TeamViewer Black Screen - TeamViewer Support
<main> <article class="userContent"> <h2 data-id="general">General</h2><div class="blockquote"><div class="blockquote-content"><p class="blockquote-line"><em>This article applies to all TeamViewer customers with a </em><a href="https://www.teamviewer.com/en-us/lo-remote-access/" rel="nofollow noreferrer ugc"><em>Remote Access</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.teamviewer.com/en/buy-now/" rel="nofollow noreferrer ugc"><em>Business</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.teamviewer.com/en/buy-now/" rel="nofollow noreferrer ugc"><em>Premium</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.teamviewer.com/en/buy-now/" rel="nofollow noreferrer ugc"><em>Corporate</em></a><em> or </em><a href="https://www.teamviewer.com/en/teamviewer-tensor/" rel="nofollow noreferrer ugc"><em>Tensor plan</em></a><em>.</em> </p></div></div><p>With the TeamViewer Black Screen feature, you can <strong>hide the remote screen</strong> in connections to a Windows, Mac or Linux computer into a <strong>full-screen security image</strong>.</p><p>With this, you can make sure to <em>protect your privacy</em> at work by hiding the content of the remote screen with <strong>TeamViewer Black Screen</strong>.</p><p>Once this feature is activated,</p><ul><li>the remote computer's screen <strong>gets immediately hidden</strong> by the TeamViewer security image (see below)</li><li>the <strong>input</strong> on the remote computer gets also <strong>disabled</strong></li></ul><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-medium float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/NJ3YZY2LETLC/image.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/NJ3YZY2LETLC/image.png" alt="image.png" height="719" width="999" loading="lazy" data-display-size="medium" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p><em>To enable this feature, please follow our How-to guide below.</em></p><p><br></p><h3></h3><h2 data-id="download">Download</h2><p>TeamViewer offers you different custom black screens to download and to use for free: <a href="https://community.teamviewer.com/English/kb/articles/108845-download-custom-black-screen" rel="nofollow noreferrer ugc">Download Custom Black Screen</a></p><p><br></p><h3 data-id="-1"></h3><h2 data-id="compatibility">Compatibility</h2><p>You can turn the remote screen black in connections from any desktop platform OS (Windows, macOS and Linux) to any Windows device running Windows 7, 8 and 10, any Linux and macOS device (only for TeamViewer version 15.8 and higher).</p><p> </p><h3 data-id="prerequisites-for-macos">Prerequisites for macOS</h3><p>Black screen on macOS is only available if a TeamViewer version 15.8 or higher is running on the remote Mac.</p><p>Due to technical restrictions, it is only possible to activate the black screen, if <strong>“Start TeamViewer with System”</strong> is selected.</p><p>In addition to that, <strong>Accessibility permissions</strong> need to be granted for the TeamViewer application. This applies <strong>also to users on macOS 10.13</strong> who did not need this permission earlier for a successful TeamViewer remote support.</p><p>Please keep in mind: Since 10.14 (Mojave) this setting is a pre-requisite to be able to control the remote Mac.</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-medium float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/GAU05GJTOVEP/image.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/GAU05GJTOVEP/image.png" alt="image.png" height="709" width="832" loading="lazy" data-display-size="medium" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p><em>For an optimal remote access setup, we recommend the following:</em></p><ul><li>Deactivate Siri, as it’s still listening to voice input and will still react on “Hey Siri”</li><li>Deactivate computer sound</li></ul><p>Please be aware that the keyboard input on the remote side cannot be blocked while showing system password fields due to restrictions on macOS itself.</p><p> </p><h3 data-id="-2"></h3><h2 data-id="how-to-activate-the-standard-black-screen">How to activate the standard Black Screen</h2><h3 data-id="during-a-remote-control-session-(spontaneously)">During a remote control session (spontaneously)</h3><p>To activate the Black Screen during a remote control session on the remote device, please click on the <strong>Actions</strong> (1) tab in the Remote Control toolbar and choose <strong>Show Black Screen (</strong>2)</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/VUOX61U5YEU1/image.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/VUOX61U5YEU1/image.png" alt="image.png" height="127" width="999" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <div class="embedExternal embedImage display-medium float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/OVVNARE78KW0/image.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/OVVNARE78KW0/image.png" alt="image.png" height="139" width="374" loading="lazy" data-display-size="medium" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/9CTWJ047U06U/image.