How to Use Zoom for Beginners

Learn to join Zoom meetings, use basic controls, share your screen, and manage audio/video. Complete beginner's guide to Zoom video conferencing.

1. Download and install Zoom. Visit zoom.us and click Download. Run the installer file and follow the prompts. The Zoom desktop app provides better performance than the web browser version. Create a free account using your email address or sign in with Google or Facebook.
2. Join your first meeting. Click the meeting link provided by the host, or open Zoom and select Join a Meeting. Enter the 9, 10, or 11-digit Meeting ID. Type your display name when prompted. Click Join to enter the meeting.
3. Configure your audio and video. Test your microphone and camera before the meeting starts. Click the microphone icon to mute or unmute yourself. Click the video camera icon to turn your camera on or off. Use the arrow next to each icon to select different microphones, speakers, or cameras.
4. Navigate the meeting controls. Locate the toolbar at the bottom of your screen. Use Participants to see who's in the meeting. Click Chat to send messages to everyone or specific individuals. The Record button saves the meeting if the host allows it. End Meeting appears in red when you're ready to leave.
5. Share your screen. Click Share Screen in the toolbar. Select which screen, application window, or whiteboard to share. Click Share to begin broadcasting your screen to other participants. Click Stop Share when finished. Only share specific applications instead of your entire screen for privacy.
6. Use essential meeting features. Raise your hand by clicking Reactions, then Raise Hand to get the host's attention. Use Gallery View to see multiple participants or Speaker View to focus on the current speaker. Enable Original Sound in audio settings when sharing music or high-quality audio.
7. Schedule your own meeting. Open Zoom and click Schedule. Set the meeting topic, date, and time. Configure security settings like requiring a passcode or waiting room. Copy the meeting invitation and send it to participants via email or calendar app. Start the meeting at the scheduled time from your Zoom app.