Joining Zoom from the Browser

Owned by Michael Altobelli
Last updated: Jun 02, 2020
3 min read

Overview

Joining Zoom from the browser allows you to use Zoom without requiring you install additional software. This can be done by clicking Cancel twice on the "Launch Zoom Meeting" webpage for a meeting.


For some Zoom users we do not recommend the web option due to lack of support the for the below features - See Desktop, Mobile and Web Zoom Client Comparison for more info.

Features missing from the Web Client:

  • Showing closed captions 
    • You can still type the Closed Captions
  • Gallery View (Showing many of the other participants at once in small thumbnails)
  • Local recording (You can still record to the cloud - unless you are in the Counseling Services department)
  • Creating, Editing, and launching Polls
  • Whiteboards
  • Chat features outside of just text chat
    • Saving the transcript
    • Sending images or video
    • Automatic creation of links from URLs
  • Virtual Backgrounds and "Touch Up My Appearance"
  • Live-streaming meeting to YouTube, Mediasite, or other livestreaming services.
    You'll have to upload the recording later.
  • Showing a schedule of your upcoming Zoom meetings
  • Zoom chat without a meeting

Feature only in the Web Client:

  • Disable Video Receiving - Don't show other peoples webcams or screensharing.

Steps

  1. Open the Zoom.us link
  2. When it prompts to open Zoom, click the "Cancel" button
  3. Click on the "Click here" in "If nothing prompts from browser, click here to launch the meeting"
  4. Click on the "Cancel" button again
  5. There will now be a "start from your browser" link, click on it
  6. Click on the "Join Audio by Computer" (Or Dial in if your internet is goes in and out during meetings)
    1. In the URL Bar click "Allow" to allow Zoom.us to use your Microphone
  7. If you want to show video, click "Start Video" in the bottom left

    1. In the URL bar click "Allow" to allow Zoom.us to use your webcam
  8. You can still share your screen as well, select "Share Screen" like usual


    1. A window will pop up asking which screen you want to share, if you have multiple : select which one to share, then click share.
    2. You can also share a specific  Application such as just Word, or OneNote under "Application Window by clicking on the application, then clicking share
      It will not show minimized applications.
    3. The final option is to share just a single tab in your browser
    4. You can stop sharing by clicking any of the "Stop" or "Stop Sharing" buttons
  9. When you are done, you can click "Leave meeting" in the bottom right