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/9CTWJ047U06U/image.png" alt="image.png" height="248" width="998" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p><br></p><h3 data-id="via-the-teamviewer-options-of-the-remote-computer-(permanently)">Via the TeamViewer options of the remote computer (permanently)</h3><p>You can set up the TeamViewer Black Screen as default in every connection to a specific device (e.g your computer at work). To do so, you need to set it up in the TeamViewer options of the remote computer you want to connect to</p><ol><li><strong>Open TeamViewer</strong> on the remote computer</li><li>Go to <strong>Extras → Options</strong></li><li><em>Access the </em><strong>Advanced</strong> tab, and scroll down to <strong>Advanced setting for connections to this computer</strong></li><li><em>First, tick the setting </em><strong>Disable local input</strong> and then tick <strong>Enable local blackscreen</strong> </li></ol><p>Or follow the instructions of this animation:</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/BV3UWCQT155R/blackscreen-default-remote-computer.gif" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/BV3UWCQT155R/blackscreen-default-remote-computer.gif" alt="Blackscreen default remote computer.gif" height="591" width="972" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p><em>📌</em><strong>Note: </strong>Every time you will connect to this specific computer, the TeamViewer black screen will be automatically enabled and remote input will be deactivated.</p><p><br></p><h3 data-id="via-the-computers-contacts-list-(permanently)">Via the Computers & Contacts list (permanently)</h3><p>1) In the Computers & Contacts list, <strong>select</strong> the device, click on the <strong>grey gear</strong> and then on <strong>Properties</strong></p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/MR1XVG7T0C2J/image.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/MR1XVG7T0C2J/image.png" alt="image.png" height="599" width="999" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p><em>2) In the </em><strong>Properties</strong> menu, click on <strong>Advanced</strong></p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-medium float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/GGC2RMF91Y94/image.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/GGC2RMF91Y94/image.png" alt="image.png" height="280" width="343" loading="lazy" data-display-size="medium" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p><em>3) In the </em><strong>Remote input</strong> option of the <strong>Actions Settings</strong>, select <strong>Disable remote input and show black screen</strong></p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/V0OMSX63K8TV/image.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/V0OMSX63K8TV/image.png" alt="image.png" height="529" width="420" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p><em>4) Save by clicking </em><strong>OK</strong></p><p><em>Or follow the instructions shown in this animation:</em></p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/GBK4P3GWBGEA/blackscreen-default-remote-computer-via-c-26c.gif" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/GBK4P3GWBGEA/blackscreen-default-remote-computer-via-c-26c.gif" alt="Blackscreen default remote computer_via C&C.gif" height="1015" width="1618" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p><strong>📌Note: </strong>Every time you will connect to this specific computer, the TeamViewer black screen will be automatically enabled and remote input will be deactivated. This last procedure also works analogically when connecting to a <strong>contact</strong>.</p><p><br></p><h3 data-id="-3"> </h3><h2 data-id="how-to-activate-the-customized-black-screen">How to activate the customized Black Screen</h2><p>📌<strong>Note: </strong>In our examples here, the image file is named <strong>test.png</strong></p><p>TeamViewer offers you different custom black screens to download and to use for free: <a href="https://community.teamviewer.com/English/kb/articles/108845-download-custom-black-screen" rel="nofollow noreferrer ugc">Download Custom Black Screen </a></p><p><em>You can customize this feature by inserting your own image when activating the Black Screen. To do so, please follow these instructions:</em></p><h3 data-id="for-windows">For Windows</h3><h4 data-id="on-the-remote-computer">On the remote computer</h4><p>1) Make sure the option <strong>Start with system</strong> option is enabled and <strong>close</strong> TeamViewer.</p><p>2) Open the <a href="https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/how-to-open-registry-editor-in-windows-10-deab38e6-91d6-e0aa-4b7c-8878d9e07b11" rel="nofollow noreferrer ugc">Registry Editor</a> and go to the following path:</p><ul><li>32-bit version:</li></ul><pre class="code codeBlock" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\TeamViewer </pre><ul><li>64-bit version:</li></ul><pre class="code codeBlock" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\TeamViewer </pre><p><br></p><p>3) Now click on <strong>Edit</strong>, go to <strong>New</strong> and select <strong>String Value</strong></p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/VSZ56VCAZA09/image.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/VSZ56VCAZA09/image.png" alt="image.png" height="346" width="522" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p><em>4) Rename the key entry </em><strong>CustomBlackScreen</strong> and <strong>add as a value the path that leads to your custom image </strong>and include the image file name in the path:</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-medium float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/IRDOXSFXOWXR/image.