22 Ways to Fix Zoom Not Working on Windows 11 24H2

While the market is flooded with a ton of highly-rated video conferencing services, Zoom remains ahead of the curve for multiple reasons. For one, it works seamlessly across platforms – from macOS to Android to Windows to iOS. The other notable aspect of this video conferencing app is a wide range of eye-catching features designed to provide a more personalized experience. Add to that the robust freemium version and it becomes hard to overlook the Zoom client.

Just like any other software, Zoom also runs into frustrating issues once in a while, disrupting your communication. Issues like sudden crashing, malfunctioning video/audio, and random freezing are often reported by users. However, there is no need to lose sleep over it as I have gone into the details to jot down the 22 thoroughly tested ways to fix Zoom not working on Windows 11.

Best Tips & Tricks to Fix Zoom Not Working on Windows 11

So, what causes Zoom to go out of track and ill-function on your PC? Having been on the receiving end of a number of vexing issues myself, these are the major reasons why the video conferencing service malfunctions –

  • Outdated Zoom App
  • Outdated Windows 11 Updates
  • Network Connection Issues
  • Corrupted Zoom Installation
  • Camera or Microphone Not Detected
  • Disabled Camera or Microphone Permissions
  • Conflict with Rival Apps
  • Antivirus or Firewall Restrictions
  • Graphics Driver Issues
  • Zoom Cache or Temporary Files
  • High Background Processes
  • Windows Audio or Video Services Not Running

Keeping these usual suspects into consideration, I have discussed ways to get rid of the problem hurting the functionality of the app and bring it back to life. Since these methods are safe, you don’t need to worry about any after-effects like losing your sensitive information.

1. Check Internet Connection

For a smooth video conferencing experience without buffering, Zoom needs to have a strong and stable internet connection. Therefore, make sure your connection is up to the mark.

  1. Launch a browser and visit a website or play a YouTube video to test your internet speed. Additionally, you can also run a speed test to figure out whether or not your internet connection is up to the mark.
  2. Press the Win+A to bring up the Quick Settings > Go to the Wi-Fi menu and turn off/on Wi-Fi. If the problem continues, reboot your router or modem.
Disable or enable Wi Fi on Windows

2. Check Camera and Microphone Permissions

Have you allowed Zoom to access and use your device camera and microphone? Without clear permission, Zoom can’t use these privacy features on your Windows device.

  1. Navigate to the Settings app on your PC > Privacy & security > Camera.
  2. Turn on Camera access and activate it for Zoom.
  3. Then, enable the Microphone access and let the video conferencing app use your microphone without any roadblocks.
Privacy and security in Windows 11

3. Test Camera and Microphone in Zoom

Testing the camera and microphone will make sure your devices are properly detected and configured in line with the requirements.

  1. Open Zoom on your PC and click Settings.
  2. Go to the Video section to test your camera.
  3. After that, navigate to Audio to test your microphone. If something is missing, you can adjust the settings as needed.

4. Restart Your Computer

Restarting your PC can let you get rid of the temporary system glitches impacting the Zoom app.

  1. Be sure to save your work and close all running apps.
  2. Then, click Start > Power > Restart to restart your Windows device.

5. Force Fill the Zoom App

Force killing is what you should go for when Zoom is freezing randomly or doesn’t respond to your clicks.

  • Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc to fire up the Task Manager > Select Zoom in the left sidebar > Click on the End task option at the top > restart your PC and relaunch the Zoom app.

6. Close Conflicting Apps

Believe it or not, rival apps like Skype or Teams may prevent Zoom from using your hardware. If those apps are running, force close them using the Task Manager.

  • On your PC, open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) > Select these apps one by one in the left sidebar and hit the End task button at the top right.
Use Task Manager on Windows 11

7. Update Zoom

An outdated Zoom app may often face a number of unexpected issues like freezing and sudden crashing. So, try updating the video conferencing app to resolve the miscellaneous issues and help it work properly.

  1. Launch Zoom and hit your profile picture in the top-right corner.
  2. After that, click Check for Updates and then proceed to install any available updates.
Update zoom on your PC

8. Adjust Zoom Video Settings

Keep in mind that high-quality video or filters may cause lags or crashes on aging systems.

  1. Go to Zoom Settings on your PC > Video.
  2. Now, disable Enable HD and turn off any active filters.
Adjust zoom video settings

9. Disable Hardware Acceleration in Zoom

Unnecessary/excessive hardware acceleration tends to cause performance issues. Thus, try turning it off.

  1. Open Zoom and head into Settings > Video.
  2. Uncheck the box for “Use hardware acceleration for receiving video“.
  3. Close the Zoom app > reboot your computer and relaunch the app.

10. Check the Zoom Audio Output Device

Make sure Zoom has been granted to use the correct microphone and speaker.

  1. Open Zoom and navigate to Settings > Audio.
  2. Now, choose your preferred devices for the microphone and speaker.

11. Clear Zoom Cache

Corrupted cache files could make life difficult for Zoom and cause it to misbehave.

