[2025 Edition] How to Use the Zoom Free Version on Windows – Download, Setup, and Features
Zoom has changed a lot in recent years. In 2024, it was rebranded from Zoom Cloud Meetings to Zoom Workplace, reflecting its evolution into a full-featured collaboration platform—not just a video meeting tool. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to download and use the Zoom free version for Windows, along with the latest updates and tips for getting started in 2025.
Zoom Workplace – Basic Information (2025)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Supported OS | Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit recommended) |
| Latest Version | 6.4.6 (as of July 2025) |
| Old Name | Zoom Cloud Meetings |
| New Name | Zoom Workplace |
| Main Features | Video meetings, chat, screen sharing, recording, whiteboard, AI integration |
Zoom Workplace continues to offer free video conferencing, but it has become a more powerful and flexible platform for both business and education. While the name and layout have changed, the core usage remains familiar and accessible.
Main Updates Since Version 6.0
- Rebranded to “Zoom Workplace”
- Redesigned interface with modern icons and layout
- More intuitive meeting scheduler
- Updated screen sharing menu: Screen / Documents / Advanced tabs
- New features: customizable toolbar, multi-speaker video layout, emoji reactions
Thanks to these updates, Zoom is now more intuitive and customizable. Especially for those who attend meetings regularly, these features make your experience smoother and more personal.
How to Download Zoom for Windows
- Go to the official Zoom Download Center: https://zoom.us/download
- Click “Download” under “Zoom Desktop Client for Meetings”
- Run the downloaded file (ZoomInstaller.exe)
- Launch Zoom and sign in or create a free account
How to Keep Zoom Updated
Manual update:
- Open Zoom and click your profile icon (top right)
- Select “Check for Updates” and follow the prompts
Enable auto-update:
- Go to “Settings” → “General” tab
- Check the box for “Automatically keep Zoom up to date”
- Choose update frequency: “Fast” or “Slow”
How to Use Zoom Free Version – Basic Guide
Start a Meeting
- Open the Zoom app
- Click “New Meeting”
- Select “Join with Computer Audio”
Invite Participants
- Click “Participants” → “Invite” → Send link via email or copy URL
Join an Existing Meeting
- Click “Join” and enter the Meeting ID or invite link
Share Your Screen
- Click “Share Screen” and choose a window or screen
Recommended Gear for Better Zoom Experience
To improve your sound quality on Zoom, consider using a high-quality headset or external microphone:
- Headset with Microphone (US)
- Headset with Microphone (Germany)
- 🎙️ External USB Microphone (US)
- 🎙️ External USB Microphone (Germany)
This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Free vs Paid Zoom – Key Differences
| Feature | Free Plan | Pro Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Meeting Duration | Up to 40 minutes (3+ users) | Up to 30 hours |
| Participants | Up to 100 | Up to 100 (expandable) |
| Cloud Recording | Not available | Included (5GB+) |
| Admin Tools | Not available | Included |
If you’re just hosting small meetings or calls with friends or family, the free version is usually enough. But for business or education use, a paid plan may be more efficient and stress-free.
Common Questions (FAQ)
Q. Can I use the free version without time limits?
A. Only for 1-on-1 meetings. Group meetings have a 40-minute limit.
Q. My camera or microphone isn’t working. What should I do?
A. Check your Windows privacy settings and test audio/video in Zoom’s settings tab.
Q. Can I use the same Zoom account on both my PC and phone?
A. Yes. You can sign in on multiple devices, though some limits may apply for simultaneous usage.
Summary – Why Zoom Free Version Is Still Worth It in 2025
Zoom Workplace continues to evolve, offering an improved user experience with modern features. Whether you’re working remotely, joining online classes, or just catching up with friends, Zoom’s free version remains a reliable and user-friendly choice for Windows users.
Just remember to keep your app updated for the latest security patches and features. With a few simple steps, you can make your virtual communication smoother and more enjoyable.
✔️You might also find these helpful:
▶︎Connected to the Internet But Can’t Access Web or Email? Fix It After Windows Update
▶︎Windows Freezes for 30 Minutes After Update? Here’s How to Fix It
▶︎What to Do When Windows Gets Stuck at “Installing Application”
