10

     – UserWithProblems Nov 24 '17 at 13:04
  • Key part for me was, that you need to make a video call before this option is available. In other words: If you don't have a webcam you can't share your screen. I have no idea who's responsible for this IMO stupid decision at Microsoft :(. – Michael Härtl Apr 11 '18 at 07:25
  • I'm using Skypeforlinux on Ubuntu 19.10 on an Xorg session and still I don't have any share screen option. – To Do Mar 13 '20 at 08:10
  • Yeah, 2 years later... Ubuntu 19.10. XOrg or Wayland - screen sharing is greyed out in conf. calls – SuAlfons Apr 05 '20 at 12:32
1

You can use web skype (web.skype.com). Enter skype web site and login to skype from the web it is exactly like the app and everything works normally there. Note: It works on chrome for now.

zaher
  • 39
  • 4
  • It works normally if you're in an Xorg session. The problem was different, Ubuntu 17.10 came with Wayland as the default instead of Xorg. Screen sharing doesn't work on Wayland due to its security restrictions. – pomsky May 06 '20 at 07:55
  • I have Ubuntu 18. Web.skype solved sharing problem for me. – zaher May 07 '20 at 08:10
  • Yeah, because Ubuntu 18.04 and later releases comes with Xorg as the default session instead on Wayland. Read this: https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2018/01/xorg-will-default-display-server-ubuntu-18-04-lts – pomsky May 07 '20 at 08:16