If you’re onboarding new hires remotely and want to skip the usual headaches of “Can you see my screen?” and “Wait, I can’t click that,” this guide’s for you. We’ll walk through enabling and actually using collaborative screen sharing in Demodesk, which is designed to make remote onboarding interactive (not just another passive Zoom call). You’ll get the real steps, where things can go sideways, and what’s actually useful—without the fluff.
Why Collaborative Screen Sharing Makes Onboarding Better
Remote onboarding is tough. You can’t just look over someone’s shoulder, and most video calls turn new hires into silent spectators. Demodesk’s collaborative screen sharing is different: everyone can interact with the same virtual desktop—click, type, or drag—right in their browser. This isn’t the same as just broadcasting your screen; it’s closer to giving everyone the controls, not just a seat in the audience.
Who should care: If you’re training new employees, running product walkthroughs, or want new hires to try things instead of just watching, collaborative screen sharing is worth a look.
Step 1: Set Up Your Demodesk Account
Before you do anything, make sure you have a Demodesk account. (If your company already uses it, you’re probably set.) If not, you’ll need to sign up and get a workspace going.
What you need: - A Demodesk license (no, it’s not free) - Chrome or another supported browser (Demodesk is browser-based—no downloads, which is a plus) - Decent internet (don’t try this on hotel Wi-Fi)
Pro tip: Demodesk doesn’t run a local app—everything’s in the cloud. That means your computer’s specs matter less, but your internet connection matters more.
Step 2: Create a Meeting or Template for Onboarding
Demodesk works through scheduled meetings or pre-built templates. For onboarding, templates save you a ton of time—set up once, reuse forever.
- Go to your Demodesk dashboard
- Click “Templates” and create a new template—or copy one you already use for onboarding
- Add the apps, slides, or browser tabs you’ll want to show (CRM, help docs, demo account, etc.)
What to ignore: Don’t bother with every bell and whistle Demodesk offers. Stick to the screens and tools your new hires actually need on Day 1.
Step 3: Enable Collaborative Screen Sharing
This is where Demodesk stands out from regular screen sharing tools. Here’s how to set it up so everyone can actually use what’s shown, not just watch:
- Schedule a meeting using your onboarding template (or start one ad hoc).
- Invite your new hire(s) via email or calendar—they’ll get a browser link.
- Start the meeting and make sure your “Virtual Display” is active. This is the shared, interactive browser window Demodesk creates.
- Give control: In the meeting, click on the participant’s name and select “Give control.” They’ll now be able to click, type, and interact with whatever’s on the virtual display.
Key difference: In Demodesk, you’re not sharing your actual desktop. Instead, you’re both in a shared, cloud-hosted browser environment. That means no accidental Slack pings or embarrassing tabs.
Step 4: Use Collaborative Features During Onboarding
Here’s what you can actually do once collaborative screen sharing is on:
- Co-browse web apps: Both you and your new hire can click around, fill out forms, or demo workflows in real time.
- Guide with laser pointer: Use Demodesk’s built-in pointer to highlight areas. It’s a lot less awkward than telling someone “it’s the blue button, no, the other blue button.”
- Switch control on the fly: Need to take over for a sec? Just click and reclaim control—no awkward pauses.
- Chat and video built-in: Demodesk includes video and chat, so you don’t need a second tool open.
Pro tip: If you want to see what your new hire is doing (or struggling with), let them drive for a while. It’s much more effective than just asking, “Any questions?”
Step 5: Troubleshooting and Common Pitfalls
Not everything works perfectly, and Demodesk has quirks. Here’s what to watch for:
- Browser issues: Demodesk works best in Chrome. Firefox and Safari are hit or miss. If someone’s screen is blank, have them switch browsers.
- Permissions: Sometimes, participants join but can’t interact. Double check you’ve given them control—there’s a specific button for it.
- Latency: If clicks or typing lag, it’s usually someone’s internet connection. Try turning off video to save bandwidth.
- App compatibility: Demodesk handles most browser-based apps fine, but don’t expect it to run heavy desktop software or anything with intensive graphics.
- Security confusion: Since you’re not sharing your real desktop, you won’t accidentally leak private info. But don’t try to use Demodesk for sensitive passwords or banking—treat it as you would any web tool.
What to ignore: Don’t bother troubleshooting Demodesk for use cases it clearly doesn’t support (like sharing your actual desktop apps, or running complex software). It’s built for browser-based workflows.
Step 6: Make the Most of Collaborative Onboarding
Some quick wins to get the most out of Demodesk’s collaborative features:
- Pre-load what you need: Have all tabs, slides, or tools set up in your meeting template. Saves awkward fumbling.
- Use real scenarios: Let new hires actually perform tasks—don’t just demo.
- Record sessions: Demodesk can record meetings, so new hires can review later. (Just let them know you’re recording.)
- Keep groups small: The more people in a collaborative session, the messier it gets. For hands-on onboarding, one-on-one or small groups work best.
- Ask for feedback: If something’s clunky or confusing, you’ll hear about it fast. Adjust your template or flow as needed.
What Works, What Doesn’t
- Works great for: Browser-based product training, SaaS onboarding, collaborative walkthroughs, and giving new hires a safe space to “try and fail.”
- Doesn’t work for: Traditional screen sharing of local apps, high-security environments, or complex workflows outside a browser.
- Ignore the hype: Demodesk isn’t magic. It’s just a solid way to let people interact with shared browser content. If all you need is to “show and tell,” a regular video call is simpler.
Summary: Keep It Simple and Iterate
Collaborative screen sharing in Demodesk can make remote onboarding less painful and more effective—if you set it up right and don’t expect miracles. Focus on what your new hires actually need to do, not just see. Start with a simple template, test it yourself, and tweak as you go. No tool will fix onboarding overnight, but this one can make it a lot less awkward.