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/IRDOXSFXOWXR/image.png" alt="image.png" height="169" width="380" loading="lazy" data-display-size="medium" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p><em>...and press </em><strong>OK</strong>.</p><p>5) Now, <strong>restart </strong>the <strong>TeamViewer service</strong>.</p><p>💡<strong>Hint: </strong>Please find <a href="https://teamviewer-my.sharepoint.com/:i:/p/jean_kinzler/EX8mmjJIk75Ktfwa5vKvJLQBZaDN_D0pu6pbI7-94zDowQ?e=uHdycX" rel="nofollow noreferrer ugc">here a GIF</a> showing how to restart the TeamViewer service.</p><h4 data-id="on-the-local-computer">On the local computer</h4><p>1) <strong>Open </strong>TeamViewer.</p><p>2) <strong>Activate</strong> the TeamViewer Black Screen. Your custom image will be displayed on the remote computer.</p><p><br></p><h3 data-id="for-macos">For macOS</h3><h4 data-id="on-the-remote-computer-1">On the remote computer</h4><p>1) Make sure the option <strong>Start with system</strong> option is enabled and <strong>close</strong> TeamViewer.</p><p>2) Open the <strong>Terminal</strong> and add the following setting:</p><pre class="code codeBlock" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.teamviewer.teamviewer.preferences.plist CustomBlackScreen -string "/path/to/test.png" </pre><p>Please make sure that the image is located in the path you have indicated.</p><h4 data-id="on-the-local-computer-1">On the local computer</h4><p>1) <strong>Open </strong>TeamViewer.</p><p>2) <strong>Activate</strong> the TeamViewer Black Screen. Your custom image will be displayed on the remote computer.</p><p><strong>📌Note: </strong>The supported image formats for Windows are: JPEG and PNG</p><p>The supported image formats for macOS are: BMP, GIF, JPEG, PNG</p><p><br></p><h3 data-id="-4"></h3><h2 data-id="only-relevant-for-windows-7-and-below">Only relevant for Windows 7 and below</h2><p>For Windows 7 and below, to be able to turn the remote screen black, the <strong>TeamViewer monitor driver</strong> needs to be installed on the remote device. If the driver is already installed, the remote screen will turn black immediately.</p><p>If it is not installed, you will be prompted to install it when using the feature for the first time. A pop up will appear. Please click on <strong>Continue</strong> (3) to install the driver.</p><p><br></p><p><em>You can also install the TeamViewer monitor driver via the TeamViewer settings.</em></p><p><em>Please open the setting by clicking on </em><strong>Extras</strong> --> <strong>Options</strong> --> <strong>Advanced</strong> --> <strong>Show advanced options</strong> --><strong> Advanced network settings --> Install monitor driver --> </strong>click <strong>Install... </strong></p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/BW9CBE8JOCDS/image.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/BW9CBE8JOCDS/image.png" alt="image.png" height="478" width="702" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p><strong>📌Note: </strong>Not all monitors, video cards, motherboards, or BIOS support the TeamViewer monitor driver solution, which is required to use the black screen. The TeamViewer monitor driver solution is dependent on the implementation of hardware vendors and in case of incompatibility, you may not be able to use this feature with some host computers.</p><p><br></p><h3 data-id="-5"> </h3><h2 data-id="ctrl-%2B-alt-%2B-del-cmd-%2B-option-%2B-esc">Ctrl + Alt + Del / Cmd + Option + Esc</h2><p>Users still have the option to press the key combination <strong>Ctrl + Alt + Del</strong> (Windows and Linux) or <strong>Cmd + Option + Esc</strong> (macOS) on the remote computer.</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/lithium_attachments/16073iBC99D85569F8B00A.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/lithium_attachments/16073iBC99D85569F8B00A.jpg" alt="Ctrl + Alt + Del (for Windows)" height="180" width="320" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p><em>Ctrl + Alt + Del (for Windows and Linux) </em></p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/VWRRDDO70S0B/image.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/VWRRDDO70S0B/image.png" alt="image.png" height="180" width="320" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p><em>Cmd + Option + Esc (for macOS)</em></p><p><br></p><p><em>This will:</em></p><ul><li><strong>remove the black screen on the remote computer</strong></li><li><strong>lock the remote user's session</strong></li><li><strong>enable remote input</strong></li></ul><p>Therefore, the user working remotely can be 100% sure that no one can see what they are doing during their remote control session. As soon as the key combination is used on the remote computer, the following pop-up will appear on both sides of the connection:</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/TFXIU4Q15LZV/image.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032394/uploads/TFXIU4Q15LZV/image.png" alt="image.png" height="174" width="489" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p><strong>📌Note: </strong>Locking the user's Windows session with the Ctrl + Alt + Del combination is only working on devices running Windows 8 and 10.</p> </article> </main>
