Can Your Personal Computer Handle a Zoom Meeting? Checklist for College Staff and Instructors
Running Zoom meetings on your personal computer is convenient, but it’s important to ensure that your device meets the minimum system requirements to avoid technical hiccups. Check if your computer is ready for Zoom meetings with this checklist for quick verification.
- Operating System: Windows 10 or newer; macOS 10.13 or newer
- Processor Speed: Is your computer equipped with at least a dual-core 2GHz processor
- Memory (RAM): Do you have at least 4GB of RAM? For a smoother experience, 8GB is recommended
- Internet Speed: Run a speed test (search “internet speed test” on Google). Upload/download speed at least 1.5 Mbps
- Video/Display: Screen resolution at least 1024×768. Higher resolutions improve the video feel
- Audio & Camera: Ensure your microphone and webcam are functioning properly. Check Zoom’s audio and video settings for a quick test
Additional Tip/Update Regularly: Make sure your computer’s software (OS, Zoom app, drivers) is always up to date. Updates often include performance improvements for apps like Zoom.
By following these steps, you can ensure your personal computer is equipped to handle Zoom meetings, whether for instruction, administrative purposes or group projects. If your device struggles, despite meeting these requirements, consider closing other programs to free up memory and processing power. Review Zoom Support August 19, 2024 Support Article on Zoom System Requirements and check out the CETSS Resource Guide Zoom System Requirements Guide for more information and tips on how to verify your personal computer.
Submitted by:
Johnna Denny, CETSS, JDenny@nvcc.edu