Zoom isn’t just useful for video meetings and screen sharing. The platform also includes a Remote Control feature that allows one meeting participant to control another person’s computer, making it particularly useful for technical support, troubleshooting, training and remote collaboration.
When Remote Control is enabled, a participant sharing their screen can give another participant permission to use their mouse and keyboard.
Here’s how to take control of another user’s computer in Zoom and what to do if the Remote Control option isn’t available.
Can You Control Someone Else’s Computer Through Zoom?
Yes. Zoom allows you to remotely control another participant’s computer during a meeting, provided the other participant shares their screen and grants permission.
Once approved, you can interact with the shared computer using your own mouse and keyboard.
Depending on the operating system and security permissions, this can allow you to:
- Move the mouse pointer
- Click buttons and menus
- Type using the keyboard
- Navigate applications
- Adjust settings
- Assist with software troubleshooting
The person sharing their computer remains in control and can stop remote access when necessary.
How to Take Control of Someone’s Computer in Zoom
First, both users should join the same Zoom meeting using the Zoom desktop application.
The person whose computer will be controlled then needs to share their screen.
Step 1: Have the User Share Their Screen
Ask the other participant to click Share Screen in the Zoom meeting controls.
They should select the desktop or screen they want you to access and begin sharing it.
Step 2: Request Remote Control
Once the screen is being shared, move your cursor to the Zoom controls at the top of the screen.
Depending on the version of Zoom being used, look for View Options or More.
Select:
Request Remote Control
Zoom will ask you to confirm that you want to request control of the other participant’s screen.
Click Request.
Step 3: Have the User Approve Your Request
The participant sharing their screen will receive a notification that you are requesting remote control.
They must approve the request before you can interact with their computer.
Once they click Approve, you can begin using their mouse and keyboard remotely.
How to Give Someone Remote Control in Zoom
The person sharing their screen can also initiate remote control instead of waiting for the other participant to request it.
While sharing the screen, the user can select:
Remote Control → Give Mouse/Keyboard Control to → Participant Name
After selecting the participant, that person will be able to interact with the shared computer.
This method can be convenient when using Zoom to provide remote technical support.
How to Stop Remote Control in Zoom
The person sharing their screen can regain control whenever necessary.
They can move their mouse or use Zoom’s screen-sharing controls to stop remote control access.
Remote access also ends when screen sharing stops or the Zoom meeting ends.
For security reasons, users should only provide remote control access to people they know and trust.
Why Is Zoom Remote Control Not Showing?
If you don’t see Request Remote Control or Remote Control during screen sharing, the feature may be disabled for the Zoom account.
The account owner or administrator may need to enable it through the Zoom web portal.
Navigate to:
Settings → Meeting → In Meeting (Basic) → Remote Control
Make sure Remote Control is turned on.
If the option is grayed out or locked, the setting may be controlled at the organization or account level and will need to be changed by a Zoom administrator.
How to Enable Zoom Remote Control on a Mac
Mac users may encounter an additional security requirement because macOS controls which applications are allowed to interact with the computer.
The person whose Mac is being controlled may need to open:
System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility
From there, make sure Zoom has the necessary permission.
Depending on the macOS version and what is being shared, Zoom may also request additional screen recording or screen-sharing permissions.
After changing permissions, Zoom may need to be restarted before remote control works correctly.
Does Zoom Remote Control Work on Windows?
Yes. Zoom Remote Control can be used with Windows computers when the appropriate Zoom settings and permissions are enabled.
The user must still actively share their screen and authorize the other participant to take control.
Windows security features may prevent remote interaction with certain protected system prompts or administrator-level screens.
Zoom Remote Control vs. Screen Sharing
Screen sharing and remote control are related but serve different purposes.
With regular Zoom screen sharing, participants can see what another person is doing on their computer, but they cannot directly interact with it.
With Zoom Remote Control, an authorized participant can interact with the shared computer using their own mouse and keyboard.
This makes Remote Control considerably more useful when troubleshooting a problem because the person providing support can perform many of the steps rather than verbally walking the user through each one.
Can Zoom Be Used for Remote IT Support?
Yes. Zoom Remote Control can be useful for basic IT and technical support.
For example, a technician could have a user share their screen and then request remote control to help configure software, troubleshoot an application or change settings.
Zoom also offers more advanced Remote Support capabilities for eligible accounts, providing additional tools designed specifically for support sessions.
For businesses regularly providing remote technical assistance, dedicated remote-support features may provide more functionality than standard Zoom Remote Control.
Is Zoom Remote Control Safe?
Zoom requires the person sharing their computer to grant permission before another meeting participant can take control.
However, remote computer access should always be treated carefully.
Only approve Remote Control requests from people you trust, and avoid granting access to unknown participants. Users should also end remote control or screen sharing once the support session is complete.
Zoom Remote Control: Quick Steps
To take control of another computer during a Zoom meeting:
- Join the Zoom meeting.
- Have the other participant click Share Screen.
- Open View Options or More.
- Select Request Remote Control.
- Click Request.
- Have the other participant approve the request.
- Click inside the shared screen and begin controlling the computer.
- End remote control when the task is complete.
Final Thoughts
Zoom’s Remote Control feature provides a convenient way to control another user’s computer during a Zoom meeting without requiring a separate remote-desktop application.
The other participant must first share their screen and authorize remote control. Once permission is granted, you can use your mouse and keyboard to interact with their computer, making the feature especially useful for troubleshooting, technical support and remote training.
If the Remote Control option doesn’t appear, check the Zoom web portal to make sure the feature is enabled and verify that the computer—particularly a Mac—has granted Zoom the necessary system permissions.