Getting Started with Zoom

This guide gets Zoom running on your own PC or Mac. Teaching in a classroom instead? See Classroom AV for the room’s built-in Zoom setup.

One requirement

You need a microphone — most laptops have one built in. A camera is optional; a mic is not.

1. Install and sign in

1. In a web browser, go to virginiatech.zoom.us.
2. Click Sign in and log in with your VT Username (PID) and passphrase, completing 2-factor authentication.
3. When prompted, download and run the Zoom app. If it asks how to sign in, choose Sign in with SSO and enter the company domain virginiatech.
4. The app opens signed in to your VT account.

2. Set up audio and video

This is where video calls usually go wrong, so test it once before a real meeting. Start or join any meeting, then:

1. In the meeting toolbar, click the ^ arrow next to Mute and open Audio Settings.
2. Under Speaker, click Test Speaker — you should hear a tone from the device you expect.
3. Under Microphone, click Test Mic, speak, then stop — it plays your voice back. No playback means the wrong mic is selected.
4. Click the ^ arrow next to Start/Stop Video and confirm the right camera is chosen.

3. Host or join

Host a meeting

1. Open the Zoom app and choose New Meeting.
2. Click Participants → Invite, then Copy Invitation (or Copy Link).
3. Paste it into an email or chat and send it to whoever you’re meeting.

Join a meeting

• Click the invitation link, or open the app and choose Join, then enter the Meeting ID.

More help

• Video Conferencing via Zoom — VT’s full training pages.
• Want someone to test your setup with? Open a ticket or email aadithelp@vt.edu.