Zoom works in a web browser, but the desktop app for Windows 11 gives you better video quality, screen sharing, virtual backgrounds and meeting controls. Zoom now calls its desktop app Zoom Workplace, and it installs in a couple of minutes from Zoom’s website or the Microsoft Store. This guide covers both methods, signing in, joining a meeting, and fixing installation problems.
Quick Answer
Go to zoom.us/download, click Download under the Zoom Workplace desktop app for Windows, and open the downloaded installer. It installs automatically; then sign in or click Join a meeting.
Method 1: Download From Zoom’s Website
- Open your browser and go to zoom.us/download.
- Under the desktop app for Windows, click Download. Choose the ARM version if your PC has an Arm processor (you can check in Settings > System > About > System type).
- Open the downloaded installer (for example ZoomInstallerFull.exe) from your Downloads folder.
- Click Yes if Windows asks for permission. The app installs and opens automatically.
- Sign in with your Zoom account, Google, Apple or single sign-on (SSO), or click Join a meeting.
Method 2: Microsoft Store
- Open the Microsoft Store.
- Search for Zoom Workplace.
- Click Get or Install, then Open.
Store installs update automatically through the Store. Make sure the publisher is Zoom.
Method 3: Command Line (winget)
Open Terminal or Command Prompt and run winget install Zoom.Zoom. This is handy for setting up several PCs.
Join Your First Meeting
- Click a meeting link from an email or calendar invite, and choose Open Zoom Workplace when your browser asks.
- Or open the app, click Join, and enter the meeting ID and passcode.
- Choose Join with Computer Audio, and test your speaker and microphone.
Set Up Camera, Microphone and Updates
- Open the app, click your profile picture > Settings to choose your camera, microphone and speakers.
- If the camera or mic doesn’t work, check Settings > Privacy & security > Camera and Microphone in Windows and allow desktop apps.
- Update Zoom from your profile picture > Check for Updates. See our guide to updating Zoom on Windows.
Installation Problems?
- Installer won’t run: right-click it and choose Run as administrator, or download it again.
- “This app can’t run on your PC”: you downloaded the wrong version (x64 vs. Arm), or the PC is in S mode. In S mode, install from the Microsoft Store.
- Blocked by antivirus or IT policy: on work computers, ask your IT department; they may deploy Zoom for you.
- Error codes: restart the PC, uninstall any old Zoom version in Settings > Apps > Installed apps, and reinstall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zoom free?
Zoom offers a free Basic plan with time limits on group meetings, and paid plans with longer meetings and more features.
Do I need an account to join a meeting?
Usually not. You can join with a meeting link or ID, although some hosts require signed-in participants.
How do I uninstall Zoom?
Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find Zoom Workplace, click ⋯ > Uninstall.
Summary
- Go to zoom.us/download and download the Windows app.
- Run the installer and sign in or join a meeting.
- Or install Zoom Workplace from the Microsoft Store.
- Check camera and mic permissions if devices don’t work.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.