This guide explains the main settings available in the Zoom desktop client, including General, Video, and Audio options. These settings help users customize how Zoom behaves during meetings, calls, and notifications.

Note: Some advanced settings may require access to the Zoom web portal.

General Settings

These options allow you to modify overall meeting behavior, notifications, and desktop client preferences.

Startup Options

• Start Zoom when Windows starts: Automatically launch the Zoom client when Windows starts.

• Start Zoom silently when I start Windows: Launch Zoom at startup but keep it minimized in the taskbar.

• Upon closing, minimize the window to the notification area: Keeps Zoom running in the system tray instead of closing completely.

Display and Meeting Controls

• Use dual monitors: Display shared screen content and participant video on different screens.

• Enter full screen automatically when joining or starting a meeting.

• Automatically copy the invite link once the meeting starts.

• Always show meeting controls: Keeps meeting controls visible during meetings.

Notifications and Reminders

• Send a reminder before upcoming meetings: Receive a notification a specified number of minutes before meetings begin.

• Stop my audio and video when my device is locked.

• Event reminders: Show notifications for scheduled meetings and events.

• Additional notification intervals: Choose extra reminder times for meetings and events.

Integration and Interface

• Integrate Zoom with Outlook: Displays Zoom contact status and allows Zoom to function as the default chat, meeting, and phone tool in Outlook.

• Show user profile icons in meeting chat: Displays participant profile pictures or initials in chat messages.

• Display the “Pair with Room” option on the home screen navigation bar.

Updates and Desktop Features

• Keep Zoom updated automatically: Allows automatic download and installation of Zoom desktop updates. Users can choose between Slow or Fast update channels.

• Zoom Assistant: A small desktop panel that helps phone users quickly find contacts, manage speed dial, and make or receive calls.

• Phone: Enable Zoom Assistant for Zoom Phone.

• Theme: Choose between Light or Dark theme.

• Navigation tab order: Rearrange product tabs in the Zoom desktop client using drag and drop. You can reset the order to default at any time.

Reactions and Notifications

• Show reactions above the toolbar: Displays emoji reactions during meetings.

• Activity Center: Manage and customize notification settings.

• More Settings: Opens the Zoom web portal for settings that cannot be modified within the desktop client.

Video Settings

Video settings allow you to select your camera, adjust video quality, and manage how participants appear during meetings.

Camera Settings

• Camera: Choose the camera Zoom should use.

• Video ratio: Select Original Ratio (usually 4:3) or HD (16:9).

My Video Options

• Mirror my video: Flips your video horizontally, which can help if your camera mirrors your image by default.

• Touch up my appearance: Applies a mild skin-smoothing effect.

• Low-light adjustment: Improves brightness and video clarity in darker environments.

Participant Display

• Show participant names on videos: Displays names on each participant’s video.

• Turn off my video when joining meetings: Your camera will be disabled by default when joining.

• Show video preview before joining meetings.

• Hide non-video participants: Displays only participants who have their cameras turned on.

Additional Viewing Options

• Hide self view: Prevent your own video from appearing on your screen.

• Stop incoming video: Provides an in-meeting option to stop all incoming video streams.

• Highlight yourself as the active speaker when speaking.

Gallery View Options

• Maximum participants per screen:

  • Up to 25 participants

  • Up to 49 participants (depending on device performance)

Advanced Video Settings

Access additional camera and rendering settings through Advanced Video Options.

Audio Settings

Audio settings allow you to configure your microphone, speakers, and sound processing options.

Speaker Settings

• Test Speaker: Play a test sound to confirm speaker functionality.

• Select speaker device: Choose which audio device Zoom should use.

• Adjust speaker volume: Use the slider to set the desired volume level.

Separate Ringtone Device

• Use a different device for ringtone alerts: Allows a separate audio device to play the ringtone for Zoom calls and meeting invitations.

Microphone Settings

• Test Mic: Record and playback audio to test microphone performance.

• Select microphone device: Choose the microphone used by Zoom.

Automatic Microphone Adjustment

• Automatically adjusts microphone input volume to maintain consistent sound levels.

• If your audio fades in and out, disabling this option may help.

Multiple Audio Input Channels

• If your audio device supports multiple channels, you can choose and control them individually.

Audio Profiles

Zoom provides several audio profiles depending on the type of meeting or recording.

Zoom Optimized Audio

Recommended for most meetings. It includes standard background noise suppression with adjustable levels:

• Auto

• Low

• Medium

• High

Original Sound for Musicians

Disables noise suppression and echo cancellation for higher audio fidelity. Useful for music sessions or professional audio setups.

High-Fidelity Music Mode

Enhances audio quality with higher bitrate and sampling rate. This mode requires professional microphones, audio interfaces, and headphones.

Echo Cancellation

Prevents feedback between speakers and microphones. It is generally recommended to keep this enabled unless using headphones or specialized audio equipment.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Features and settings described may change depending on updates to the Zoom application or differences in device compatibility. For the most accurate and up-to-date instructions, users should refer to the official Zoom documentation or support resources. This content is not affiliated with or endorsed by Zoom Video Communications, Inc.