General Functions (Windows/macOS)

NOTE: If you are using a Chromebook-based laptop, please refer to the iOS/Android articles and sections for using Zoom on a Chromebook.

Once you have created an account and downloaded the Windows/Mac version of Zoom, you may now log in upon opening the app. You will be redirected to Zoom's home screen once you log in, which looks like the screen below.

The most important buttons for new users are New Meeting and Join. When clicking the drop down arrow on New Meeting, you will be given options to start a meeting with video by default, and also use your 10-digit Personal Meeting ID (PMI) instead of a randomly assigned 9 to 11-digit Meeting ID. Your PMI is akin to having a phone number on Zoom, and is useful for one-on-one video calls where you regularly contact the same person.

The Chat function offers direct messaging to other Zoom accounts that you've either recently contacted through a meeting, or have on your personal Zoom contacts list. You can also send files directly to other Zoom accounts through this feature.

The Contacts icon along the top-middle banner can allow you to search or add/invite contacts by email. This can be very useful for teachers in a classroom setting where having a contact list can accelerate invitations to large group conferences, as well as individual video calls.

The Meetings icon provides access to meeting scheduling features. This is useful for those that would like to organize their lesson times in Zoom's built in calendar (or Google Calendar where applicable). This is however not necessary to host or join meetings.

Clicking the Profile icon on the top right corner allows you to access Settings (which is also the gear icon below your profile) and also Update Zoom. If you wish, you can also change your Profile Picture and Online Status.