  1. Press Win + R on your PC and type %appdata%\Zoom > Then, press Enter.
  2. Now, delete all files in the Zoom folder to wipe out the entire cluster of cache.

12. Verify Zoom Service Status

If Zoom servers are going through a rough time, the app may struggle to work.

  1. Launch a browser and head over to the Zoom Status Page.
  2. Check for any reported outages. If it’s faced with a technical issue or outage, be sure to wait until the issue has been officially sorted out.

13. Reset Zoom Settings

Resetting Zoom’s settings comes in handy in getting rid of misconfigurations.

  1. Navigate to Zoom > Settings.
  2. Click on the “Reset to default” option at the bottom right corner of the screen and confirm the action.
Reset Zoom settings

14. Allow Zoom Through Firewall

Note that Windows Firewall might have blocked Zoom from connecting to the internet. If this security shield is active on your PC, either disable it or allow the app to go about the business without any roadblock at all.

  1. On your PC, open Settings > Then, click on the Privacy & security tab in the left sidebar > Windows Security.
  2. Head into Firewall & network protection > Allow an app through the firewall.
  3. Now, locate Zoom in the list or add it manually.
  4. After that, make sure that Private and Public options are active as well.
Firewall settings on Windows 11

15. Restart the Windows Audio Service

Are you experiencing sound-related issues in the Zoom app on your PC? No worries! Rebooting the audio service can troubleshoot the sound-related Zoom issues.

  1. To get it done, press Win + R to launch the Run dialog on your PC > type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Now, locate Windows Audio and right-click on it.
  3. Select the Restart option in the menu.

    16. Reinstall Zoom

    Should Zoom remain dysfunctional, try reinstalling Zoom as it can flush out issues caused by corrupted app files.

    1. To do so, go to Settings on your computer > Apps > Installed apps.
    2. Now, locate Zoom > hit the triple-dot icon next to it and choose Uninstall in the menu.
    3. Navigate to the Zoom website > install the latest version and set it up from scratch.
    Installed apps section in Windows 11

    17. Update Windows 11

    Zoom issues could also be due to the outdated Windows system. Update your PC to the latest version to ward off problems like incompatibility.

    1. Launch Settings > Windows Update.
    2. Click Check for updates and then go ahead to download and install the latest version of Windows.
    update software on Windows computer

    18. Update Camera and Microphone Drivers

    Outdated drivers can hinder Zoom from using your hardware. Take advantage of the Device Manager to update the camera and microphone drivers.

    1. Press Win + X to open Device Manager and select it in the list.
    2. Expand Cameras or Sound, video and game controllers.
    3. Then, right-click on your device.
    4. In the popup menu, choose Update driver > Search automatically for drivers and follow the instructions carefully to update the drivers.
    5. In the end, reboot your PC.
    update camera drivers on Winows 11

    19. Reinstall Camera and Microphone Drivers

    Can’t use Zoom even after you have updated the drivers? Now is the right time to go for the fresh reinstallation of the drivers.

    • In the Device Manager, expand Cameras or Sound, video and game controllers > Right+click on your device > Uninstall device > restart your PC.
    update camera drivers on Winows 11

    20. Disable VPN or Proxy

    A VPN or proxy might also be interfering with Zoom’s connectivity. Hence, disable it for now in order to ward off the unwanted obstruction.

    • Check your proxy/VPN settings by going to the Settings app on your PC > Network & internet > go to VPN/Proxy setting and turn it off.
    Network and internet section on Windows 11

      21. Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

      This built-in tool is designed to detect and resolve app-related issues automatically on your PC. For times when an app is faced with a persistent issue, it comes into play.

      1. On your PC, dive into Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
      2. Locate Windows Store Apps and click the Run button > go through the instructions to diagnose the problem and eliminate it.
      Use Windows Update Troubleshooter

      22. Scan for Malware or Viruses

      It’s no secret that the malware can derail Zoom’s functionality and make it through all sorts of tantrums.

      1. Go to the Settings app on your PC > Privacy & Security > Windows Security and proceed to run a full system scan.
      2. If any threats are found, remove them right away.
      Firewall settings on Windows 11

      Wrapping up…

      There you have it! That wraps up this exhausting troubleshooting guide about fixing Zoom issues on Zoom. With a wide range of viable and tested solutions, I’m sure you have eventually enlivened your fun-loving video-calling experience. Now that the hurdles are out of the way, feel free to shoot your feedback and the important saviors that have rescued you.

      Posted by
      Rajesh Mishra

      Editor-in-Chief: Rajesh Mishra is a Shakespearean poet at heart who turned a tech nerd while having a secret rendezvous with iPhone 4. When that rendezvous turned obsession, he let go of his hard-core political journalism in favour of the lifelong love-affair with technology. In a career spanning one and a half decades, Mr. Mishra has crafted over 8K articles and produced more than 3K videos for YouTube. When he is not at his desk, you may find him either engrossed in a Deathmatch or chasing Wordsworth!

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