SoftNexi

Windows · Communication

Zoom for Windows

Video meeting app known for reliable large-group calls, webinars, and screen sharing, with optional end-to-end encryption per meeting.

Updated August 9, 2026 · Reviewed by SoftNexi Editorial Team, Software research and documentation

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Overview

Zoom is a dedicated video meeting and webinar app that became a default choice for remote work and online events largely on the strength of its call reliability across variable internet connections. Unlike chat-first apps, meetings — not persistent channels — are the core unit.

Its free tier allows meetings with a fairly generous participant count but limits group meetings (three or more participants) to 40 minutes; one-to-one calls are not time-limited on the free tier. Paid plans remove the group meeting time limit and add cloud recording, larger participant caps, and administrative controls.

Zoom supports optional end-to-end encryption that a meeting host can enable, which disables some features like cloud recording and telephone dial-in for that meeting. Meetings not using that mode are encrypted in transit but are viewable by Zoom's infrastructure, similar to most standard video conferencing.

An account is required to host meetings but not always to join one — joining a meeting via a link typically works without creating an account, which lowers the barrier for one-off calls with people outside your organization.

Key features

  • Video meetings with screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, and breakout rooms
  • Optional end-to-end encryption a host can enable per meeting
  • Webinar mode for large one-to-many broadcasts
  • Chat panel and in-meeting reactions
  • Cloud or local recording (cloud recording depends on plan and is unavailable when end-to-end encryption is on)
  • Calendar integrations for scheduling meetings from Outlook or Google Calendar

System requirements

Operating system
Windows 11 and Windows 10 (64-bit); ARM64 builds available
Account
Account required to host; joining a meeting link generally does not require one
Connection
Internet connection required; no offline mode

How to install Zoom

  1. 1. Download the installer

    Get ZoomInstaller.exe from zoom.com/download rather than a search-ad link.

  2. 2. Run the installer

    The installer typically completes without requiring administrator rights.

  3. 3. Sign in or continue as a guest

    Sign in with a Zoom, Google, or Microsoft account to host meetings; joining via a link doesn't require this.

  4. 4. Test audio and video

    Use the built-in test meeting feature to confirm your microphone and camera work before your first real call.

How to use it

  1. 1. Enable a waiting room

    Turn on the waiting room in meeting security settings so you can admit participants individually.

  2. 2. Turn on end-to-end encryption when needed

    As host, enable end-to-end encryption in account settings before scheduling a meeting that requires it; be aware this disables cloud recording.

  3. 3. Use breakout rooms

    Split a large meeting into smaller breakout rooms from the meeting controls for group discussion.

  4. 4. Record locally instead of to the cloud

    Choose local recording if you want a copy of the meeting without relying on cloud storage or a paid plan.

Safety and privacy

  • Download only from zoom.com/download; fake Zoom installers have circulated through malicious ads and search results.
  • End-to-end encryption is opt-in and set per meeting by the host — it is not the default for every call.
  • 'Zoombombing' from publicly shared meeting links remains possible; use a waiting room or passcode for sensitive meetings.
Bundled software
The official installer does not bundle third-party offers.
Privacy
An account is required to host meetings; Zoom's ability to access meeting content depends on whether end-to-end encryption is enabled for that specific meeting.

Known risks

  • Uninvited participants joining via a leaked or guessed meeting link is a real risk without a waiting room or passcode enabled.
  • Enabling end-to-end encryption disables cloud recording and phone dial-in for that meeting, so it needs to be a deliberate choice.

What's new

    Pros and cons

    Pros

    • Reliable call quality across a wide range of connection speeds
    • Joining a meeting link generally requires no account
    • Optional end-to-end encryption for sensitive meetings
    • Scales from one-to-one calls to large webinars

    Cons

    • Free tier caps group meetings (3+ participants) at 40 minutes
    • End-to-end encryption is opt-in, not default, and disables some features
    • Has attracted security scrutiny in the past over meeting privacy defaults
    • Cloud recording and larger participant limits require a paid plan

    Verdict

    Zoom remains a dependable choice for video meetings and webinars, especially when call reliability across mixed connections matters. Enable the waiting room and, for sensitive calls, end-to-end encryption — neither is on by default.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is Zoom free?

    Yes, for one-to-one calls without a time limit and group meetings up to 40 minutes. Paid plans remove the group meeting time limit and add cloud recording and higher participant caps.

    Is Zoom end-to-end encrypted?

    Zoom offers optional end-to-end encryption that a host can enable per meeting. It is not on by default, and enabling it disables cloud recording and telephone dial-in for that meeting.

    Do I need an account to join a Zoom meeting?

    No, joining a meeting via a shared link generally does not require creating an account. Hosting a meeting does require one.

    Does Zoom work on Windows 11?

    Yes, the official Windows client supports Windows 11 and Windows 10, including ARM64 devices.