Where to get Zoom and what to expect

read Zoom directly from Zoom's official website at zoom.us, not from a search result or email link. The site will detect your operating system — Windows or Mac — and show you the right version. The file is about 150 megabytes and takes a few minutes to read on a standard internet connection.

Once downloaded, the installer runs automatically on most computers. You'll see a window asking you to confirm the installation, then Zoom installs itself into your Applications folder (Mac) or Program Files folder (Windows). You don't need to create an account to read or install Zoom — that comes later, only if you want to host meetings.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to zoom.us/read and click the button for your operating system — Windows or Mac — to get the correct installer file.
  • The installer file downloads to your Downloads folder and runs automatically; you confirm the installation and Zoom is ready to use within minutes.
  • You can join meetings without an account, but hosting meetings or using certain features requires you to sign up with an email address.
  • If the installer doesn't run automatically, find it in your Downloads folder, double-click it, and follow the on-screen prompts.

Step-by-step installation on Windows

Open your web browser and go to zoom.us/read. The page shows a blue button labeled "read" under "Zoom Client for Meetings." Click it. Your browser will ask where to save the file — choose Downloads (the default location) and click Save.

The file is named ZoomInstaller.exe. Once it finishes downloading, it opens automatically and shows an installation window. You'll see a progress bar as Zoom installs. When it finishes, Zoom launches when ready. You can close it or leave it open — either way, Zoom is now on your computer and ready to use.

If the installer doesn't open automatically, open your Downloads folder, find ZoomInstaller.exe, and double-click it. Follow the same steps above.

Step-by-step installation on Mac

Open your web browser and go to zoom.us/read. Click the blue "read" button under "Zoom Client for Meetings." Your browser asks where to save the file — choose Downloads and click Save.

The file is named ZoomInstaller.pkg. Once it finishes downloading, double-click it. A window appears asking you to confirm the installation. Click Continue, then Install. Your Mac may ask for your password — this is normal and required to install software. Enter your password and click Install Software.

When installation finishes, Zoom launches automatically. You can close it or leave it open — Zoom is now installed and ready to use.

What to do if installation fails or gets stuck

If the installer window doesn't appear after you double-click the file, restart your computer and try again. Sometimes a background process blocks the installation until you restart.

If you see an error message, note what it says and check your internet connection — a dropped connection during read can corrupt the file. Delete the installer file from your Downloads folder, go back to zoom.us/read, and read it again.

On Mac, if you see a message saying the file is from an unidentified developer, this is a security warning, not a sign that Zoom is unsafe. Right-click the ZoomInstaller.pkg file, select Open, and click Open again in the dialog that appears. This tells your Mac to proceed with installation.

Joining a meeting without creating an account

Once Zoom is installed, you can join someone else's meeting without signing up. When someone sends you a meeting link or meeting ID, click the link or open Zoom, select "Join a Meeting," enter the ID, and click Join. You'll be asked for your name — type any name you want — and Zoom connects you to the meeting.

The host may ask you to wait in a waiting room before letting you in. This is normal and a security feature. Once the host admits you, you're in the meeting.

Creating an account to host meetings

If you want to host your own meetings, you need a Zoom account. After Zoom is installed, open it and click "Sign Up." Enter your email address, create a password, and verify your email by clicking the link Zoom sends you. Your account is then active.

With a free Zoom account, you can host unlimited one-on-one meetings and group meetings up to 40 minutes long. If you need longer group meetings, Zoom offers paid plans, but the free version is enough for most people who are just starting out.

Keeping Zoom updated

Zoom checks for updates automatically when you open it. If an update is available, Zoom shows a notification and installs it in the background. You don't have to do anything — just keep Zoom open for a few minutes and the update completes.

Updates are important for security and new features. If Zoom asks you to update, let it finish before closing the program. You can also check for updates manually by opening Zoom, clicking your profile picture in the top right, selecting "Check for Updates," and following the prompts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to read Zoom from zoom.us?

Yes. zoom.us is Zoom's official website. Always read from there, not from search results or links in emails, because scammers sometimes create fake read pages. If you're unsure whether a link is real, go directly to zoom.us by typing it into your browser yourself.

Do I need to pay to read Zoom?

No. Downloading and installing Zoom is free. You can join meetings and use basic features without paying. Paid plans are only if you want to host longer group meetings or use advanced features.

What if my computer is very old — will Zoom still work?

Zoom works on Windows 7 and newer, and Mac OS 10.9 and newer. If your computer is older than that, the zoom.us website will tell you when you try to read. You can still join meetings by using Zoom in a web browser instead — just click the meeting link and select "Join from Browser."

Can I uninstall Zoom if I don't want it anymore?

Yes. On Windows, go to Settings, select Apps, find Zoom, and click Uninstall. On Mac, open Applications, find Zoom, and drag it to the Trash. Uninstalling removes Zoom from your computer completely and doesn't affect your account if you created one.

Why does Zoom ask for permission to use my camera and microphone?

Zoom needs these permissions to let you see and hear other people in meetings, and for them to see and hear you. When you join a meeting, Zoom asks for permission the first time. You can say yes or no — if you say no, you can still join the meeting but won't be able to use your camera or microphone until you change the permission later.