Effective December 15, 2025
Zoom is rolling out an update to the Zoom Workplace Desktop App that is designed to make tools and settings easier to find. If you’ve ever felt like your toolbar was too cluttered or settings were hard to track down, this update is for you. Zoom is moving toward a cleaner, more intuitive interface with less visual noise and fewer clicks, ensuring your focus stays on your work rather than searching for buttons.
Notable Changes -
Where did the top navigation tabs go?
- Navigation has moved from the top of the window to a modern left-hand sidebar.
Where are my Audio, Video, and Background settings?
- Settings are no longer scattered across different menus.
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Consolidated Panel: All settings, including Virtual Backgrounds, Filters, and Audio preferences, now open in a single, unified right-hand panel instead of pop-up windows.
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Quick Access: Click the small caret (^) arrow next to the Mute or Start Video buttons.
What is the fastest way to schedule a meeting?
- The "Schedule" and "New Meeting" buttons have been streamlined.
Where did my extra toolbar buttons go?
- To reduce clutter, the bottom toolbar now shows only essential actions by default.
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Find Missing Tools: Click the More button on the toolbar to reveal features like Breakout Rooms or Apps.
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Customize It: You can drag and drop buttons from the "More" menu directly onto your toolbar. Right-click any button to pin it there permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions -
Will I lose any features I currently use? No. No features are being removed. Tools like Breakout Rooms, Whiteboards, and Screen Sharing are still available; they may just be located in a slightly different place, such as the new "More" menu or the unified Host Panel.
Where do I check for new software updates now? You can still check for updates by clicking your profile picture in the top right corner of the Zoom Workplace app window and selecting Check for Updates.
I’m a Host. How do I manage my participants? All host controls (security, participant management, etc.) have been consolidated into a single Host Panel on the right side of the screen, making it easier to manage your meetings from one place.
Where is the meeting information (Meeting ID, Passcode, Invite Link) located now? The "Meeting Information" icon (often represented by a small shield or 'i' symbol) has been relocated to the upper right corner of the meeting interface. Clicking it will display all the current meeting details, which you can easily copy and share.
Will the new interface provide options for different viewing layouts? Yes. The View menu options for adjusting how you see participants (Gallery View, Speaker View, Multi-Speaker View, etc.) are still available and prominently featured in the upper right corner of the meeting window.
I use the "Raise Hand" feature often. Is it still easy to find? Yes. The "Raise Hand" and "Reactions" features are prominently displayed on the simplified in-meeting toolbar. Reactions have been enhanced with a wider variety of standard emojis.
Can I switch back to the old "Classic" view? No. Once you update to version 6.7.0, the new user interface is permanent, and you cannot revert to the legacy layout.
Will this update change how I share my screen or Whiteboards? Yes, slightly. All sharing options, including Screen Share and Whiteboards, are now grouped under the Share menu in the main toolbar. If you don't see the specific sharing tool you need immediately, check the More menu or the caret (^) next to the Share button.
I use Breakout Rooms frequently. Are they still available? Yes. Breakout Rooms are fully supported but may be tucked away in the More menu by default to save space.
Will the new update affect how I schedule meetings through Google Calendar? No. The plugins and extensions you use to schedule Zoom meetings directly from Google Calendar are separate from the app's cosmetic changes. They will continue to function exactly as they do now.
How does the mobile experience change? The mobile meeting toolbar is now cleaner and requires fewer taps to access essential features. Settings are also consolidated, making it easier to control your camera and microphone while on the go.
Need Assistance? Contact the Bates IT Service Desk.