How to Set Up and Use Zoom on Windows, Mac, and Linux

Edited 3 months ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

ZoomSetupInstallationConfigurationGetting StartedBeginnersWindowsMacLinuxDesktop

Whether you're meeting with colleagues, attending a class, or chatting with friends and family, Zoom is a widely used tool in our digital lives. With the ability to host large virtual gatherings, share screens, and record meetings, Zoom provides a powerful platform for communication. In this guide, we'll learn how to set up and use Zoom on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.

Setting up Zoom

1. Setting up zoom on Windows

To start using Zoom on a Windows system, you first need to download and install the Zoom client for meetings. Here are the steps:

1. Visit the official Zoom website at https://zoom.us/download.
2. Under the “Zoom Client for Meetings” section, click “Download.”
3. Once the setup file is downloaded, locate it in your "Downloads" folder or the location you chose and double-click it to begin the installation process.
4. Once the installer opens, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

After installation, you can launch Zoom using the shortcut icon on your desktop or through the Start menu.

2. Setting up Zoom on Mac

Setting up Zoom on a Mac involves the following steps:

1. Visit the official Zoom website at https://zoom.us/download.
2. In the “Zoom Client for Meetings” section, click “Download.”
3. Open the downloaded DMG file. This will open a new window displaying the Zoom application.
4. Drag the Zoom icon to the "Applications" folder. This action will install Zoom on your Mac.

Once installed, you can launch Zoom from your Applications folder.

3. Setting up Zoom on Linux

For Linux users, the steps will vary slightly depending on the distribution you are using. Below are general instructions:

1. Open your terminal.
2. Add the Zoom repository to your package manager. For example, on Ubuntu, use the following command:

echo "deb [arch=amd64] https://zoom.us/linux/ubuntu $(lsb_release -cs) main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/zoom.list

3. Import the Zoom GPG key using the following:

wget -qO- https://zoom.us/linux/download/pubkey | sudo apt-key add -

4. Update your package list and install Zoom:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install zoom

You can now run Zoom from your Applications menu.

Create a Zoom account

Before you can host or join a meeting, you'll need to create a Zoom account. This process is the same on all operating systems:

1. Open the Zoom application or visit the Zoom website.
2. Click "Sign up it's free" to create your account.
3. Enter your date of birth, email address and secure password. Alternatively, you can sign up using a Google or Facebook account.
4. Check your email for the verification email you received from Zoom and follow the instructions to complete the sign-up process.

Scheduling a Zoom Meeting

Once you have a Zoom account, you can schedule a meeting. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Zoom client on your device and sign in.
2. Click "Schedule" in the Home tab.
3. Enter meeting details such as subject, time, and duration. Choose if you want a recurring schedule of the meeting and update the time zone if necessary.
4. Configure meeting options, such as password requirement, video settings, and meeting ID.
5. Select the calendar service you want to add the invitation to.
6. Click “Save” to finalize your meeting.

Joining a Zoom Meeting

If someone sent you an invitation link, you don't need a Zoom account to join the meeting. Here's how to join a meeting:

1. Join via meeting link

1. Click the meeting link, which may have been sent to you via email or messaging service.
2. If you have the Zoom client installed, it will automatically open and take you to the meeting. If not, you'll be asked to download and install Zoom.

2. Join via meeting ID

1. Open the Zoom client.
2. Click “Join” from the home screen or click “Join a Meeting” directly from the website.
3. Enter the meeting ID provided by the host. You may also need to enter the password if required.
4. Click “Join” to join the meeting.

Basic Zoom Meeting Controls

Inside a Zoom meeting, you can use several controls:

• Mute/Unmute: Use the microphone button to mute or unmute yourself.
• Video start/stop: Control the start and stop of your video feed using the video camera icon.
• Participants: View or manage the list of participants from the "Participants" button.
• Share screen: Use this button to share your screen with the meeting. You'll be asked to choose which screen or application you want to share.
• Chat: Use the chat function to send messages to everyone in the meeting or to specific participants.
• Record: If allowed by the meeting host, you can record the meeting by clicking the "Record" button.
• Reactions: Use this to send emojis during the meeting, like a thumbs-up or a clap.

Using the Zoom Features

1. Screen sharing

The shared screen can be an entire screen, individual application windows, or a whiteboard. To share:

1. Click "Share Screen" during the meeting.
2. Select the screen or app you want to share.
3. Click "Share" to begin sharing with others.

To stop sharing, click "Stop Sharing" at the top of the screen.

2. Meeting reactions and virtual backgrounds

To add some personal flair, use reactions or set a virtual background:

• Reactions: Click the "Reactions" button to add emojis, such as thumbs up or applause, which can be temporary or permanent.
• Virtual Background: Go to "Settings" => "Backgrounds & Filters" where you can choose preset backgrounds or upload your own background.

3. Breakout Rooms

Breakout rooms allow the meeting host to divide participants into separate sessions:

1. The host can click on “Breakout Rooms.”
2. Choose how many rooms and how participants will be allocated - automatically or manually.
3. Once setup, click “Create Breakout Rooms” to get started.

Troubleshooting common zoom issues

1. Audio problems

If you have trouble listening to others or speaking up:

1. Make sure your mute is removed.
2. Check your computer's audio settings and Zoom audio settings.
3. Plug in an external microphone or use a headset.

2. Video issues

If your video isn’t working:

1. Check if your video starts in the meeting controls.
2. Confirm that your webcam is enabled and connected correctly.
3. Restart Zoom or your computer to reset your camera's permissions.

3. Connectivity issues

If a meeting goes wrong or your connection drops:

1. Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
2. Close all unnecessary applications that are consuming bandwidth.
3. If on Wi-Fi, move closer to the router.
4. Contact Zoom Support if the problem persists.

Conclusion

Zoom is an impressive tool that opens many doors for remote communication. As easy as it may be to set up and use, mastering some of its advanced functionalities can significantly enhance your meetings and overall experience. By following the steps and tips in this guide, users of various operating systems such as Windows, Mac, and Linux can efficiently set up, use, and troubleshoot Zoom.

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