Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Zoom on Ubuntu: From Repository to Running Your First Meeting
Most guides assume you know your way around Linux terminals, but this walkthrough starts at ground zero—installing Zoom on Ubuntu the right way to avoid dependency errors and performance issues that plague many users.
As remote work continues to be a staple in our professional lives, having a reliable video conferencing tool like Zoom installed on your Ubuntu machine is essential. This guide will walk you through every step—from adding the right repository to launching your first meeting—ensuring a smooth experience free of common pitfalls.
Why Zoom on Ubuntu?
While there are plenty of video conferencing tools available, Zoom stands out for its performance and widespread adoption. Ubuntu, as one of the most popular Linux distributions, doesn’t always have every application packaged neatly in its official repos. So, installing Zoom requires some additional setup—but not to worry, it’s straightforward once you know how.
Prerequisites
- A computer running Ubuntu 20.04 or later (instructions mostly work similarly for earlier versions).
- An active internet connection.
- Basic familiarity with the terminal (but I will explain commands as we go).
Step 1: Update Your System Packages
Before we start installing anything new, let’s make sure your system packages are up to date. Open your terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T) and run:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
This ensures you get the latest security patches and software versions, minimizing compatibility problems.
Step 2: Download the Latest Zoom .deb Package
Zoom does not come pre-installed in Ubuntu’s official repositories. Instead, you'll download the .deb package from Zoom’s official website.
-
Open https://zoom.us/download in your browser.
-
Under Zoom Client for Linux, select:
- Linux Type: Ubuntu
- OS Architecture: Match your system (most modern machines use 64-bit
amd64) - Version: Choose the latest available (usually pre-selected)
-
Click Download.
Alternatively, if you prefer using the terminal directly, run:
wget https://zoom.us/client/latest/zoom_amd64.deb
(Check Zoom’s Linux Download Page if you want another version or architecture.)
Step 3: Install Necessary Dependencies
The .deb package installation sometimes fails due to missing dependencies like libglib or libxcb. To prevent this headache, install dependencies upfront by running:
sudo apt install -y libgl1 libxcb-xtest0
You can also run this command after trying to install Zoom if any errors pop up about missing libraries.
Step 4: Install Zoom via dpkg
Now that you have the package and dependencies ready, install Zoom using dpkg:
sudo dpkg -i zoom_amd64.deb
You might see output about unmet dependencies — don’t worry! Fix them by running:
sudo apt-get install -f
This command automatically installs any missing dependencies and completes the installation process.
Note: When running apt-get install -f, it might pull extra packages that Zoom depends on.
Step 5: Launch Zoom from Ubuntu
Once installed successfully:
- You can launch Zoom from your Applications menu by searching for Zoom.
- Alternatively, start it via terminal with:
zoom &
(The ampersand runs it in the background so you keep your terminal free.)
Step 6: Sign In & Run Your First Meeting
When you open Zoom, you'll be prompted to sign in or join a meeting:
- Use your existing Zoom account credentials or sign up if new.
- Test audio/video settings under Settings > Audio/Video before joining or hosting meetings.
Try hosting a simple test meeting or join one with friends or colleagues to get comfortable.
Bonus Tips for Smooth Ubuntu-Zoom Experience
- Auto-update: Currently, there’s no official PPA repo for Zoom updates on Ubuntu; regularly check Zoom's website for new releases.
- Permissions: If microphone or camera permissions are blocked in Ubuntu (especially with newer Snap installs), check system privacy settings to allow access.
- Performance: Close background applications consuming CPU/RAM before video calls for smoother performance.
- Troubleshooting: Common problems often involve missing libs—try reinstalling dependencies or consult forums for particular error codes.
Wrapping Up
Installing Zoom on Ubuntu might seem tricky at first glance, but by following this step-by-step guide—including downloading the right package, ensuring dependencies are satisfied, and properly installing—you’ll avoid frustrating errors and enjoy seamless remote meetings without leaving Linux behind.
Now that you've got Zoom up and running on your system, you can embrace remote communication like a pro—boost productivity without compatibility headaches!
If this guide helped you out or if you have questions about any step, feel free to leave a comment below!
Happy conferencing! 🎥💻